“Here’s the truth about racial injustice. It’s not just a Black America problem or a people of color problem. It is a problem for every American. It is keeping us from fulfilling the promise of liberty and justice for all.” – Kamala Harris

On the one hand, yesterday’s court ruling regarding the murder of George Floyd brought some peace to those most impacted by the disturbing state of systemic violence against our black sisters and brothers. On the other hand, as I heard reflected on the news that I watched last night, true justice only would have been served if George Floyd had returned home. And so the dynamic tension of these two extremes inform our current reality. We have more work to do when it comes to promoting anti-racism in our country and in our world. I pray that you may rest in peace, George Floyd.

This week I bought a used guitar on Craigslist. It is an older model, from a quality guitar-making company. Although it is more worn than my guitar, I think that the sound quality is superior. The other night I replaced the strings and some of the other parts, waking up all three of my children as I hammered out the old bridge pins. When I played them a song last night, they understood why I was so focused on cleaning up the older guitar. Recently I have been thinking about how blessed I am by the role of elders in my personal and professional journey….though they may not know all the latest Zoom hacks, or utilize Twitter for professional development like I do, these wise individuals continue to shape and form me. New is not always better, and we are wise to continually allow our past to inform our future.

I’ll conclude with a prayer that was shared at a meeting this morning of the Lasallian Education Council. May God continue to bless our efforts. Have a good day ahead.

God, our Creator, enlighten us so that we may “really see.” Inspire us to bless others with understanding, appreciation and love. Lead us to confirm for all people the dignity that arises from being made in your image and likeness and from being called to follow Jesus, your Son. Pour out on us your Holy Spirit that we may share the lived example of Jesus.

“Sharing silence is, in fact, a political act. When we can stand aside from the usual and perceive the fundamental, change begins to happen. Our lives align with deeper values and the lives of others are touched and influenced.” -Gunilla Norris

This week marks the 279th anniversary of the premiere of Handel’s “Messiah.” I love this classical tune, which was composed in just 23 days! On April 13, 142, Handel debuted it at a charitable event in Dublin, Ireland, to free 142 men from debtor’s prison there. (Source: The Little White Book)

Throughout the duration of this pandemic, Irish musician (and teacher) Patrick Dexter has shared numerous picturesque renditions of classical and modern favorites. His excerpted rendition of “Messiah” via Twitter here is worth a viewing. Learn more about Patrick with this interview. Viewing Patrick’s contributions regularly has fed my spirit and my soul throughout this past year.

I read this article today, “The intentional use of silence at work.” It reinforced for me the importance of slowing down and being intentional- personally and professionally. I sincerely appreciate that I work in an environment that values starting each and every meeting with a pause for prayer.

Blessings to you in your week ahead!

“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” Dolores Huerta

President Biden declared today national César Chávez Day. When I first moved to California over twenty years ago, on the first March 31st that I lived in the Golden State, my future wife organized an event to honor and celebrate César’s legacy. I learned then of a man I have come to ever more deeply admire….for his faith, for his hard work ethic, and for his commitment to community. These values were engrained in me from my own family while growing up, and are ideals that I strive to impart upon my children as well. César’s partnership with Dolores Huerta to lead the United Farm Workers Movement is an inspiration.

PRAYER OF THE FARM WORKERS’ STRUGGLE
Show me the suffering of the most miserable;
So I will know my people’s plight.
Free me to pray for others;
For you are present in every person.
Help me take responsibility for my own life;
So that I can be free at last.
Grant me courage to serve others;
For in service there is true life.
Give me honesty and patience;
So that I can work with other workers.
Bring forth song and celebration;
So that the Spirit will be alive among us.
Let the Spirit flourish and grow;
So that we will never tire of the struggle.
Let us remember those who have died for justice;
For they have given us life.
Help us love even those who hate us;
So we can change the world.
Amen.
Written by César Chávez, UFW Founder (1927-1993)

Last week I finished Kristin Hannah’s latest book, The Four Winds. I highly recommend this novel, which portrays the life of a family who moved from Texas to work the fields of the Central Valley of California following the Depression. Like so many, they were in search of a better life and sustained incredible heartbreak and challenge with dignity and perseverance. Brigid and I have read many of Kristin’s historical fiction books throughout this past year, and have found them one of the ways by which we keep a healthy perspective…while also “traveling” the only way we can these days. With imagination!

