We inherit prejudices from our family of origin as well as the culture around us and in the media. The first time our irrational prejudices are confronted, it is unlikely that we will give them up. For most of us, overcoming gender, racial, sexual orientation, or religious prejudices was a process of many steps taken over several years. Once free of that curse, we will do well to remember that our transformation took time, reflection, critical thinking, and no small amount of patience out of other people because we need to become the prophets who challenge the many prejudices that remain a part of our society.

Our mind can be our worst enemy, the invisible opponent who keeps us from staying in the battle with our visible opponents. We need to learn to pay attention to how our internal voice is talking to us. Does it tell us that we are a loser, does it call us stupid, or insist that we give up? If so, we really need to take control of our self talk, to focus of positive thoughts, encouragement, and hope. Persons of conscience in this time of great social struggle have to remain "cheerful" as we continue to fight the good fight.

For centuries the world's religions have constructed a mental prison in which they try to control the conduct of their adherents through threats of eternal torture or, for the very good, promises of eternal reward. However, once you awaken to the reality that these are empty promises and threats, in a world where there is not heaven or hell, then there are no moral absolutes . . . then we are left to discern for ourselves, "how shall we then live?"