DANIEL MCCLOUD

As we arrive in 2025, let’s reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and future possibilities. While many will undoubtedly focus on the 2024 election, I will start by focusing on those no longer with us. These are individuals who we’ve loved up close, such as close friends and family, and those who we’ve admired from afar, such as James Earl Jones, Judith Jamison, Dikembe Mutombo, John Amos, Louis Gossett Jr., Willie Mayes, Carl Weathers, and Quincy Jones. Remembering those no longer with us looks at where we’ve been and our future.

Looking at the present, we see a world of increasing uncertainty, fear, hate, bigotry, and war, which will give us the peace of mind to go on and indeed thrive. For some, it is faith. For others, it could be family and friends, a good book or a peaceful walk at sunrise or sunset. Regardless of what gets us to that place of peace, consider that despite the narrative that we are all so different that we could never come together for the good of all, the question remains: Are we as different as some would have us think? Sure, we all come from different places and live and worship in different spaces, but don’t we all want good health, good schools, and the best for our children? Are we that different, or do we have different views and beliefs about how to reach these destinations?

So, how do we find common ground? Let’s start by consciously trying to discern truth from lies. The best way to learn about others is through the literature and art of other cultures, not from the mouths of others who have not lived those lives. Secondly, honesty and accountability regarding the lived experiences of others. Thirdly, empathy. Viewing others through their worldview allows for dialogue, discourse, and, hopefully, understanding. This challenge must be our present, where we are, and it leads us to future possibilities.

They say that death and taxes are the certainties in life, but only death comes to all that live. I once attended a funeral, and I heard the preacher say that life is not about the date you are born or the date that you die but the dash in between those dates. In other words, the summation and totality of our being occur within that dash. Our life experiences are the good, the bad, and the ugly — the good decisions and the bad and the sometimes ugly regrets. Regretting those times we didn’t stand up to hatred, bigotry, racism, ageism, or sexism. And as we look to the future, knowing that every day may not be perfect, we must always hold out hope that things will ultimately be better, if not for us, then hopefully for the children of future generations. To live is to recognize that we can be the solution. As we move towards that day, celebrating the past, present, and future, I am reminded of an old African American gospel song called “I Will Not Complain,” the lyrics of which give me comfort and hope and not despair.

I’ve had some good days
I’ve had some hills to climb
I’ve had some weary days
And some sleepless nights

But when I look around
And I think things over
All of my good days
Outweigh my bad days
I won’t complain