Blessings to you and yours throughout the week ahead.

“There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried.” — Oscar Romero

Today marks the feast of Saint Oscar Romero, the former Archbishop of San Salvador. Saint Romero was martyred on this day in 1980 for his advocacy on behalf of the poor of El Salvador. A decades-long civil war of that time period has left a permanent imprint upon that country. In 2004 I visited Romero’s home and the chapel where he was killed; they are among the most sacred of sites I have experienced. Romero’s conversion to experiencing life through another’s eyes is a powerful story and witness, and his leadership ability to emphasize with others was extraordinary. I hope that modern society can embrace these characteristics as we continue to navigate the challenges of our reality.

This morning I walked nine miles while on the phone for several hours. Walking throughout my city while on calls has been one of my favorite “work from home” activities. My dog also joined me today for part of the journey, and I have since reflected upon the “5 P’s” outlined in Living a Life of Purpose: Going Beyond Work-Life Balance to Find Your Life’s Work. The elements of presence, purpose, process, people and planet provided one framework for how we approach work-life integration. I feel blessed to share my vocation as a husband, father and educator with many good people in my life.

Here’s a timely prayer that was sent to me today. Together let us pray for healing.

Sad, Tired and Angry: A Prayer in the Face of Gun Violence [James Martin, S.J. October 02, 2017]

Almighty God,

I come before you,
once again,
after another shooting.

I am sad, God.

So I ask you
to receive into your loving care the souls of those who were killed,
to care for those who were wounded or hurt in any way,
to console the family members and friends of those who died or were wounded,
to strengthen the hands of the rescue workers, medical professionals and caregivers

I pray too for the shooter, as I must as a Christian.

All this makes me inexpressibly sad, God.
But I know that the sadness I feel is your sadness.
It is the same sadness your son expressed
when he wept over the death of
his friend Lazarus.

I know that the sadness I feel is your sadness.

I am tired, God.
I’m tired of the unwillingness to see this as an important issue.
I’m tired of those in power who work to prevent any real change.
I’m tired of those who say that gun violence can’t be reduced.

All this makes me tired.
But I know that the tiredness I feel is your tiredness.
It’s the same tiredness that Jesus felt after his own struggles against injustice
that led him to fall asleep on the boat with his disciples.

I am angry, God.
I’m angry at the seeming powerlessness of our community to prevent this.
I’m angry at the selfish financial interests who block change.
I’m angry that these shootings happen at all.

But I know that this anger is your anger
It’s the same anger Jesus felt when he overturned the tables in the Temple,
angry that anyone would be taken advantage of in any way.

Help me see in these feelings as the way that you move me to act.

Help me see in these emotions your own desire for change.
Help me see in these feelings your moving me to act.
Help me see in these reactions your pushing me to do something.

Because I know this is the way you move people to action.
And I know that you desire action.
For Jesus did not stand by while people were being hurt.
He plunged into their lives.

So help me to answer these questions:
How can I help?
How can I fight against gun violence?
How can I urge my political leaders to enact change?
How can I help people understand that this is
an issue about life?

I am sad over the loss of life,
tired of excuses for the loss of life,
and angry that we are paralyzed by the loss of life.

Turn my sadness into compassion. Turn my tiredness into advocacy.

So

Turn my sadness into compassion.
Turn my tiredness into advocacy.
Turn my paralysis into the freedom to act.

Help me
to be compassionate,
to advocate
and to act,
as your son did,
Almighty God.

