What Are You Willing to Die For
So I attended a workshop in late fall of an intimate group of directors of color from within our 26 member network of organizations. We were all pretty clear that our titles in essence meant nothing, but that what we did while we had them would have a lasting impact. As there were no more than 10 of us total and only 7 or so in the meeting we talked about why we did the work we do, what challenges we faced, particularly hurdles that were placed in our way BECAUSE of our race and gender for some, and we discussed how we could serve as a system of support for each other. Before concluding the group, the final question for us to answer in the group as we rounded the table was ASIDE FROM YOUR LOVED ONES, WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DIE FOR?
I, along with the remainder of my colleagues answered the question, none of us answering it with the ease that had come answering the previous questions. In more than 30 years of living, that was not the first time I had thought about dying as we all come to that place but it was the first time I had ever been asked and even more, the first time I had ever thought about CHOOSING what I would die for.
With the exception of those whose time had COME such as Great Grandma Sapp at 104 or Great Grandma Shelly at 89, I can honestly say that my experiences, at least personal ones; were never about people being willing to die, but more so , that they were unwilling to live. At least live in a way that would preserve life. Be it drugs use or sales, alcohol, poor health as a result of neglect and abuse, poor choices and the like, no one that I knew had made a conscious decision about what they would and wouldn't die for or at least commit their life too.
Over the last several months, that question has remained in the back of my mind and surprisingly enough the answer has not changed. Today, I pose the question to each of you. Take a risk and answer it. I guarantee you have nothing to lose but you may surprise yourself on what you gain.
Being refined...
Melanie
I, along with the remainder of my colleagues answered the question, none of us answering it with the ease that had come answering the previous questions. In more than 30 years of living, that was not the first time I had thought about dying as we all come to that place but it was the first time I had ever been asked and even more, the first time I had ever thought about CHOOSING what I would die for.
With the exception of those whose time had COME such as Great Grandma Sapp at 104 or Great Grandma Shelly at 89, I can honestly say that my experiences, at least personal ones; were never about people being willing to die, but more so , that they were unwilling to live. At least live in a way that would preserve life. Be it drugs use or sales, alcohol, poor health as a result of neglect and abuse, poor choices and the like, no one that I knew had made a conscious decision about what they would and wouldn't die for or at least commit their life too.
Over the last several months, that question has remained in the back of my mind and surprisingly enough the answer has not changed. Today, I pose the question to each of you. Take a risk and answer it. I guarantee you have nothing to lose but you may surprise yourself on what you gain.
Being refined...
Melanie
