ANDERSON, Ind. —
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, ...” - Declaration of independence.
In our lifetime we have witnessed real life success stories. We have also seen real life failures. We have witnessed men and women who have achieved success in one area, but failed miserably in others.
As a young father, I have become intrigued with legacy. What will my son strive to become because of what I (or my wife) have achieved and or accomplish? I aim to paint a picture before him now that uses a broad stroke. I aim to paint a picture that bears my signature, my brand, and my identity. I also hope to share with him my experience, both good and not so good that allow him to have a vantage point to best maneuver life’s challenges.
Regardless of the effort that is put forth, he’ll ultimately make his own decisions, chart his own path, and have his own success story. What example will he follow? Amongst all of the areas of focus there is inevitably a cultural education that I want to give my son. How do I reveal to him an age-old struggle? How do I give him knowledge of the blood, sweat and tears that were shed to open the door for equal rights without instilling hatred or violence or malice? How do I explain to him the ignorance of others throughout generations while framing a view of the hope of the cultural dream of equality?
If I could point to an example of a path to follow it would be the path that love has given. The language and discipline of love is a lifelong pursuit. Love connects all humanity in a way that matures us all. If love is the core of reconciliation then hatred, which divides, is the center of racism, injustice and inequality. Through biographies and documentaries we read and hear about examples of men and women who have “made it.” The real success story is that of people who have experienced and demonstrated love. Within the framework of love is forgiveness. I don’t understand everything about love, but I have witnessed it in operation.
Regardless of race suppose we chose to follow this example?
“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.” — 1 Cor. 13: 4-10
Jesse J Wilkerson is the owner of a local architecture and design company. His column appears here every other Monday.
Opinion
Related Photos
-
Jesse J. Wilkerson
Discussion
Jesse Wilkerson: What example should we follow?
- Opinion
-
-
Editorial: Get permission before school pranks
Anderson High School decided to show some solidarity with their Cascade peers and filled up the school with post-it notes, all in good fun. This prank was also done after hours but with a big difference: The students had requested and received permission to imitate Cascade.
-
Maureen Hayden: Readers weigh in on low voter turnout
A couple of columns ago, I posed a question about why most Indiana polling places on primary election day had so few customers.
-
You Said It: About fundraiser, missing woman, building preservation
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com.
-
Scott Underwood: Help us with book about local athletes
Over the years, Madison County has been blessed with more than its share of extraordinary athletes. Through their feats on the field of play, they’ve brought us excitement and inspiration.
-
Editorial: Memorial Day helps put face on wounded warriors
This is the perfect weekend to thank a veteran, an active duty service member or a wounded warrior for his or her service. Our positive, encouraging response goes a long way in defining our society.
-
Editorial: Honor those who fought, and celebrate our freedom
This weekend, keep in mind the reason for Memorial Day — to remember those who have been so important in our lives, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice in military service.
-
Editorial: Governor candidates offer conservatism, moderation
The jockeying for position has begun in what is basically a two-horse gubernatorial race. Each offers voters a legitimate option. The November outcome may offer a simple referendum on the mindset of voters: Are they most persuaded by Mike Pence’s conservatism or by John Gregg’s moderation?
-
Editorial: Keep up the chorus against the landfill
Occupy Anderson has joined the ever-growing chorus against the proposed Mallard Lake landfill. Sam Mudd, a member of Occupy, is taking his studies on how the landfill might pollute Anderson’s water to areas of the county to drum up support against the landfill.
-
Letter: Public should have say on library space
As taxpayers, does the public have no say-so what happens with their tax dollars? With some proper schedule management, those existing meeting rooms can fulfill everyone’s needs.
-
Letter: Election fraud tales turn voters away
Columnist Maureen Hayden asked, “Why did 3 million Hoosiers choose not to vote?” She gave a few reasons but I can think of another one.
How about election fraud? - More Opinion Headlines
-
