I once stood at the foot of this mountain
that many wanted to climb . . .
it seemed much too big, too high
for an amateur “hiker” to tackle and
all of us were amateurs . . .
we knew we could not climb it, NO way!

So, in the decades that followed, we were surprised, amazed,
and found our success hard to believe – yes, there had been
far too many losses to count, both in people and causes,
but the hights reached were definitely admirable and
beyond our wildest expectations . . .
some were protected, some were saved, and
there was some recognition of the validity of our climb!

A number of unrelated people and groups had made the climb
possible and opened the way to climb even higher.
We thought hearts and eyes had been opened to
BUILD a “better world” for ALL –
people, animals, the environment –
realizing a need to “tend the garden,” our world and
ALL that shared its space, its resources, its place
in the universe, to show “respect” for
all Life . . . until now . . .

NOW it seems RESPECT
[esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person]
is a word that is not heard often in our society and
its meaning has been lost as the pursuit of wealth and power
have tempted many into selfishness and a total disregard
for any thing or any person not “useful” to gain wealth and power!

The loudest words I hear today:
Destroy!
Dismantle!
Disregard!
Defeat!
Disrespect!
Dehumanize!

NOW – we stand, not only at the foot of the mountain,
but we have dug down into the darkness that is usually hidden
and bullies have said 
“Bravo! for coming over to the dark side . . .
join us as we dig deeper and walk in the tunnels
where no Light enters –
feast on enemies, hatred, and vengeance!
This is what we deserve,
the dark, rich dirt of selfishness to grow what we want!”

The mountain still stands there
reaching up into the sky
with Light shining on its summit and
rivers can be seen flowing on its slopes –
WE CAN climb it again,
drink from the Living Water, and
open its flow of Life to all creation,
together!

WE CAN . . . TOGETHER!
• focus on the common goal of
LIFE FOR ALL
• avoid distractions and attacks
EVERY PERSON HAS A GIFT
• seek “better” solutions for issues
LISTEN TO ALL VOICES
• talk softly with respect for all120

WE may have many differences and
WE may be different in many ways
BUT WE can work together with
those differences as our strengths!

F – A - S - T (restrict intake)
Focus – Avoid – Seek – Talk