During my formative years, around 1970, I first heard the lyrics to Gil Scott-Herron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”. I knew that he was a composer, musician, author and poet best known for performing the spoken word. However, at that time I didn’t really understand what a revolution was so I couldn’t fully appreciate the depth of his message. Nevertheless, I was convinced that a revolution was needed and warranted. Regarding the song, Gil Scott-Herron said: “The revolution takes place in your mind. Once you change your mind and decide that there’s something wrong that you want to effect that’s when the revolution takes place. But first you have to look at things and decide what you can do…When you want to make things better you’re a revolutionary.”
As I was coming of age in the seventies, I noted that I was raised by men and women who made a lot of sacrifices for their children and families. They worked long hours doing jobs they didn’t particularly like in order to provide a comfortable and nurturing home life for their children. Eventually, the long hours they put in working inside and outside of the home began to take a toll on their health. The toll was evident in the manifestation of substance abuse, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s/Dementia. Their quality of life and life spans were compromised by disease.
After I looked at these things, I realized that I had the power to do some things differently. So, at age sixteen (16), I began my self-care first revolution. I started by becoming a pescatarian. I eat fruit, vegetables and fish, but not the meat from other animals. I also started exercising daily. I experimented a little with drinking alcohol until I realized that alcoholism was a prominent disease in my family. I decided that I had to be sober to be a witness of what it was like to be high on life.
I also focused on the positive behaviors of my family. I watched them work and play seeking balanced lives. They honored the Universal Life Force (God) within; each other and their neighbors as themselves. The major lessons passed down through the generations by my grandparents are as follows: 1.) maintain yourself and everything else will fall into place; and 2.) family is everything, so stay connected. In my daily living I accentuate these positive lessons.
Those men and women who raised me also had adventurous spirits which loved to travel through space and time. Although they could not afford to go all the places they dreamed of, they did quite a bit of traveling and took their children with them. Consequently, traveling is high on my list of things to do in 2018 and beyond!
What’s on your list? Is a revolution in your life needed and/or warranted? Do you want a revolution? I have been a revolutionary since the seventies. Although my revolutions have not been televised, I’ll continuously be transformed by the renewing of my mind. If you want a revolution, I want you to have a revolution more than words can express. I want a revolution for you which will lead you to brighter day. If you need coaching or encouragement, I’m available and I’m so excited because I know your revolution will be LIVE!
Akoma Ntoaso Ministries 