Greetings Men of SIGMA.
Under the leadership of our 24th Eastern Regional Director, The Honorable Darryl T. Williams, I greet you in the name of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. January was a very exciting month for the country as our 44th President of United States of America, Mr. Barack Obama, was sworn into office. The positive mood across the country is very infectious!
February is Black History Month and perfect time to reflect on our roots as a person and a fraternity.
When we follow the flesh, the excuses flow because we never want to take responsibility for our actions. All actions have a consequence – good or bad. Well, its worse when we must follow the rules because it’s really hard to do right and easy to fall upon the ways of the short cuts yet an excuse. We start by rooting out the excuses but it will be a painfully experience. Most excuses are painfully realities within our Fraternity and major steps are being taken to resolve these issues but we need your help.
Pain is weakness leaving the body – physically, emotionally and physiological. Pain is a tough experience but it toughens you up for the road ahead. Adam’s action has made it quite difficult for men but it is our place to lead by example no matter the pain. We should be defending the principles and following the rules of our Fraternity and providing service to our chapters and the communities we reside in an infinite, absolute and unrelenting manner. Unfortunately, for some brothers this is a painfully experience and the excuses flow.
Pain is acknowledging that our fraternity is not fully realizing the dream of our Founders. What is on the road ahead? It is very difficult to know where you are going if you don’t know where you’ve come from and learn from those experiences. Everyone is a library with history, knowledge and resources. I’m just one volume in the history of SIGMA and so are you. We must rally and cherish each and every brother while they are alive. We must encourage all brothers to invest into Fraternity and express why they are needed. We must celebrate those that have moved on into the Omega Chapter and honor their service. How will we overcome this? I have several suggestions: we must pray and have strong faith, make the most of our current situation(s) thus resolving on our weaknesses and enhancing our strengths, don’t run from difficult situations as conflict does not build character, it only reveals it and a good brother knows how to follow when required and/or requested. We must change our mindset. I’m counting on the Eastern Region to be that shining light. I encourage you to be part of the process.
Man was created with a free will and man is always free to act but never to act so as to frustrate his ultimate plan. God’s method has always been to use ordinary people like you and I to achieve his purpose. “Unless you continually work, evolve, and innovate, you’ll learn a quick and painful lesson from someone who has.” – Cael Sanderson. I’m just one stone cast away by man but have been kept for the potential to be a corner stone. God is not done with me and he’s not done with you either.
As always, I ask that we continue to support “Mission Possible: Vision 2010” as we push towards the stated goals for the region. We must continue the concept of “Each One, Reach One” and it will be done “One Brother, One Chapter” at a time. Be the change you wish to see happen as brotherhood mandates that such events occur. I truly appreciate the work and effort of every chapter and brother in the Region. May peace and grace continually be upon you and yours.
In SIGMA,
Bro. Leonard Lockhart
Eastern Regional Vice Director
