Deep in every human is

the yearning to belong,

to be loved, to be safe,

to be accepted as they are.

By accident of birth,

some are born with

unearned privilege,

and remain totally unaware.

By accident of birth,

some are marginalized

by others because of their

race, culture, or sexual identity.

Young children do not see

race, or color, or sex,

they are inclusive until

taught to be exclusive.

Mother Earth embraces everything.

different colors, textures, sounds,

the animate and the inanimate,

and therein lies her beauty.

Imagine a world where

people embrace and celebrate

difference, welcome diversity,

a world where one is

judged by the content of your character

rather than by the

color of your skin.

by the way you treat others

rather than your sexual identification.

A place where the dignity of

each being is equally valued.

In a world where fear and ignorance produce

hate, denial, and blame

rather than self-reflection and compassion,

we need those who help

move us in the right direction,

who stand up for inclusiveness

and support the right of others

to be their authentic selves.

Tonight we honor one

I am proud to call a friend,

an awesome human being

passionate about creating

a culture of belonging and helping

us to do our inner work,

our own fabulous, fantastic MT!

(Written in honor of the recipient of the InnerWork Center’s 2021 Spirit Award)