Look at what God can do

Look at what God can do
by Arlether Wilson

It is October, 2008, and I am in awe of what we can accomplish. Today we have achieved what many considered impossible. In no other country would this occur but in America. Barack Obama has been nominated as the first African American presidential nominee. I don't know about you but I am inspired and motivated. Look at what God can do.

We live in a country, where 50% of African American males drop out of high school and are 6 times more likely to be victims of homicide. In a country where more than 28% of Black males are imprisoned even though they only make up 12% of the United States population. Brothers and sisters we are a population crying out for help and until recently, no one seem to be listening. I don't know about you but that information is astounding.

Are you aware that 70% of black babies are born to single mothers? No, I am not just speaking of teenage mothers. People we are a country in crisis. African American families need their fathers and brothers. Looking at the statistics, makes it seemed unattainable. But after listening to Barack Obama's acceptance speech, I believe he has given us new HOPE--SOLUTIONS. This is not television. It's real life.

After today, we should never feel limited by our environment or our circumstances. We should never make excuses for what we have not done or feel sorry for ourselves. As I listened to Barack speak, tears filled my eyes and the eyes of many attending the Democratic National Convention. We did not shed tears of sadness but tears of joy and anticipation. I am ready for this revolution.

As a child born in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement, I understand where we've been and the progress we're making. This is big, historical. Some of us have been so overwhelmed and preoccupied with events that occurred during the last 8 years that we almost forgot that we had a voice. It's time to step up and speak up. From this day forward, I pledge to do all that I can to heal our families and remember that it is not about me.

Parents take a moment and talk to your children about achieving their dreams, setting goals and the importance of education. Encourage them to live each day to the fullest. Let them know that as Americans they can BE anything that they choose to BE and no one has the right to tell them that they can't.

Furthermore, teach your children about the importance of community service, helping others and loving one another. If everyone took the time to help just one person, we could create a better world--a better world for our children and generations to come.

People Barack Obama is a great leader but he cannot achieve his dream, alone. Are you ready to Pay it Forward?


Arlether Wilson, Author of "Rewriting the Script" arlether@rewritethescript.com

www.arletherwilson.com
arlether@rewritethescript.com