Unified Solutions

Critical Race Theory (I like to call it Critical OF Race Theory) seems like such a backwards approach to social reform. Instead of focusing on what is desired and reaching for that goal, validating what steps have been taken in that direction, and holding fast to the vision or dream of what it could/will be - it focuses on being critical of what is currently wrong with a hand-slapping (let’s just say it for what it is – shame and complain) approach for ‘progress’.

Though I get it. That pattern has been a constant struggle in my vocation of parenting.  I seem to have no problem identifying where my children need to improve or make changes (that’s the critical part), though seeing what they do right and valuing the effort they have put into what they do or seeing it as a baby step in the right direction, is sadly not often what is voiced in our dialogue. That is something I have desire to change. Fault-finding is a very ineffective approach to making improvements.

It’s like saying “Don’t think pink”. 

Try as you can, the color green doesn’t pop into your head. Many shades of pink may have flooded your mind but not a spectrum of the rainbow.  When it is said “Don’t look at the different colors of skin - or race”, it brings about the same mental focus on the color differences, rather than the unifying qualities.

While attending my university studies, I recall the difficulty I was experiencing during the unit of diversity in children’s literature. It seemed so ridiculous to me that a piece of literature was merited on whether it included a variety of race, socio-economic factors, lifestyles, etc. rather than the quality of the message the story taught. When I read a story about a black child’s family or an Asian culture experience or a French orphanage or any other scenario, I automatically associate and compare/contrast their experience with my own. I don’t have to have a particular race or culture to validate my identity or feel a connection with the ideas. All the push to make sure inclusion was a component, literally drew my attention toward the differences instead of the commonalities.

The Savior taught us to love one another and love your enemies. He said to feed my sheep. And although he had a chosen people, they were chosen to do a work for him – not to be better than his other children.  I might note that he didn’t say love those who are different than you or less than you. He didn’t instruct his disciples to feed all the diverse dependent animals. The diversity is not the focus – the love is.

Where focus goes, energy flows, and that thing grows. When we focus on the differences or the injustices of something – we get more of it. When we focus on the faults or errors of another, our awareness of it becomes enhanced and we seem paralyzed due to that focus. Now I’m not suggesting that we put our head in the sand and avoid facing problems head on. That would be absurd and counterproductive. But what I am suggesting is align your focus with the desired end. In other words create a vision and an action plan, and when working with other people regarding the goal, approach it from a place of love – not correction.

In our family, we have recently initiated a family counsel with the purpose to problem solve in a united, supportive manner. It is our baby step to becoming one heart and one mind.  It is also producing a healing effect rather than a wounded one. This is an outline of the process.

1. Vision/Obligation – For most problems, the vision is to support and encourage the family member to find a solution to their current challenges. This is where we focus on the love rather than being critical. It also is important to note that when the personal/family issue is discussed, the problem needs to be stated in the context of personal responsibility. I call it being 100% Responsible and acknowledging the mirror effect.
2. Validation – Often times, outside of family counsel, I skip over these foundational steps and go right to fixing the problem, but it is imperative for the vision of unity to really understand the other person’s perspective. Recognize (and verify) the other person’s feelings/thoughts. Walk in their shoes & understand where they are coming from.
3. Appreciation - Empathize and share examples of similar feelings/experiences. This little step does volumes at uniting hearts.
4. Perception - State contrasting feelings/perspective. Many times others haven’t even seen a different perspective and simply raising their awareness to another way of looking at things solves a great deal of difficulties.
5. Solutions – Brainstorm possible problem solve options or simply discuss the situation for heightened awareness and appreciation.

When we blame and complain and desire to give shame and pain to others – we are divided and get defensive. We become critical of others. BUT when we instead focus on vision and personal obligation, express validation and appreciation, and recognize varied perceptions – then we can find solutions to our problems and then we can unitedly work together to fix what is broken.  

The Framework for Building Zion

 

ZION. I simply love that word. It represents so much of the ideal and desired direction, as well as the complete opposite of what we understand in our everyday experiences. Living in a society of one heart and one mind in righteousness - What else could anyone want? If I were to identify my personal dream or desired mission for life, it would be to contribute, even in ever so small a way, to the building up of this glorious standard.

Building Zion doesn’t necessarily entail erecting a structure. It isn’t really something that requires monetary investment, at least not at this point. And it isn’t entirely my doing my part of aligning with Christ and hoping that others will do the same in order to become united. Building Zion requires something even more. It requires influence - and that influence comes in the form of teaching.

Think about that. Teaching. Teaching is what calibrates the many into one. Being a disciple of Christ includes being a teacher for him. Teaching is required to bring about God’s city on earth. Teaching is what has to take place so that when Christ comes again, he will have a dwelling place here on earth. Not only is education the battleground for freedom (that continues the war that began in heaven), but teaching is the format that brings about Christ’s return (pending, of course, on the Lord’s timing). Talk about having a good ‘why’ for pursuing a life’s work in education.

Not the type of teaching that is a presentation in a classroom setting. Not because the teachers have had extensive professional training and certifications that qualify them as experts at their science. And certainly not because the student passes a fabricated test and is now a member of a Zion community.

No. Real teaching involves being a light or example that illustrates the elements of truth that penetrate into the heart of the learner. Teaching that has the sanction and power of the spirit. Teaching that impacts the student to make changes to their very nature.  Of course, that rarely happens in just one lesson. It is going to require a lot of little drops of oil to fill our lamps of readiness.

 When I was attending my university studies, I was introduced to the Danielson Framework for teaching. It was a powerful visual that seemed to identify and arrange the components of teaching in a very organized and foundational manner. I was almost persuaded to have it become my personal model. But the system in which it is utilized is lacking the very source of what could be its strength. A Godless institution can never produce effective teachers. We need an entirely different framework in order to produce the type of teaching that will bring about a Zion people.

So, of course, I attempted my hand at creating a new framework that would not only include the gospel message but also have a heavy reliance on the Spirit. “If ye have not the spirit, ye cannot teach”, right? But, as is often the case, the church already had a framework for teaching, called ‘Teaching in the Savior’s Way’, and it was beautifully done. The Danielson Framework focuses on professionalism and management of the student. The church’s framework focuses on Love - love for the Savior and love for the student.

I long to bring about the establishment of Zion. I yearn to be instrumental in that process. My influence may be minimal in the grand scheme of things. But if it helps the cause and joins the mighty wave of persuasion, then lets get building.