Gaga for Gaga

   Sometimes we are fortunate and stumble across people, ideas, books or shows that tell us what we need to hear at exactly the right time. Most often we don't even know we need to hear the message which is part of the unexpected wonder of it all.  Over the last week or so I have been pondering about my heart's passion, that passion that lies at the core of our being and gives life meaning and direction.  It is more than just a job, more than simply existing.  The heart's passion goes deep into us and finds expression in the world as it moves people to awareness and wholeness. George Clooney, in his stand against the Sudanese government, seems to have captured part of his. 
  As I channel surfed tonight one last time before heading to bed, I landed on Oprah's channel and her interview with Lady Gaga.  I must admit until tonight I knew very little about Lady Gaga, other than she wears some very interesting shoe apparel.  As I listened to her talk with Oprah my admiration grew for this young woman with the strange outfits and interesting music.  She has started a foundation called "Born This Way".  Her passion, given voice in this foundation, is help people to accept and be proud of who they are no matter  conventional culture might say.  She speaks out for the vulnerable and marginalized.  As one of the most powerful and wealthy women on the planet she has chosen to bring all of that to bear in bringing about a shift of consciousness.  Instead of promoting hatred or judgement she chooses to speak of inclusivity and acceptance.  Impressive from one so young in years.
   Far older and far less famous, I continue to look for the clarity of my heart's passion that Gaga seems to have found.  It is coming.  I can feel it.  In the time until it does I continue to be inspired by those who have found their way to the passion of their hearts.  People like Lady Gaga, and maybe George, Mother Teresa point the way.  There are others who are less known like Joyce, who at eighty, runs the local food bank.  There is Wendy who volunteers countless hours each month to Victim Services.  There is Frank who makes it his mission to ensure that the little old ladies who live in the neighborhood have their snow is shoveled in the winter and their grass cut in the summer. 
    Lady Gaga is truly an inspiration.  She gives me hope for the world.  The others who live around me remind me that I can find my heart's passion here right where I am.  When I find it, I will know it and a new journey will begin.