In dim upstage light a cast of 16 people of different ethnic groups dressed in their native clothing stand in front of high, black bar stools. Two women take positions at mics placed at opposite ends of downstage. Lights up on the downstage left mic. An African-American, in vibrant Nigerian dress, sings a prayer in the Muslim tradition. When she is done a Jewish woman dressed in a white robe with traditional Jewish cap and prayer shawl sings a Jewish prayer. As they bow to each other and take their seats with the others, the "Weaver" enters wearing a white caftan with various symbols and patterns; the ethnic origin is not distinguishable. She carries a piece of driftwood that will be handed off from speaker to speaker.

WEAVER This is the most exciting time to be on this planet! Why? Because regardless of what we’ve been taught, regardless of our customs and traditions and standard business practices, everything that we once held sacred is falling apart—at the very least it is up for change.

We are witnessing countries, companies and communities which once held suppression, oppression and exclusivity as vital to their very existence searching for what is real and what is true. And this is wonderful. Why? Because my friends, in the name of control we have all been lied to! And yet, there is that which, in each and everyone of us, hungers for what is real and what is true.

So as we look to the future and see where we are, we are being forced to climb over the walls of our customs and traditions and find out what will heal us; what will sustain us. How does that which is real and true choose to manifest itself in and through us?

Well, since we cannot legislate LOVE…it is really up to You and me, isn’t it?

What do you bring to the table? What do I bring to the table? How does that which is real and true improve our lives both individually and collectively?

For the answers to these questions we have to dig a little deeper. And it is in this excavation of ourselves that we find "The Gift"

"The Gift" (excerpted) debuted at the City of Phoenix MLK Breakfast, Phoenix, Arizona on January 1998. A simple message for those whose love lights the way. 
 

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