So much more...

Today, 27 June, is the birthday of Helen Keller. For many of us we know her from our elementary school days (perhaps the only study we ever had of persons with disabilities)or from the classic film THE MIRACLE WORKER. Our view of Helen Keller is passive, calm, the noble person with a disability rising above her limitations.

Yet, she was so much more. Helen Keller was a fierce and committed advocate for persons with disabilities and she grew more radical in her advocacy for workers rights and women's rights. Garrison Keillor writes that the FBI opened a file on her.

Why do we tend to pacify our prophets?

The fact is most of the persons who labored for and acheived significant social change for the marginalized and minimalized members of our society were fiery, radical, and someone whom, according to Frederick Buechner, you might not want to have over for dinner a second time.

Someone once said, "If you're not angry, you must not be paying attention." Plans to put more money into the hands of the wealthiest; cuts to human service programs that help millions live well and in community; the growing chasm between the impoverished and the rest of "us".......yep, I need to check my anger meter. We need a few more radicals who re-mind us of the call to do what is just and in doing so tend to piss us off in the best way possible....they make us take action.

sj;

A Hoorah for my Heritage!

Remember in elementary school when you were given the assignment to share your heritage; to tell what you were? I recall that lesson fondly and we all did a little comparison as our classmates shared of their ethnic make-up. Of course, we all thought the kid who could claim being part Native American was beyond cool. We all wanted to be Irish because of having a holiday that was made just for us.

I am Welsh (we have, in my opinion, the very coolest flag), Irish, and German. I often refer to myself as being of Northern Isle stock and therefore not a huge fan of the hot, humid weather. I am from people who like good stories, enjoy word play, are fond of forests, and are known to raise a glass...or two.

As I watched coverage of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration in London, England, I thought the 60 boat flotilla was quite cool and wished at least a few folks would have floated down the Thames in innertubes. However, what really impressed me was the great joy and national pride the Brits had for their heritage and for their Queen. What do we Americans have in comparison?

I believe the lesson from my elementary school days was to help kids learn about their heritage; to ask their parents and grandparents about their history; to tap into a little bit of family pride and learn about one's lineage.

I claim the great poet, Dylan Thomas and the recording artist, Tom Jones ("What's Up Pussycat?"). A Welsh flag is on my office desk. Where are your people from? What is your heritage?

Cheers!

There was a great Op-Ed in today's Post-Gazette (http://www.postgazette.com/stories/opinion/perspectives/saturday-diary-thank-you-strangers-i-couldnt-have-made-it-without-you-638612/) that was the writer's story of her experience running this year's Pittsburgh Marathon. She expressed that she got into running to avoid people and to be alone; yet, the most memorable aspect of her maratthon experience was the people who came out to cheer her on.

My favorite folks were the woman who came out in her bathrobe and fuzzy slippers and placed her lawn chair along the marathon route --- she did this because she said it's what Pittsburghers do to cheer on folks and that it was a "small town thing to do;" and the Gospel Choir who sang to inspire the runners; and the little kids offering cups of water.

Be you a runner, a reader, a reverend, or a recording artist, we all need someone "in our corner" and cheering us on.

We each need some representation of the parent who consistently brings and rings the cowbell to the daughter's basketball game; the kids who ask for the autograph of the high school baseball star; the parishioner who writes the note of appreciation; the person who makes the "way to go!" phone call.

Each action of support, each encouraging word, each applause, each and every cheer lift us, energize us, widen our smiles, and lighten our burdens.

Who have been the cheerleaders and encouragers in your life?

For whom have you cheered and encouraged?

Life is a journey, we each need a cheering section. Find one. Be one.

sj;