‘Tis the season to be jolly…
And I have no doubt wherever you live in the world, no matter what your own personal beliefs, there are people, you know, who are “getting into the spirit” of it – as they say…
And part of that spirit is helping others in need. Our mailboxes – snail and e – are crammed with solicitations to help those less fortunate and those solicitations all use the same basic formula – big “hero” picture of starving children; hungry adults; tragedy and text guaranteed to bring tears.
But…
‘Tis the season to be jolly…
We give money; we go to shelters and volunteer; we wrap gifts and donate them – we honestly shed those tears and in that moment of catharsis we feel good – really good – we fulfilled the seasonal need.
Let’s be clear – I do this too. And I get the same good feeling.
But here’s the thing – what do we do to alleviate the need?
What do we do to eradicate the cause?
What do we do to ensure that people don’t go hungry; don’t get killed; don’t die needlessly…you get the picture…
Listen:
“Usually when people are sad, they don’t do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.” Malcolm X
Same for all of us too – no?
When we cry over another’s condition we act – but we act for ourselves as much as for them. Don’t get me wrong – it’s noble – it is – but are we doing enough?
My sense is no.
It’s time to get angry – angry that children still die of hunger; angry that people are killed because they are different; angry that injustice is overlooked for politics; angry that in our world of 24/7 connectivity and promise there is injustice at all.
So in this season of good cheer – let a little anger creep in – directed anger – channeled anger – anger for change… not for anger’s sake – but for making a positive difference in the world. And when the seasonal joy fades to a pleasant memory – let the anger remain….
‘Tis the season to be jolly…and a little angry.
What do you think?
