What are you thankful for today?

In Thanksgiving:

Today, I am grateful for the gift of community.  The search toward discovering my “true nature” has been a magnificent journey “within”.  But I now get it.  I now understand that the journey within is the direct route to the shared journey that we are all traveling together – out there – from the door steps of our soul to the ends of the Universe. 

This time I, and I dare say, WE clearly see, and absolutely claim, that the catalyst for change – came from within.  Not only have “we” been called – but we’ve been called “together” as a community.   We each have unique and tremendous gifts to offer.  Together we will weave the most magnificent tapestry of diversity, love and power.   Thank you for sharing this journey with me.  Thank you to all the friends, family, associates, colleagues, teachers, guides, oracles, and the One Power, One Mind and One Universe that is our community.   

And so it is!  - Rev. Jack

Looking Back To See Ahead - Rev. Jack Elliott

[From "Thinking Out Loud", Published by The Tracy Press, Wednesday November 20, 2008]

Another Saturday, another cup of Pete’s coffee and another burst of enthusiasm to put pen to paper – ok fingers to keyboard, to write another column. 

Each column I write comes from the heart, and for many of you that really know me – know that it comes from some place more divinely inspired.

I rarely know what I’m going to say when I start typing – Spirit leads me to write – whatever I write.  But somehow the words flow and somehow my “point of view, gets communicated within the required 750 words.

Typically, when I write, it’s as if I’m writing to my friends. I have a causal style – that of a “storyteller” rather than a “journalist”.   It’s a style that works for me, and I think others enjoy it.  Often I hear:  “Did that really happen to you?”  Or, “I can’t believe you were that honest – I could never say that.”

I especially like confronting myths, stereotypes and contradictions that I notice in society and in our community.  And I use my own life experiences and relationships to illustrate such realities.  Doing so send a message to those facing the same struggle to – keep the faith – keep your head up – keep a smile on your face, because you’re not going through this alone.  I believe that God does not present us any challenge that we cannot push through, go around or rise above.

My intention is to make you think, so you can see things from another person’s point of view.  I love the conversations that follow my column on the website.  I love to see that my words provoke hearty conversations. I’m inspired that people, who once had a quieted voice, feel empowered to join the conversation.

All of this has been possible, because it has always been safe to “tell the truth” here in Tracy.   In the six short years that I’ve lived here, I have truly felt – that I’m a part of the fabric of our community.  So it’s in that spirit that I have to share my observations regarding the past election.

In my “His Voice” column (published on October 29th, in the Tracy Press) I made a heartfelt plea for you to support the No. on 8 Proposition.   Again, I shared a person story hoping it would plant the seed of empathy.  I received many wonderful supportive emails and notes and I received many emails from folks that absolutely refuse to see things from another point of view.  That’s okay.   It provoked conversation.

When the measure failed, many wrote to say:  “Don’t despair Jack, it will be okay.”  So, I want you to understand this:  I’m not sad, or all disappointed that the No. on 8 Proposition failed.  I’m motivated.  The cause was only about 500,000 votes shy of passing, which means, there is just a few more folks to educate, to inspire and soon the tide will turn.

In the words of Minster's Joel Olsteen, and Amos Brown (as well as many others that have claimed it as their own...) "A set back, is just a set up for the most magnificent ultimate outcome." 

I know for certain, that in time, gay marriage WILL BE.  It’s just a matter of time.  It will take just a little more time for the bigotry to be subdued by education and the clarity of insight from a younger generation that is tired of hearing the trite old lies told over and over again. 

A younger GLBT generation will reap the benefits of being able to marry “whomever” they want to marry and they will not tolerate anyone telling them no.  Why? Because of this:

On November 4^th, the ceiling of “No, you are not entitled” was forever broken in the USA.  Now, any child can say, “Yes I can!”  Martin Luther King had a vision.   He absolutely would not allow anyone to deny him his dream of an African American President and a world where “all of” God’s children would live in Unity – not as a “melting pot” but as a beautifully woven tapestry of diversity.  Just over 40 years ago, contemplating an African American as President would have seemed – delusionary. 

Therefore, I know with certainly that in a few years, someone will be reading the archives of Tracy's daily newspaper and will be amazed that there was a time in this little town, a black person could not legally marry a white person; Latinos (“the Nationals”) had to attend a separate movie theatre; and when someone was couldn’t marry the one they loved, just because they were of the same sex.  They will shake their head in amazement that such a time once existed in such a loving little community.