Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Children Are Our Future...Who Really Cares?

Marvin Gaye's rendition of the 'Star Spangled Banner' was what initiated my pride in being an  American; but his articulation of the following lyrics, from the song 'Save The Children', written by Al Cleveland, Renaldo Benson, and himself, was what it took to initiate and substantiate an understanding of my purpose for being here.

"I just want to ask a question
Who rally cares?
To save a world in despair...


When I look at the world it fills me with sorrow
Little children today
are really going to suffer tomorrow...


You see, let's save the children
Let's save all the children
Save the babies, save the babies."
                                                                                

Whitney Houston is equally unsurpassed in her rendition of the the song 'The Greatest Love of All." and unequivocally expressed the lyrics written by Linda Creed, who was struggling with breast cancer at the time and because of Whitney, was blessed to see her song become an international hit before succumbing to the disease.



"I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be."
                                       




Sometimes we allow the negative aspects of a person's life override our recognition of their contributions. If you've never heard Whitney or Marvin sing the songs I've mentioned, take the opportunity to do so and honestly tell me that you cannot actually feel their compassion, concern, and connection to the children of whom they sing and share with us through song. Taking into consideration that they did what they could with the cards they were dealt, let's put the causes of their untimely deaths aside and take time out to thank them for one of the reasons they graced this planet, that being to artistically and vehemently convey a meaningful message to all of us about our role in molding the future of our collective lives.

With this in mind, I dedicate this blog to all of you who embody and make manifest the words of the aforementioned songs. On behalf of the children, I personally thank all the stepfathers and stepmothers who have stepped forward and decided to do your best to love and support the children that you are not biologically related to. I thank all the  grossly underpaid school teachers for your continued efforts to educate our  children, especially the ones that the system feels are unteachable. I thank the coaches who not only show our youth how to engage in sports in a positive manner; but also teach them how to garner self-worth, self-esteem and self-confidence while demonstrating respect for both themselves and others. I thank everyone else, especially you my readers, who have contributed to the welfare of a child other than your own. Raising your own flesh and blood is no easy task, and I would be remiss in not recognizing those of you who have and/or are still raising children that are biologically related. So last but certainly not least, I take this time to thank you as well for what you've done and for what you continue to do.

Yes, the children are our future and I am totally convinced that we do care. We may not ever be renown in this realm for what we've done, but rest assured that the universe acknowledges, accepts, and celebrates our contributions no matter how minute they may seem. Remember that it was folks just like us, through a combination of constructive comments and positive reinforcement, that contributed to a child becoming the first black president of the United States of America. Sometimes all it takes is a compliment from a stranger to make a child's day, so let's stay encouraged and continue to do what we can while keeping in mind that our intent is to make a contribution to what the future holds for ourselves and for our children.

Thank you Whitney and Marvin for your roles in continuing to uplift and inspire.



Wanna holla back? Click comments or email me at grace.calvin187@gmail.com.





2 comments:

  1. I finally got an opportunity to check it out. This topic is so on point. We have to recognize that our future generations lack many of the perks and privleges that we had growing up, concerned neighbors, caring teachers, officer friendly and so forth. Kids now are in a place where they are trying to become, but not sure on what to become and how to become it. The coaching aspect is very inportant, it gives self discipline, self worth, and sprit of community within the team. Our kids are being crippled and many times by their own parents who set them up for failure by not preparing them for the "real world"

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    1. Thanks Destry for your input and even more for the willingness and determination you have demonstrated over the years, in working with so many of our kids. Stay encouraged and be assured that you are definitely making a real difference in their lives.

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