By Anthony J. Williams, CSPL BOARD MEMBER
As I reflect upon the current challenges of these days, I am put into the mindset of fully understanding that I am fully a part of a “world “ community. The “me” world that many of us follow in many ways has yielded to the reality that we are all connected, whether we like it or not. A virus had to unfold to make us humans realize the common world that we share.
God’s timing in my life continues to amaze me. Years ago, my spiritual journey caused me to reflect on how I was spending my time. I knew that I had to earn a living and asked God to direct me in an area that would provide me with financial stability and have real purpose. Food became my avenue to fulfill these aspirations. Though financial stability is still a work in progress, the feeling of purpose has certainly been enhanced. My love of cooking and sharing that talent via the restaurant business has brought so many exceptional people of God into my life that it astounds me. As a result of being in business, I was introduced to the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL). What a God-send!
My heart was yearning for a way to serve our God in a manner befitting of his blessings to me. In the past, especially in my earlier days of activism, I could not stand to see how our society callously addressed issues of social justice. I guess such sentiments never left me. They have been reinvigorated by the mission of CSPL. I am engaged to the extent that I am ready to address what or who is next in our efforts to build a more equitable world! Being a board member of CSPL has given me a cherished position to be a part of charting the direction that this God-inspired organization will take.
The pandemic has allowed me to spend a great deal of time reflecting upon how I can be a better servant of God. During this pandemic, I have been engaged in how to be a real prayer warrior and let my actions reveal how blessed I am to be a part of God’s work. I am working on reinforcing my God-given armor. I encourage all people to take time during this period of uncertainty to ask God how we can better serve one- another. By doing so, I believe, we magnify God’s presence in our lives.
When we leave the me-centered flaws of our society, it will become evident that such issues as providing for the general welfare of our people (full healthcare coverage for everyone for example), is not only an imperative for our country but the right thing to do in God’s eyes as we care for one another. Even further, we must eliminate with finality the non-workable “class” system of our society that has hindered us from truly seeing all of us as children of God. Prayer remains the preeminent force to promote and inspire change.
“Our hope lies in the absolutely uncontainable power of God.”- Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Family of Dubuque, Iowa