Who have we failed to see?

Who have we failed to see in the social integration of success? Have we failed to see the ones that took the blows, the sharp words, and unrelenting barrage of vile exchanges upon their backs with no rapid retorts, so others could have an opportunity for better? Regardless of color, gender or social economic status, someone made it possible for each of us to be in the place where we are, with certain freedom our forbearers did not have but it is incumbent upon us to remember. Have we gotten so vain and so self absorb, we do not stop to engage anyone who on the surface seem weak, but who are mighty and resilient. Because we say to ourselves – I wouldn't do that; do they not have any backbone – Not realizing others took the pain and strain, so we would be afforded the opportunity to claim victory and success in untapped and uncharted waters. See, it is not an accident we have the kind of opportunity, the wealth, the access to be seen for our innovativeness, and the myriad choices we have. Someone paid a price, and some are still paying a price for us, so we can, even though they know, they never will enjoy. Too many times we fail to see others have worn the mask so we could claim the crown. Others took the fall, so we could achieve. Others walked, stood, fought or smiled, so we could climb without the scars of the struggles. We must see beyond the mask, the surface, and find the truth so we can thank them for their truth and willingness to sacrifice beyond for the moment but for the future that brings both legacy and longevity. Not so we could walk around with a distend image of our self. Not so we could create and use the creation to separate rather than bring us closer, allow us to be more forgiving rather than holding to unforgiveness, teach lessons that we all have value, and we all have different purpose but this does not make us better than the next person. For with all greatness, for all accomplishments, in whatever form, we have a responsibility to carry, to do the waltz of life with confidence laced with humility for the generation behind us, and for each other…Who have failed to see may just be you and me, for we live in a fraction of our potential because we run from the struggles that strengthens us and our resolve…Gen. 50:20 – You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. (HSCB)