Asking for crumbs

By Jorge Lockward

During my high school years, as I faced  academic subjects that were not my forte, my mother Lina offered the following advice,

                "Mi hijo, aspira a 100 para que saques 80,"
                which could translate in the US alpha based grading system
                "My son, shoot for an A+ so you get a B." 

The principle behind my mom's aphorism called me to look beyond what seemed "realistic," to set my aspirations higher than what I thought was possible, to ask boldly of myself, others, and of life itself.

Granting the limitations of this principle, particularly at moments where, after shooting high, realities on the ground call for the wisdom of negotiation and revised expectations, we would do well as a progressive movement to heed my mom's advice. Too often, it seems, we are content with accommodating our aspirations to anticipated obstacles before we even ask for what we really want. Too often we settle for moderate, sympathetic leadership when what we really need is risk-taking, courageous leaders. Too often we fall into the trap of incrementalism before we even give the Spirit's power a chance to shine and surprise us through our actions.

The price we pay goes beyond the tangible outcomes. A part of our soul is chipped away whenever dreams and hopes are suppressed before they are given a chance. Slowly, but surely, cynicism clouds and eventually take over our God-given dreams.

Wisdom and audacity are not mutually exclusive for there is a wisdom in timely audacity. There is indeed a time for everything under the sun; a time to ask, a time to withdraw, a time to move and a time to stand still. Beyond identifying the proper time, it is the quality of the asking, withdrawal, movement and stillness that requires our attention. When it is the time to ask, audacity is a virtue.

Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8 (NRSV)