+STRENGTH

+STRENGTH

Today I sit here in my office catching up some on things and pushing forward with others. I've just returned from an interesting week on the road. I sit here in awe as I think about the individuals, families and circumstances that I intersect paths with along my way. My travels deliver me to all extremities of social and cultural conditions, not to mention the extremities of the map. This trip, in particular took me to the four corners area (CO, NM, UT, AZ). This is an area I've been blessed to frequent over the past couple of years. I visited this area a few years back for the first time while on vacation with my daughters, Brooklyn and Harmony. I remember passing through "spot in the road" communities, stopping at random gas stations and looking around thinking, "I'll probably never pass this way again." Somehow as destiny holds it I find myself working in some of these remote communities and becoming familiar with the faces and spirits situated therein. Often times those faces exist amidst impoverished and adverse social conditions. It leaves you wondering at times, "in all the darkness of the surroundings how do they manage to still shine light?"

The answer that manifests is STRENGTH. In every form imaginable and even some you would never think. Many times I come into contact with young men and women in our Native communities engrossed in this disillusioned "gangster / hustler" mentality or "resistance = strength" mentality. Focused on creating the look and illusion of strength, that they never come to understand the true essence of strength and in turn never realize their own true strength. On the other side, I cross paths with and am honored to work with those young men and women who embody strength and overcome the adversity in all that they pursue. Regardless of the surrounding circumstances they still search for light and strive for greatness in every way possible. Through creativity, expression, academics, community leadership, culture... STRENGTH.


Another powerful instance of strength, is in the structure of family. I find myself humbled by the spirit of family that I find myself in the presence of. The unconditional support system and love that grandparents carry for their children and grandchildren, grandchildren for their parents and grandparents. Even more so the hospitality and genuine want for well being towards others. Its a beautiful and wonderful way. a way that only allows well being.

To those who are fortunate enough to have realized their true strength and to those encompassed by it in their daily lives, recognize it and give thanks. To those searching, look inwards, its been there all along.  To those who live life with no excuses, I commend you.

A limitless thought of gratitude goes out to Shawna Jones, her brother Ron at the Mussi Cafe for keeping us alive, to Martha Dailey and her family for extending their family and making LeAndra and myself feel at home, so far from home. Also, to the Ute Mountain Ute tribal communities of White Mesa & Towaoc I commend your strength and resilience!

-Jeremy