by Bob Simmons, Executive Director
We live in a noisy world. Voices are lifted in anger, frustration, and protest all around us. The cacophony of our political, technological, communal, and private lives threatens to overwhelm us; becoming louder, more cluttered, and increasingly strident every day.
In 2016, with so much changing and so much at stake, how often we feel compelled to speak up, to speak out. In the din, it can be hard to hear ourselves, much less the voices of those around us -- especially those with small voices and those who have been silenced by fear or despair.
At Council for Children’s Rights, we have learned that to help children’s voices to be heard we must first listen to them. To gain their trust so they will open up and talk to us takes patience and our willingness to remain silent for a time. Only then can we hear them, and only then can we respond thoughtfully and act intentionally.
The end of a year often provides time for reflection. If we are wise, we will make space for the stillness that this time of year offers. In that renewed place in our hearts, if we listen to what Abraham Lincoln in 1861 called “the better angels of our nature,” we may be better able to extend the richer gifts of friendship, common purpose, respect, and support to our neighbors – and especially to our children.
Then perhaps we will be ready to speak boldly to the challenges and demands that 2017 will bring. Then perhaps our message will be of courage, loving-kindness, and community.
As the poet Maya Angelou reminds us in these final thoughts, above all may our message be of peace.
We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Non-Believers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.
Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul.
Wishing you and yours a peaceful, healthy and prosperous new year
From all of us at Council for Children's Rights