Beyond The Vote

By Staci Wallace

The people have spoken and the votes have been tallied. Last night at 10:00 pm our nation stepped into a moment in history where new dreams were birthed for so many in our nation. What once seemed impossible for an African-American to be the ruler of this great nation, is now an achievement that will forever be "do-able". No longer will it be heralded as "remarkable" for an African American to do anything in this country as we have watched the highest office in this land be secured by President Elect Barak Obama.

Even as I type this, his name comes up as a spell check error signifying that the world, only a few short months ago, had no idea who this man was or how he would change the world. But today, whether he won your vote or not, his victory stands as a symbol of hope for every dream you have in your heart, stating that "anything is possible when you believe".

When Roger Bannister smashed the four minute mile, it was a feat that many declared was "impossible" for man to do. But with the desire to continue his education, Roger used his innate ability in track to seek additional scholarship money to put himself through school. He ran with the hopes of becoming a doctor. What started as a self-directed vision became a catalyst of historical change, proving that "anything is possible when you believe." Once he proved the possibility of his accomplishment of breaking that record, hundreds and eventually thousands of athletes went on to do the same.

What I witnessed last night was far beyond politics or the victory of one candidate over another. What I saw was another "four minute mile" being broken in our nation that tells exclaims to dreamers everywhere that “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE”!!!!

To every African American or anyone with a dream who has ever wondered if opportunities would emerge to give way to their greatness in this country, the proof is in the moment. Yes, anything is possible. Yes, you can, dream the impossible dream. Yes, you can achieve great things others deemed out of reach. Yes, you can break barriers of limitations set by others. Yes, you can change your world.

I encourage each of my EMwomen sisters to dig deep on this one. As somewhat of a "momma" over this community, I have enjoyed seeing the valiant debates and support of your candidates in this election. I have silently watched as so many of you, normally "shy and quiet spectators" move to the front of the crowd to let your voices be heard. Did I always agree with your passions? No. Did I still embrace your zeal and willingness to stand up for your convictions? Absolutely! I know that courage is the beginning of change. When you have courage enough to stand up for what you believe in, you have the power to make a difference.

Whether that courage sets a woman free from abuse or enables creativity and boldness to own your own business, courage begins when you are so passionate about something that it pulls you out of the woodwork and into the spotlight of conviction.

So now what? What happens beyond the vote? Here is what has kept me from sleeping tonight and what I pray will burn as a new passion in your heart. Whether your candidate won or not, I beseech you to take this to heart.

No matter what your Party affiliation may be or how you voted, now it’s time to move beyond the election into a place of action. Your greatest freedom is not the freedom to mark a ballot, but knowing you live in a country that gives you the freedom to become a catalyst of change for the values and principles you
hold most dear.

For example: If you don't like the way government is being run.....run for office! If you are tired of old education models dictating your child's future.....join the PTA or school board and help influence change. If you are pro-life (and many of you have been clearly so)....take your passion beyond the vote and get involved in a local organization that supports your vision for life, make a donation, volunteer for an organization in your community. The point is.... get involved. Don't just wait for things to happen -- get out and use your life, your money, your voice to initiate change and make things happen!

If there is one thing I am passionate about, it is helping individuals see beyond their current reality into a life of what "could be, should be and must be!" This is the greatest country on earth and our leadership now will thrive, not on the standing of who is in the White House, but the millions of Americans who take this opportunity to get involved in their community, their country and their future.

Barak Obama has broken a barrier and written new text for our history books. What is the record that you will break in your lifetime that will prove to your children and their children that anything is possible? If you will possess the passion, determination, commitment, tenacity, work ethic, and “Never give up” attitude, President-Elect Obama possessed, your dreams can become a reality. Dreams come, not to those who hope for things to happen, but they come to those who dedicate their lives to making things happen.

Will you join me in making EMwomen a community of passionate catalysts of change for the future? Will you stand up and let your voice be heard by getting involved in your community, state and schools? Will you agree to pray for our President no matter what your political preference? Will you be a woman who uses her life to change her world?

If you say yes and are willing to help me in this effort by becoming a woman with passion taking action, email me at staci@emwomen.com. I want to know who the real movers and shakers of this community are going to be! For doing so, I want to send you a free download to my latest song, "Stand Up". I pray it will motivate you to do something remarkable with your life.

Remember: Your life is like a fingerprint that will leave an imprint on this nation. The question is: What kind of an imprint will it leave?

Believing the best for you today!

Staci Wallace
Founder, EMwomen.com