We are living in incredibly stressful times. From the once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully) pandemic to the economic fallout, the continued devaluing of black and brown lives and polarizing political perspectives, we are all hurting – and hurting deeply.

Over the last few months, I have been engaging with class members, alumni, corporate partners and sponsors and the community at large and the themes I am hearing are uncertainty and fear – about jobs and personal financial stability, the overall economy, how to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic, how to support at-home school-aged children while working full-time, concerns about who will be the next person to be unjustly treated or even killed…I wish I had the solutions to these complex and deeply rooted challenges; unfortunately, I have neither a silver bullet nor the answers.

What I can offer is perhaps a different perspective and a few resources. Rather than trying to fight uncertainty, try leaning into it. Think about the possibilities that open up when you can’t control things. When we have an open mind and an open heart huge gifts of new opportunities, ways of life, prioritization of values, etc. have room to take hold.

Secondly, take action. LBC’s Class of 2020 has adopted the mantra, “If you are not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” Finally, whether you are religious or not, two sources of strength and insight that I fall back on are the Serenity Prayer and books by Pema Chodron. Pema is an American Tibetan Buddhist nun whose insights into giving up the illusion of control and grounding are life-altering.

This newsletter issue has lots of information and opportunities that you don’t want to miss; so, please read on for opportunities to support Baltimore County, LBC and be a great servant leader.

With gratitude,
Amanda