Malaak Compton-Rock - Author Details - Random House Australia

Malaak Compton-Rock - Author Details - Random House Australia

2011.01.05 Build a Village; Build a Vision

I saw the interview today with Malaak Rock, wife of Chris Rock on Oprah and wanted to share the resource link with you all for Malaak's 1st book "If it takes a village to raise a child - build one!". You may wish to grab a copy. Remember to try http://www.bookdepository.co.uk when purchasing if you'd like to avoid freight charges.

Many of you know that I've been involved in community engagement around disability issues since the early 1990's. Over the past 2 years my passion for inclusion and for people to find their voice has broadened as a consequence of volunteering at Woorabinda Aboriginal Missions and more recently joining a largely Australian Indigenous & Torres Strait Islander Church.

Did you know there are more than 256 tribal nations and dialects right here within Australia? Are you aware of the history surrounding early settlement of Australia and the disempowerment of generations of Aboriginals?

We've got some work to do in order to build a strong community - a truly global village. But the best way to start is to begin.

Bringing people together. That's connection and reconciliation. Reconciliation is a powerful tool that is close to the heart of God. It begins with Him and is outworked in our life when we grasp the humbling gift of grace.

Malaak Compton-Rock shared a line today that grabbed my attention: "Service is the rent we pay on doing life". This is more than a tithe or a financial offering. This is birthed out of a heart of gratitude.

Consider how you might help build a village today. Here's what you can do:

1. Consider your personal values – what are your ‘not negotiables’ in life? E.g dead set against adultery so LOYALTY may be one; to live unafraid, so COURAGE may be one
2. Develop a personal vision statement – what’s your purpose? Your ‘ah haa this is why I was put on the earth!’ Put it in a sentence or short paragraph. It’s your answer to the”so tell me about yourself” or the “why do you do what you do?”
3. Develop a couple or family vision statement – when life is bigger than yourself you have a choice to think REALLY big!
4. Mind-map a few ideas of what you want to see in your life over the next 3 years (strategic plan) e.g. increased understanding of family members, quicker responses to emerging needs within your community, percentage of your income in donations
5. Break it down to monthly or weekly goal posts that help you with your decision making (operating plan) Who are you going to serve? Where will you volunteer?
6. Celebrate your milestones of achievement (reward & recognition)
7. Be grateful on a daily basis and love on the ones you do life with! Family, colleagues, friends

We can all do our bit to build a global village. Just begin.

Life is a privilege to be honoured.

Tarran