“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!” -Apostles Peter, James and John

The Gospel reading from the weekend before last, regarding the Transfiguration of Jesus, has compelled me to think deeply about the power of presence. In recent weeks, from my time with my kids, to my time on Zooms, to my many discussions with my wife about education, family, learning and growth….these conversations and experiences have often focused upon the power of community. And for me, that sense of community is rooted in the intentional recognition of God’s presence in all things. Indeed, it is good that we are here.

In normal times, just showing up is often so much of how we can begin to be and feel successful- at work, in our home lives, and in our broader society. The past year has challenged us to continually re-define our understanding of success, as individuals and as communities. While we have made progress, we certainly have some distance to go. Perseverance will be key to our healthy perspective and pacing to the challenges ahead. Here’s a practical article on how to promote perseverance: How to Help Families and Staff to Build Resilience During COVID-19.

The picture of this flower is from a recent walk with my children. Our regular neighborhood walks at the end of our days have been a real life-enhancing aspect of our pandemic routine. I listen to music or make phone calls while the kids ride their scooters and skateboards. It’s great exercise and a nice release from all the screen time. This week my daughter was so struck by the flowers that we passed that she asked for my phone to take this picture. It is good that we are here.

“The most important thing that parents and teachers can do to help kids thrive is be resilient yourself.” Dr. Michele Borba

Young people have a deep need for familiar connection amid a society glued together with impersonal, transactional exchanges. -Springtide Research Institute

This morning I have been thinking about how grateful I am for several recent parent experiences I have shared with my kids. My oldest said to me today, “Dad, I can hear you on your Zooms sometimes, and it sounds like you’re really helping a lot of schools.” His recognition and understanding means the world to me. My day ended yesterday with my younger son teaching his coding class, at the invitation of his technology teacher. He was so proud…and he wasn’t the only one. And over the weekend I enjoyed some quality time with my daughter as we walked our dog together. The weather was perfect and the conversation was special, including the discussion of “he loves me, he loves me not” (pertaining to singer Shawn Mendes) as she picked the pedals from a discarded flower. These days feel long sometimes, and fortunately they are often filled with my own unique blessings as the father of my children.

This afternoon our office is hosting a Zoom discussion on “Relational Authority.” I will be speaking with Dr. Josh Packard of the Springtide Research Institute. This framework of relational authority resonates so strongly with my own experience as a dad and as an educator. Springtide’s blogpost from today describes relational authority as the following:

Relational Authority is a practice. It is not a singular set of rules and actions, it is an invitation of being that opens the opportunity for deeper connection. The five dimensions of Relational Authority are: listening, transparency, integrity, care, and expertise. While each of these are integral components on their own, the more they are used in conjunction with one another, the more powerful and transformational.

I encourage you to visit Springtide’s website at your convenience, where you can request a complimentary copy of their most recent research on relational authority. I assure that your time of review and reflection will be worth your while. Blessings to you and yours!

The Beatitudes are no spiritual “to do list” to be attempted by eager, rule-keeping disciples. It is a spiritual “done” list of the qualities God brings to bear in …people. Ronnie McBrayer

Yesterday in fourth grade religion I explained the Beatitudes to my son as “be” attitudes taught by Jesus. In his Sermon on the Mount, I believe that Jesus gave a clear indication of how we – as People of God – can care for our earth and for one another. Compassion, positive intention and action provide a framework by which we may approach life. I appreciated the lesson as a reminder of God’s call to me as spouse, father and educator.

Enjoy the modern take below on Jesus’ teaching of the Beatitudes, from The Theology of Work Project. Blessings on your week ahead.

A Modern Version of the Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor…
not the penniless
but whose whose heart is free.

Blessed are those who mourn…
not those who whimper
but those who raise their voices.

Blessed are the meek…
not the soft
but those who are patient and tolerant.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
for justice…
not those who whine
but those who struggle.

Blessed are the merciful…
not those who forget
but those who forgive.

Blessed are the pure in heart…
not those who act like angels
but those whose life is transparent.

