This I Believe -- Robert Blake

Robert K. Blake is a retired Bank of America senior vice president and former director of Leadership Metro Richmond's Leadership Quest program.

Thank you Bob for this sharing. I have had the privilege of knowing Bob for many, many years through our public service together in United Way leadership roles (of Greater Richmond) and our developed friendship. We have had man conversations throughout the years. He truly lives his beliefs.

As I listened to his segment, I was reminded of this wonderful verse. I imagine how much more we would get accomplished if the energy spent on debating, was re-channeled and put to more productive outcomes. This verse, for me, provided a blue print for how we might do such. And the final phrase of 'step into the conflict to reconcile' is both energizing and empowering to all who embrace such motivation--and want to step out of debate and into reconciliation.

In the time of war
Raise in yourself the Mind of Compassion
Help living beings
Abandon the will to fight
Wherever there is a furious battle
Use all you might
To keep both sides' strength equal
And then step into the conflict to reconcile.

Vimalakirti Nirdesa

Wonderful presentation. It defines both the essence of LMR over the last 30 years and offers a valuable idea for how we can get the country moving forward positively.

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