The Will to Persist

Inspired by the ever-insightful journalist, Chris Hedges, among others, my eyes have been opened to a world increasingly of illusion.  This often distracts us from the issues like poverty, injustice, violence and despair, lurking outside our self-created shadows.  Let's not trick ourselves: money and material possessions are increasingly meaningless.  It is service, encouragement, humility, dedication and personal sacrifice that are the cornerstones towards a more equitable future which indeed must occur to at least slow the growing despair in our impoverished neighborhoods.

Over spring break, I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  In Plattsburgh, NY I volunteer with the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity and the Interfaith food pantry.  Both are communities in continuous need of assistance.  My hope lies with those constantly involved in the betterment of these communities.  Mary Ellis, a Plattsburgh resident in her eighties, led a march in opposition to military action in Syria which I attended when rumors about military involvement arose.  Her insight and tireless dedication amazed me.  She's also active in the movement to have SUNY Plattsburgh divest into sustainable energy sources.  People like these are the face of progress.  It's not about being "comfortable" yourself, it's about striving to make a more comfortable world for those most afflicted.  Working for a future that relies more on the human and less on the material is the way for real progress.  The causes will always exist, it' up to us to find will to persist.