Dedication
by Jackie Woods
I have been greatly impacted by the dedication of a group of Buddhist Monks from Texas doing a PEACE WALK from their hometown to Washington, D.C. Not only have I felt the resonance of peace strongly coming from them, but I have also been lifted energetically by their dedication.
Their dedication has made me look over my life and take note of what I am truly dedicated to. I was surprised to find that there are three qualities that I have been dedicated to most of my life. In fact, one of the three, Equality, began to take shape in early childhood.
Equality was taught to me by my father. Our family had a grocery store in a small town in the Midwest. The population was mostly made up of farmers. Since they got paid when their crops or animals were sold, my Dad extended them credit to fit that income pattern. He did the same with the Hispanics who came only in the summers to harvest the peaches, apples, and grapes. Many of those same farmers that he extended credit to tried to convince Daddy that he was taking a huge risk with the summer-time workers. He would simply say, “They deserve the same as the rest of you.” Those words opened my heart to Equality.
My first opportunity to bring dedication to Equality came when I moved to Atlanta. I invited my black friends to the church I had been attending, and they came. This was at a time when everything wasn’t racially integrated. And sad to say, the church I attended was resisting that move of equality. The church officials “encouraged me to leave.” So I drove past many churches and found one that was fully integrated. I wanted to teach my kids that we are all equal, just as my father taught me.
While at that church, I was asked to chair a committee to write a covenant supporting equality. To this day, people have to sign that same covenant stating that no matter what gender, age, economic status, or nationality, they would open their heart to everyone as equals.
We are now faced with a society that is having to take a deeper look at equality. Our country is yet to decide if equality is something they want to be dedicated to. Perhaps the Monks’ peace walk will help people decide.
As I have discovered, you have a choice where you put your dedication. Choose peace, practice kindness, and let compassion guide your actions.
Would you like support in choosing where to put your dedication?
This recording by Jackie will help!
I started following the monks walk when they were in Alabama. I wanted to go to DC, ended up seeing them on their return trip to Ft. Worth. I love the difference they have made in so many life’s around the world. I have become much more mindful and compassionate. And happily I have begun communicating with a fellow Buddhist from Sri Lanka. Life is wonderful.
Linda, I share your gratitude for what the Monks brought to us. –Jackie
Thank you for this, Jackie. It’s powerful to see how the Monks’ walk encourages us all to look inward.
While many of us didn’t grow up with a family that modeled these values—and had to find our own way through much harder circumstances—it makes the choice to be dedicated to peace and equality even more meaningful
Kathryn -Thank you for your heartfelt message. -Jackie