Blessed are the peacemakers…
not those who shun conflict
but those who face it squarely.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for justice…
not because they suffer
but because they love.

While we might feel small, separate, and all alone, our people have never been more closely tethered. The question isn’t if we will weather this unknown, but how we will weather this unknown together. Amanda Gorman

Last night I enjoyed playing a tech support role for my daughter’s Zoom Tinkering Club. She built this great machine-like structure, and was happy to e-connect with her friends for this monthly group activity. In the concluding appreciations reflection exercise, she stated: “Tonight I am grateful for my family, all of you, and our dog.” Practicing mindfulness and expressing gratitude have been some of the ways our family has tried to stay mentally and spiritually fit throughout this pandemic, and I was so proud to hear my daughter reflect back that attitude to her friends.

In this lengthy and worthwhile read, Can Catholic Social Teaching Unite a Divided America, numerous points represent how returning to the basics of dignity and respect can go such a long way toward addressing ‘The pre-eminent issue for our country at this time … healing and coming together.” Bishop McElry’s assertion of the need for healing and unity align closely with my own impressions and observations. I am firm in my faith convictions and hopes that this unity is possible. But it will take continued hard work and thoughtfulness ahead.

I am privileged to enjoy an upcoming three day weekend, and I am ready to embrace it. My plate has been pretty full this past month with life and with work, and so my intention is to unplug this weekend. I pray that you too can take the time for rest and reflection that you deserve.

“Understand the movement. Be patient. Be persistent.” -Steve Stine

Last night I heard this above quote in an on-line guitar lesson. While the words were intended for application to the instrument and the learner, this quote struck me as excellent advice to consider during this Black History Month. On Monday I had the privilege of virtually speaking with hundreds of educators from our Northern California schools, and I shared with them how critical I believe empathy is at this point in history. Seeing life through an authentic vantage point from another’s point of view is the foundation of community. From my perspective, understanding and appreciating another’s point of view, and accompanying them through shared and varying experiences, is paramount to our learning, growth, and role in building the Kingdom of God here and now.

Last week I also enjoyed the chance to Zoom with nearly 100 educators from around the world to share best practices around community-building and culture. By also virtually attending board meetings for seven of our schools from around the United States, I gained an even greater appreciation for the challenges and creativity employed by the educators across our network of schools. Everyone seems to be doing their best amidst nearly impossible situations.

And on the home front, last week’s big trip to Target meant a hoverboard for my oldest, a nerf gun for our middle guy, and a new dog novel for our daughter. Periodic excursions for our kids to use their Target gift cards go such a long way, and allow us time to reflect upon the gratitude for those whom sent us the cards (often family from far away). We continually strive to celebrate and honor the community and gifts within our midst.

My chance to reflect on these recent experiences reminds me of one of my favorite poems from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Enjoy the words below. Blessings on your week ahead.

“What is success?
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!”

“You can’t see the whole path ahead, but there is usually enough light to take the next step. And then…trust God’s guidance in the moment.”- Henri Nouwen

Yesterday during 3rd grade religion I was fortunate to be able to teach my daughter about Saint Louise de Marillac, the namesake for my former school. My middle son’s face lit up so brightly once he mastered the concept of rounding in Math class. And my oldest son exuded sheer joy when explaining the lego house he had built during his lunch recess. Recalling moments like this provide me sustenance for this long haul of distance learning while working at home. I am blessed.

In this excellent piece on change management, An Agile Approach to Change Management, author Sarah Jensen Clayton writes of the significance of empowerment, encouragement and risk-taking in leadership. These elements resonate with what I am witnessing in schools…and at home. Flexibility, adaptability and learning as we go will continue to serve us well.

Enjoy this beautiful rendition of “Hallelujah,” performed by Yolanda Adams. She sang it last night at a D.C. prayer service honoring those who have lost their lives to Covid-19. Let us keep them in our prayers today, along with all those on the front lines serving our communities. Stay healthy and safe.