Category — Salt of the Earth

Watching the movie, “Dreamgirls,” one of the messages struck me very strongly. To paraphrase, it was “having all the privileges, without taking responsibility.” It made me wonder if that’s the way most people who have “privilege” think life is supposed to go. We see it all the time in celebrities and leaders who are in the news and on magazine shelves living lives seemingly without responsibility.

These are people we think should know better because we look up to them with admiration and respect and follow their every act with absorbed curiosity. Their lifestyles, however, are often less self-controlled than our own. Their names are constantly connected to illicit affairs, the break-up of marriages and families, drugs, alcohol, rehab centers, jail or prison, suicides, overdoses, embezzlements, etc., etc.

There are millions of people not in the limelight, however, who trudge to their jobs and businesses everyday and keep the homes fires burning. Those who are being responsible, but are generally ignored and unappreciated should have a holiday declared in their honor called “The Salt of the Earth Day.” This special day should be dedicated to all who are paying dues but not making news.

All those moms and dads and single parents struggling to make homes for their children; those teachers whose patience is stretched beyond the limit; the government workers with demanding clients; the clean-up and maintenance crews everywhere; small business owners trying to serve their customers; doctors, nurses, pastors, counselors, lawyers, firemen, and police officers, who are dedicated in their missions; the writers, athletes and entertainers who give their all for their audiences; and all the rest who do their best on a daily basis.

I believe the ones who take their responsibilities seriously are the “Salt of the Earth,” and whether or not they get recognition may not be their main concern, but they earn and deserve the right to be included among the privileged.

The Salt of the Earth