Are you a "Distinguished Warrior" ?

• Last week I was truly moved by the legacy of a true American icon to the American people, Michael Jackson. Recently, a friend of mine, Mrs. Tyneise J. Seaborough (2008) wrote an inspirational book called, “The Distinguished Warrior.” In the book, Seaborough referenced the story of David. Seaborough used David’s story to conclude how he followed God’s command and defeated Goliath. Seaborough (2008) coined David’s commitment to follow God’s request through all the world’s opinions and obstacles, by calling him, “The Distinguished Warrior.” I am moved by, “The Distinguished Warrior’s,” willingness to continually motivate himself through God’s teachings and principles to constantly see the truth, even through his own turmoil and dismay. However, like David, Michael faced many demons in his life as well, but was still a true inspiration of truth and power for peace for many Americans. More than solely inspiring Americans, he also united people globally through his device called, MUSIC.

During his funeral, a courageous political leader, Representative of Texas, Ms. Sheila Jackson-Lee, introduced House Resolution #600 to the 111th Congress. On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Jackson-Lee, honored Jackson as a global humanitarian and musical ambassador on behalf of America in HR 600. Jackson-Lee noted how Jackson kept walking through the despair, and was called to work as an advocate and made a commitment to public service. She suggested that Jackson moved us all. Today, I am moved by both David and Jackson, who kept moving ahead by their ambition to purpose. Their own purpose defined their ambition to help humanity, rather than destroy it.

What Congresswoman Jackson-Lee identified was a true American Story, why Americans resemble a different courage and pride than other citizens in other nations. As an American, Jackson embodies how even the darkest moments in our history will unite us, because he remembered to look beyond one particular moment and keep making music. Beyond his trial, even the day before his death, Jackson was rehearsing for his big comeback tour. Jackson, although he is gone, is our own American Icon; he is our, “Distinguished Warrior.”

Jackson represents how American values transpose use, even when we are not cognizant of them: passion and pride is our own commitment to freedom. The American Spirit to keep going in the midst of battle. The American Spirit to achieve greatness in your own calling to service, and to survive the public, no matter how dark and steep the climb is up the mountain.

Today, I am reminded how Jackson dedicated his music to identify peace, freedom and the values of liberty to protect even his own pursuit of happiness, while also facing his own demons. Now I ask who will come behind him to inspire Americans. What is your calling? How will you protect American values, while also being a, “Distinguished Warrior”?

Jackson fought for his own right to enter the music scene, while facing prejudice and discrimination because of his ethnicity. How will you as a woman, fight as a public servant, while facing prejudice and sexism? The point is to identify why you want to run and use your purpose as a catalyst to motivate the hearts of other women like you. I am motivated by the dream to reach big and act high. I will only reach, as far as I can dream. However, when will you reach your full potential and pursue your calling as the, “Distinguished Warrior,” you are? Consequently, Shirley Chisholm suggests that our moment is now, “at present, our country needs women’s idealism and determination, perhaps more in politics than anywhere else.” She also noted that “I don’t measure America by its achievement, but by its potential.”

How will you help America achieve its full potential? How will you inspire and help our nation evolve? The answer is simply to do it, and inspire others in that way other women have inspired you!