Call To Action

Today I have the distinct pleasure of being able to attend Governor Strickland's Faith-based Luncheon. It was great with around 700 leaders from the Faith-based community. There is one think that I did notice more than anything else though. The majority was Christians. I understand that Christianity is the leading religion of the U.S., but I was disappointed that others were willing to be properly represented better. I sat and listened countless times to the word "Jesus" and the "New Testament".

What upset me even more was the fact that those who are of other faiths really didn't get much of a chance to speak. We did hear Ms. Usha Aswath play the Saraswati veena, and she was fantastic. There was a speech from a man on behalf of Imam Farooq Aboelzahab, who regrettable was unable to attend, to represent Islam. We had 2 Rabbis speaking towards the end. The music before and after was Christian. 7 out of 10 speakers were Christian based. There were no one representing Pagans, Buddhist, Taoist, Hinduist, or any other religions.

This was suppose to be an open forum for Interfaith dialogue, which we did promote at our table. We had a few different religions sitting there discussing our work and how important it is to us.

Where am I getting at with this, right? I am wanting to take this time to go beyond the message of today's luncheon. I am asking, no calling, all minority religions to action. It is time that we allow the Divine spark to encompass our Spirit and bring us forward. We for too long stand in the shadows of Christianity and fear to be the beacon we are. When called to ministry, we are all called the same way, through God. God the Universe, God the Light, God the Alpha & Omega, God the Allah, God the consort of the Goddess, or any other God that you personally identify with. We are in a time of Spiritual healing and a time when we must build bridges and lead our groups by being the beacon of light they know we are able to be.

There are several books that talk about how to be a good minister or religious leader. We could spend years comparing them. All of them give the same message though, live your life for God, share the joy and love of the All, and keep your flock/group in the best of intentions. All of these involve hard work and dedication. Ministry is not a joke or a kewl title to have. Ministry involves serious devotion. Those who are called know why we are called through personal and tedious discernment. I believe that too often we forget why we are called. Working in our field opens us to so much hatred, animosity, and discrimination. As we progress further sometimes we allow these darkness es to take over our light and dim it. What must be remembered is, our light is a gift from God and no one or thing has the "power" to weaken it. We must stand strong and unite together to bring about faith and healing that we need today.

I want to make this clear. I am calling and challenging all other minority religious leaders to action. Stand strong and unite to bring about change. Let us be heard and show the goodness that we can do to help Ohio, the United States, and the World.

Keep Faith & Allow your Light to shine for all!
+Isaac