While researching hunger issues in the Rio Grandé valley, where I did volunteer work in the migrant camps, or “Colonias” (a Spanish term for neighborhood or community) several years ago, I came across a writing by César Chavez, which I found empowering. I hesitate to adopt his description of this as a “Prayer” because it speaks more universally when not taken in a religious context, so let’s just call it an “inspired” piece of prose:
Show me the suffering of the most miserable;
So that I will know my people’s plight.
Help me take responsibility for my own life;
So that I can be free at last.
Grant me courage to serve others;
For in service there is true life.
Give me honesty and patience;
So that I can work with other workers
Bring forth song and celebration;
So that we will never tire of the struggle.
Let us remember those who have died for justice;
For they have given us life.
Help us love even those who hate us;
So we can change the world.
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About Michael Farver
Ex-print media publisher & art/design guru turned passionate social activist; semi-pro chef, writer, photographer, artist, trained handler of championship Dobermans and licensed firearms expert. I split up the hours of my day serving as a spokesperson and advocate for U.S. childhood hunger solutions, as a Dad, as a Husband, and when things get too intense, I travel the country following the latest reincarnation of the Black Crowes. I'm the Immediate Past President of the Board of Florida Impact, the state’s senior legislative public policy advocacy organization, serve on the board of directors of the South Florida Hunger Coalition and Women in Distress of Broward County, am a Trustee and Director of the Farver Foundation, direct a grassroots child hunger nonprofit in South Florida and also lead XS Media Ventures, a multi-media event, promotion, business incubator, new business startup and redevelopment consulting company. I'm into everything from modern art, tiki and pop surrealism to wine collecting to vintage guitars to all things touching, and touched by, technology. For starters.
Edge of the Apocalypse 