Page 19 - Voices April 2018

empowerment.

We have much to be grateful for, but the price Commitment
we owe for our comfort is the rent we must pay is what
by giving back to the others in our communities.
On a personal level, as the clock ticks a little transforms a

faster and as I take my values upmarket (using promise into
my moral compass with a keener eye and sharper reality.
focus), when the absence of mutually-enhancing
empowerment is honored in the breach rather Abraham Lincoln

than the observance, I pick up my school supplies
and move on.
When we play well with others, we take turns.
Usually, we do not keep score as we trust others courage, the

to share. But in time, like good wine, the flavor determination, the persistence to stand up
of the relationship will reveal itself. for what he believed in. He had the courage
I, like many of us, have been on the giving side of his convictions. When he signed into law
of a relationship. When in turn we want a little the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1,

help—a little assistance, (sometimes it is plainly 1863, he did not waiver from his goal to define
obvious and the ping pong ball is not returned)— freedom for America. His commitment and
the mutual empowerment is nonexistent and I determination to free the slaves did not win him
move on. The relationship cannot and will not any popularity contests.

grow, there is blockage, there is withholding. Lincoln was determined to live and to be
Time to go, to move on, to go where people play guided by his value system. He was defining
well with others. what freedom meant, not only for the slaves, but
All of these thoughts on how playing well for all citizens of the greatest country on earth.

with others is important, came home to roost. What gave Lincoln his ability, as we look back
My filters for friendships and relationships were with 20-20 vision, to develop the leadership
validated right here in downtown Portland, qualities which he possessed? What did Lincoln
Oregon. I went to the Lincoln exhibit at the do really well which is not talked about often

Oregon Historical Society. enough?
The exhibit was an awesome opportunity to He had social intelligence, he had the ability
learn more about President Lincoln. In 2012, to read people. He knew who he could count on.
the movie Lincoln more than ever caused me He knew what people wanted and needed and

to think about what a wonderful role model this he gave it to them. He knew how to play well
man was and continues to be for us all. with others, he knew how to take turns. He knew
President Lincoln had the courage to take who to ask to get things done. He worked the
a stand on what he felt was right. He had the principle of taking turns. He loaded his cabinet

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