Tonight on 60 Minutes "Byron Pitts speaks with USC college football coach Pete Carroll, who, in addition to his success with the Trojans, is making a difference toward decreasing gang violence in Los Angeles."
Tonight I happened to watch 60 Minutes and after the stories about politics and the economy, I nearly turned off the television when I heard the last story was going to be about "some" football coach. (Football is obviously not the passion for me that it is for my son Matt!) I am so grateful that I didn't turn off the TV because this final story is what pierced right through to my heart. It's impact was so important that I knew I would be moved to share it here. Perhaps some of you already know about this story, but it was certainly new to me...
In my posts, as in my life and as best as I can, I seek balance. I seek to share about life - it's challenges, joys, tragedies, triumphs, that which plunders, oppresses, destroys and needs healing and that which points to beauty, hope, courage, transformation, a positive path to take, and deep heartfelt caring. It is my belief, for instance, that it is equally as important to not turn away from violence as it is to not get stuck in either denial or despair about the violence that is part of our world. While it is invaluable to nurture connection with beauty, joy, laughter, and love, my experience is that it is also equally as important to be conscious of things such as loss, pain, and violence - whether that hurt and violence is in our own hearts, in our own families, in someone else's family, community, nation, or wherever it exists. Cultivating a culture of caring is critical to us all. Yet how can we be inspired to care, to truly care - much less take any action to bring about change - about something we deny?
What an inspiration Pete Carroll is. He does it! - This man builds his players up rather than tearing them down. Rather than losing himself in celebrity and wealth and ego, he goes to where a world of hurt is happening and takes on the horrific violence and tragedy that he finds there - without losing his hope and joy. Pete Carroll understands teachable moments in the depths of his being. Bless him. What a brave, beautiful, caring human being. And what a role model as someone who faces and takes on violence while at the same time not losing touch with gratitude and peace and the belief that something good is about to happen. This human being smiles from his heart...
There are so many heroes in our midst, so many stories that do not make the evening news. Just think of how different our world would be if we really knew what was going on - everything from the torture that's been done by our government to people joining together worldwide to sing a song of caring to people like Pete Carroll and what he does for the children. Just think how different the world would be if we knew, truly knew and with increasing depth, the power we each carry individually and collectively in our minds, hearts, and souls. We can all find our own ways to be that difference. This post is in honor and deep gratitude of all who walk paths with heart.
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