Mark E. Lampkin

Love is Thicker Than Blood…

We all have heard the saying, “blood is thicker than water.” And it is so very true that in times of need and crises, we find that relatives step forward to pull us through the fire that is burning at our feet. But, what happens when we have less-than-loving relationships with our family members? On whom do we lean and trust then?

The past week I have had the misfortune to have two people that made major impacts on my spiritual and emotional maturity, make their transition into the spirit world. In looking at this from another perspective, I can see that I have had the good fortune that each of them included me in their lives and the inner circle of their families, without there being any DNA shared between us. It was nothing less than the love that Jesus taught, which had nothing to do with biology. It was based purely upon love for humanity.

Once more I see the importance of showing love on a daily basis to the people who matter to us. As is my testimony today, those people needing to know that they are loved may not share your name, pedigree, religion or political party. But they do breathe the same air, bask under the same sun, and hope for a better tomorrow. Just like you.

So, in homage to Janie Jenkins and Theophilis Thompson, I commit each day to living more fully in love and generosity of spirit. Because I know there will be someone who reminds me of that young boy growing up in Peoria and the adult man in transition in Oakland. That person is walking among us on daily basis. I am going to keep my eyes, ears and heart open to that interaction.

Will you join me this year in making a difference?

Peace.

All Things Being Equal

As you know from my blog posts in 2010, I have a penchant for picking apart clichés…and this is the leadoff batter for 2011.

So tell me dear sir or madam, what things are ever equal?

Someone in the work environment receives the same wage, but does more of the work than their counterpart.

One of the partners in a marriage/relationship is doing more to nurture and maintain balance…than the other person. Teddy Pendergrass may have made a popular song about a 50/50 love, but we all know better than that.

Even our children, who are reared in the same home, with the same parents and values, end up being quite different in many respects. So, where is this equal?

Finally, at my age I get it….it never is going to be equal. The ebb and flow, the yin and the yang, is always fluid. It shifts and grows where expansion is needed. There is always a low point that will need to be elevated. But it won’t be equal. It will just be raised.

If you are waiting on someone or something to be equal before you make your move…

Instead, do your part right now with all that you have at your disposal and watch as you begin to attract the people and resources you need to fulfill your assignment. And as you get closer to the finish line, you will see that someone is at the starting line where once you stood…and you will be the one to fill their cup from your reservoir.

Make this your year to wait no more for equality…

Peace.