“Walking in the rain with the one and the cause that I love.”

This past Sunday afternoon my wife and I participated with more than 7,000 others in the 34th Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk. Every year we look forward to it because people of all ages, religions, sexes, professions, and incomes come together for a common cause.  Seeing that large turnout this year was extra gratifying because of all of the divisiveness that the media bombards us with each and every day. Indeed, a march of 70 racists would have gotten more media coverage than our gathering of over 7,000.

As I looked over the crowd, I also thought about how the walk and the Atlanta Community Food Bank are the result of one man—Bill Bolling—taking a stand against hunger in Atlanta over 30 years ago.  I always leave the Hunger Walk inspired and energized about the difference one determined person can make in this world.

While walking, I also reflected on how helping others has helped me.  For example, as I achieved greater professional success, I became more judgmental of others. As I learned more about what caused them to be in their situation, the scripture “There but for the grace of God, go I” came to mind.  The judging stopped and the walking started.

I want to end with a big “Thank You!” to all who are participating in a cause that is bringing people together and making a difference in this world. If you are not, I have an extra pair of walking shoes.

#WednesdayWisdom

 James Dallas is the author of Mastering the Challenges of Leading Change: Inspire the People and Succeed Where Others Fail and an accomplished senior executive. As president of James Dallas & Associates, he consults with and speaks to companies and organizations about managing change. He has been named one of the most powerful black men in corporate America several times in his career by Black Enterprise and Savoy magazines.