Blogs - Chief of Pray Blog

Do Something

People will argue about anything. More jobs— nope not good enough. Fresh food and produce at affordable prices— no thank-you. Another low-income neighborhood protests when Wal-Mart wants to bring business to a needy community.

I’m not surprised when people disagree with me. Actually, I love it. My mind thinks only in shades of black and white. If there’s gray to be added to an issue; it usually comes from someone other than me. I listen and learn. I received some great gray feedback on the Mosque issue and Dr. Laura’s tirade. The gray darkened to black in one case and lightened to white in the other. Problem solved!

How important is it to think deeply and react strongly? Is there anything wrong with taking an attitude in life that just goes with the flow? It seems that a lot of the leaders of social justice causes are old. George Clooney just got the Humanitarian award at the Emmys recently. I don’t care how hip Bono is, he’s old. And the only revolutionary that’s been in the news in decades, is 66 year old Bill Ayres. I was beginning to wonder if the under 40 set is too chill to care.

I ventured on to www.dosomething.org. Do Something is a great social website that empowers teens to make a difference through volunteering and advocacy. The site has a feature called Celebs Gone Good. I had to dig through Jay Z (41) and Sheryl Crow (48) till I found younger-type celebrities and their causes. Yes, Miley Cyrus cares. Yes, the Jonas Brothers are do-gooders. And yes, a pop star named Jason Mraz, was honored as a humanitarian by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association. No need for me to be a cynical charity snob. Good models? Yes, the world will be repaired by the next generations.

As for those, young and old, who are content to nurture their own little world, I say bravo! We need role models who are happy, loved, and secure. It helps us all, to live among people who don’t feel a need to question or start a ruckus and to make a difference. We’re all better off, to recognize the rare soul who gladly accepts what is offered and appreciates the status quo.

I feel You when
people do good deeds for the needy.
I see You when
society opens a checkbook to serve others.
I hear You when
citizens speak out for justice.

May Your spirit settle upon the many
who look to make this world a better place.

-Rachel Lee