You Are the Solution

It’s not that everything he ever said is worth repeating, but Eldridge Cleaver did offer at least one pearl of wisdom when he said: “You’re either part of the solution, or you’re part of the problem.” We’ve heard that before (maybe even repeated it), and though his declaration was originally linked to the equal rights movement of the previous century, the basic truth in these words strikes a chord with us, even decades later. All truth is timeless, after all. Think about it. Whatever the problem; weight, blood pressure, cavities, debt, global issues, you-name-it, you have power to make a difference. If you choose to do nothing, you are, in effect, a contributor, if not the most causative factor. Strong words? Yes. But, consider where the change takes place. Consider the solution: it is inside of you. In obvious ways, you are the master of your weight, your blood pressure, your oral health, your budget. You are also the master of your perception of everything, including global issues and other things over which it seems you have no control. Realize, the rain falls and the sun shines on both the good guys and the bad guys (Matthew 5), whether it’s too wet already or during a drought. How you perceive the rain, or lack thereof, is a choice. How you perceive a problem makes all the difference in the world, because the world is what you THINK it is. If you see struggle or fault or error as failure, that is a problem. If, however, you see struggle as an opportunity to become stronger, if you see fault as an opportunity to be humble, and if you see error as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and search for ways to improve your effort, you will no longer be part of a problem. Instead of seeing problems all around you, you will see opportunities. In this way, you will have become the solution. I’d be remis in my onus here, if I didn’t encourage you to pray for global issues and all issues about which you feel concern. Rest assured, however, that the earth was here and spinning on its axis when we arrived. It will still be here spinning when we leave, so don’t fret too much. Relax and enjoy the work of today. Be part of something good and growing. Be a help to a friend. Say a kind word. Smile at someone who’s grumpy or sad. Touch someone’s shoulder when you speak. Touch someone’s heart. We all can be (and sometimes will be), part of the problem…but not always. Don’t give in to feeling downhearted. Take courage, and today, let us be part of the solution!