Unforgettable. Unpredictable. Unprecedented. But not unproductive.
2020 was an unforgettable year of loss. My heart goes out to the families that were touched by the coronavirus and senseless violence. They are in my prayers, as are the many essential workers who risk their lives every day to serve us.
For me, 2020 was the year of perfect vision. Many things became clearer to me throughout the year, while I saw other things for the first time. Some of the events of 2020 felt like they were meant to cleanse the soul of America. It was as if this year was designed to remove the scales from our eyes and expose some real issues.
There were so many times this year that I found myself speaking aloud in my living room, asking the TV news commentator, “Who are we? Is this really happening in our country?” Fortunately, for every time I asked these questions, there were at least 10 times when I saw something on the news that touched my heart and assured me that we still live in the best country in the world.
2020 saw unprecedented times lead to unprecedented actions. Two sudden crises—the coronavirus pandemic and social injustice—caused us to pivot quickly, shift priorities, and unite as a community. We became closer while remaining physically distant.
2020: Unforgettable. Unpredictable. Unprecedented. But not unproductive.
We fed the hungry together. We marched together. We distributed personal protective equipment together. We had courageous conversations together. We dealt with depression and isolation together. We mastered Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype, and Webex together. We sharpened our listening skills together. We supported local restaurants together. We mourned together. We voted together. We prayed together. We tried hard to deliver and produce better outcomes for vulnerable members of our community together. We vowed that we would emerge better and stronger together.
As we bid farewell to 2020, the unforgettable, unpredictable, and unprecedented year of perfect vision, let us be mindful of the things that were lost and embrace the things that were produced and came sharply into focus. The year that physically slowed us down was far from unproductive; 2020 forced us to let go of some things and brought some unexpected gifts that can serve as a foundation for our collective rebound in 2021:
Let me conclude with a reminder of what I shared a year ago and my word for 2021:
My word for 2019 was “better.” For this special 2020 year my word is vision. The ability to see beyond what my natural eye beholds; the ability to look in the rear view mirror and see who is still back there and to remember the shoulders I stand on. The ability to see what is really going on in front of me, behind me, above me, and all around me (i.e., Vision 360). Vision to see the miracles ahead for this decade. Vision to expect and reach for the abnormal. Vision that sharpens in darkness and is not blinded by accolades and carnal light. Vision to serve, follow and lead remarkably. Vision 2020! I want it. I need it. I claim it. #ISeeIt #Vision2020
As I sit in awe of how the Lord gave me the vision I requested, I now ask for courage—which is defined as the mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty (Merriam-Webster). Courage to speak up for those who need a voice. Courage to lead boldly. Courage to demand respect and equitable treatment for all. Courage to take the right action following a courageous conversation. Courage to utilize the clarity I’ve been gifted. Courage is my personal word for 2021. Agility is once again my professional word. I wish you a happy, healthy, agile, and courageous new year! #Courage2021 #Agility2021 #mytwocynts