www.DanielMcCree.OrgNovember 2, 2010
A note from the Editor:
As we pass into November, the weather gets chilly, and life itself seems to slow down a bit.
November calls the passing of the leaves, and the hints of challenges that lay ahead. I often speak to others about "listening" to both the inner voice we each possess, as well as the spirit voice that also offers us guidance in life.
Over the past month of October, I have been hard-pressed to listen and heed my own advice. Through this reflection, several key decisions had to made to continue on the path that has been layed before me. As is often the case in life, we must take leaps of faith, not knowing exactly "why" things present themselves in the manner they do, but simply walk the line, and know that the destination has been prepared ahead.
After months of reflection and prayer, I made the difficult decision to stop driving, and take to the "pedestrian lifestyle" utilizing public transit to get around whenever possible. This came as the result of several not so subtle events that lead me in this direction.
I have heard Daniel's voice tell me, "Get out amongst the people", which is exactly what I must do. In this endeavor, I shall surely become a humble servant, rather than a casual passerby in life. It has also been a decision, that once made-- those worries about transit, simply fell into place.
I have already made arrangements to get to Choir practice at church, and other functions I need to continue to devote my time to. I also knew that other things were in the making, in areas I had not anticipated, but once again, we walk forward, simply knowing we are but instruments to a larger plan.
In mid October, I reaffirmed my commitment to EZEKIEL Project, an HIV/AIDS outreach at MCC of Greater St. Louis. In return, I was blessed to find a larger response of participants than we have had for quite some time. The revived outreach also came with a renewed vision, and a clarity of mission I have long since believed was needed in our community.
As the month of November rolled in, my time with Metro East Pride came to a natural conclusion, allowing me to step back, and re-focus on the HIV/AIDS outreach in both St. Louis and Southern Illinois. I will also continue to work with local organizations such as Transhaven, who has been a valuable partner in LGBT issues in our work together over the past year.
I am very excited to have the opportunity of re-focus, and can say proudly that my work with Metro East Pride was of great importance, and will allow Southern Illinois to celebrate its diversity & equality for years to come. I too was personally moved by all the wonderful people I represented, and all the people I came to know since 2009.
The Daniel McCree Foundation once again has a complete Board of Directors, and will plan to meet in November as we prepare to observe World AIDS Day, with both MCCGSL and Bethany Place in Belleville. I am looking forward to 2011, and potential community partners with Q&A-SWIC/Austin Mueller Scholarship Fund, as well as ONE SAINT LOUIS, who's mission is to fill the gaps in LGBT social services available throughout our region.
November is a Month to Remember,As we observe two very special days this month,
November 20th, is Transgender Day of Remembrance, and
NOVEMBER 21,st-- we will celebrate and observe Daniel McCree's Birthday.
Daniel would have turned 32 years old this year, and we may consider a commemorative print in honor of this day.
Thanks to all of you who have supported the Daniel McCree Foundation since we began in 2007.
Our work, is in fact organic, and often takes us places we had not anticipated. However that being said, we always find out once we get there the "Why" we never understood on our way.
Peace & Shalom, Colby Kluthe
Chief Editor, DanielMcCree.Orgeditor@danielmccree.org
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www.BellevillePride.com & www.DanielMcCree.Org
Metro East Pride Board of Directors in 2010. As a participant in Ezekiel Project, the HIV/AIDS outreach ministry at MCC of Greater St. Louis, Kluthe will speak to the ongoing challenges faced by those newly diagnosed, as well as those who have battled the stigma of HIV for many years.
