We Are the World, We Are the Children
There comes a time
when we heed a certain call
when the world must come together as one.
Michael Jackson
In a journey down Memory Lane this morning, we were led to revisit an old favorite of ours – a song that speaks to us of the present time, just as clearly as it spoke of our world 36 years ago.
In January 1985, “USA for Africa” brought together 45 singers and musicians to create “We Are the World,” as part of their album to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. More than 7 million records were sold, raising more than $60 million dollars, which supported hundreds of humanitarian initiatives in Africa.
Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and directed by Quincey Jones and Michael Omaretian, “We Are the World” brought together some of the biggest artists at the time to create a collaboration that inspired the world to step up and think globally.
We are the world ---- USA Africa
As we listened to the words, we heard them from the perspective of the present moment, and we realized that they are timeless.
We invite you to join with us as we revisit this journey.
There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all
We can't go on
Pretending day-by-day
That someone, somewhere soon will make a change
We're all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need
Chorus:
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me.
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Oh, send them your heart
So they know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread
And so we all must lend a helping hand
Chorus
When you're down and out, there seems no hope at all
But if you just believe there's no way we can fall
Well, well, well, let us realize
Oh, that a change can only come
When we stand together as one, yeah, yeah, yeah
Chorus
This song is a clear invitation to remember our kinship with one another and to understand that we all have a part to play in addressing the challenges in the world today. The choices we make determine our own lives, and also have an impact on the world around us. Big changes will happen only when we stand together to create a better world.
Together, we can make a difference.
Every several months, we return to a video of “We Are the World” for an energetic boost. The music pulls us in and gives us pleasure. It is also a reminder of how powerful we are when we join with others for a good cause.
The song was written in a different time. Today’s challenges are global, and the world has become more polarized, but the message is still the same. We may have forgotten our kinship, but we are still interconnected, whether we want to acknowledge it or not. So how can we use this song to inspire us to action in today’s world?
We come with a question, not an answer. Sometimes the best thing we can do is to live with a question until an answer presents itself, which it often does, if we stay with it and pay attention to what shows up.
So, if you want to dance with us on this, here are some questions to consider:
- Are there local or national organizations that I feel drawn to volunteer with or to support financially?
- Thinking either locally or globally, what is an unmet need that would inspire people to come together?
- Who might be the natural partners in pursuing this project?
- How could we inspire large numbers of people to support this project?
For inspiration, we invite you to watch “We Are the World.” Allow yourself to be pulled into the joyful energy of the music. Let it get into your body and your soul.
Then ask your question and see how quickly an idea will show up. When it does, no matter how small or how large it may seem, write it down. Share it with someone else of like mind – you don’t want a cynic or a curmudgeon here - and have the fun of brainstorming the idea to see what creative ideas show up.
Even if you don’t see a possible path forward, if the issue matters to you, invite other people to share their ideas on how to make it happen. As an idea grows, it has an energy of its own, and that will attract others who share your concern.
This is a time for stepping out of our boxes, whatever they look like, and trusting life to inspire us and support us as we go forward. Life is an adventure. Let’s embrace our questions and see where they lead us.
Above all, enjoy the journey.
For more information about USA for Africa and their on-going work, visit:
What are your thoughts?
If these ideas spoke to you, please share this post and leave a comment below, so others may benefit from your ideas.
We’re grateful that you are on this journey with us.
With love from our hearts to yours,
Pat and Larry
