Sunday Reflection: The Eternal Uphill
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." – Isaiah 40:31
This week’s Sunday reflection is inspired by a recent post on LinkedIn from Yemi Akande-Bartsch, CEO of Focus St. Louis. This organization believes that everyone has the potential to lead and that no challenge is too daunting to overcome. According to Yemi, who was reflecting on the closing retreat of the Leadership St. Louis Program, "Some days indeed feel like Sisyphus pushing a boulder uphill... yet... hope fills…"
Sisyphus, the king of Ephyra, is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, known for his cunning and deceit. His most infamous act of deceiving death twice so infuriated Zeus that he condemned Sisyphus to eternally push a massive boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down as it neared the summit. This myth vividly captures the essence of continual struggle, highlighting that challenges endure regardless of the effort exerted.
Reflecting on my personal journey, hope has been a fundamental pillar that gave way to optimism. As a foster child who exceeded expectations by attending and graduating from college—an extraordinary accomplishment given my background—I adopted an optimistic outlook early on. I perceive optimism and hope as two distinct ideas, though both are anchored to the divine. Hope is the foundation of my faith, and it more generally involves a desire for something to happen, often without a clear plan or expectation. In contrast, optimism is a general belief, a mindset that things will work out well in the future, regardless of current circumstances. They are connected but not the same. My initial professional role in community and economic development took me to an underserved area of St. Louis, where I engaged deeply with community elders. Their insights, shaped by lifetimes of lived experiences, often contrasted starkly with my inherent optimism, which was founded on hope. Their mindset had been jaded by unfulfilled promises, but they wanted to believe and be hopeful about the future—their neighborhoods and the livelihoods of their children’s children. A particularly memorable conversation with an elder revolved around the difficulty of bridging racial and economic divides, as well as rural and urban divides. He emphasized that our general isolation, especially pronounced on Sundays, significantly hindered our mutual understanding. I have long believed that being close to others makes it difficult to maintain hate or indifference.
My exploration of Adam Smith's "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" has deepened my understanding of the role of empathy in moral judgments, particularly the importance of seeing people up close. Smith suggests that by empathizing with the potential joy or suffering our actions might cause, we can more accurately assess their moral implications. This empathetic engagement not only enhances our understanding of the impact of our actions but also guides our ethical decision-making. Progress within a community is intrinsically linked to the human experience. Our collective efforts should aim to enhance the quality of life, aspiring to better conditions for everyone. It becomes challenging when decisions are made without fully considering their impact on those affected.
Echoing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words, "I may not get there with you, but we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land," reminds us that we may not personally witness the outcomes of our labors. Nevertheless, our collective journey towards a metaphorical 'Promised Land'—symbolizing justice, growth, and prosperity—is essential. For any region to thrive, leaders must prioritize doing the right thing for the greatest number of people and ensure access to opportunities for all. Leaders must prioritize really seeing all people. I believe this is the only sustainable path forward. As we confront our various challenges, let us remember the importance of hope and the strength of a positive outlook.
The biblical verse from Galatians 6:9 resonates strongly with me, urging perseverance in our endeavors despite exhaustion, with the promise of eventual rewards: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Authentic leadership involves building each other up, building on the efforts of those before us, and enduring hardships to achieve our shared objectives. Together, we continue to forge a path toward a brighter, more inclusive future.