My Prayer

Dear Standing Rock Student Body,

 

I am going to keep this sermon short and sweet. I am a Unitarian Universalist and two key beliefs are that every human being is a beautiful, rational creature capable of a deep, personal search for truth and that search is to be respected. My faith is one that believes that the Native American religious ceremony is a source of inspiration. My faith has taught me to believe in the power of the person and the group and when that group is united against racism, stereotype and negativity, then that group has the power to change things for the better. This is why our teachers are here for you, they are here to teach you about a world that has this reputation of being a nasty, hard place to live. There is a lot of truth in that. My daughter came into this world almost three months early weighing just over two pounds. Right now, she is breathing room air on occasion and is on the verge of breaking the four-pound mark. Because of the people that care for her and the education they received in their formative years, that is why my daughter is beating expectations today. Whenever I see her and this student body and think for a moment, I see this world as a place that capable of being good, kind, and heartfelt. Whenever I see my daughter, I sing her a song by the punk band Offspring and I adjusted the lyrics for her and I think they apply here too. I won't sing them, but I will read them aloud.

 

They may push you around, but they will not win

They may throw you down, but you'll rise again

They more they say, the more you defy them

So they'll get out of your face

 

They cannot stop you

They cannot bring you down

Never give up you go on and on

They'll never break you

They'll never bring you down

You are alive.

 

Thank you and have a great weekend! See you Monday!

Author's Note

Reviews

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

I have enjoyed watching the layers of you peel back each time I read you. I love seeing that beautiful soul of yours and hearing it sing words such as these. Never forget who you are Kenneth or what you are made of because it is some powerful stuff I see. Remember as I have had to because Kenneth you know I have been knocked down and got back up more times than most in my life to remember your strength and the fiber of who you are even if everything you love is stripped away from you overnight. Remember and hold fast because with strength such as yours you will ALWAYS prevail. Always.......love you....Neva

[joshua deathdealer]

ha!! Awesome song and inspiring work. How I wish I had a teacher like you when I was coming up. Thanks for sharing this. I defiantly needed it.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Your daughter is a miracle and your words are very inspiring.

[Aidz]

One does not review or comment in a sycophantic mutual admiration type way when confronted by words such as these, one just simply nods and acknowledges the truth , thought and wisdom. for I do not walk in your shoes I walk beside