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The Birth of A Movement – Beyond Differences

April 11-2010 – Melanie Nathan- Marin County-

Lili Rachel Smith was born with a physical adversity which she overcame, surgery after surgery, day by day, hour by hour!  Yet to those who participated with her in life, it was not laborious, rather an energetic embrace of life’s offerings, in a manner that belied any inkling of difficulty.  Lili was the one who since her birth endured the physical setbacks of the rare Apert syndrome, yet it was those, who through ignorance and perhaps fear, suffered the worst malady by failing to overcome the shallowness of intolerance that robbed them of the opportunity to step ‘beyond differences.’

To some this may seem like ‘par for the course,’ just the way the world is; yet to the late Lili Smith it was unacceptable and so she found her route from exclusion to purpose and accomplishment.

On the morning of October 10, 2009, Lili’s parents, Laura Talmus and Ace Smith received news that their beloved fifteen year old daughter had passed away peacefully in her sleep, while at Scattergood Friends Boarding School in Iowa, a place symbolic of Lili’s academic achievement.

While her loss seemed unbearable, family and friends could not ignore the vibrancy and zest of spirit that remained almost tactile and unyielding, not only in the memory of Lily which would never fade regardless, but as importantly in her mission  – what she represented and still stood to do.  The realization that Lili’s very being, in every realm of her spiritual existence, has a purpose so profound that it is one which in essence has birthed a timely and much needed movement.

Through the deep connection to her parents and the loud resonance in the wake of her physical departure, Lili has opened the world to a life where perhaps we all can learn to be together, beyond  our differences.

Yesterday afternoon, April 10^th, 2010,  Delores Huerta, close family friend and hero,  blew out  her 80^th birthday candles standing next to a screen with a picture of Lili Rachel Smith, and in front of a sold out hall of friends, family and community,  participated in the founding of  this organization, Beyond Differences, dedicated to Lili’s life and work.  (http://www.beyonddifferences.org)

Friends and family spoke lovingly of their Lili in a way that seemed to pass her spirit as if a baton, to us all – one which must be carried to the finish … one that reaches far beyond what any of us thought possible. … to the race for tolerance, beyond any and all differences.

We must all reach out to at least five friends, and draw their attention to the website www.beyonddifferneces.org, not merely to donate money as many are unable, but to actually do what Lili did and to encourage others to do the same. To cross beyond what we think we are capable of to move ourselves and those around us beyond all differences.

What can I do to join the Movement?

Visit the website www.beyonddifferneces.org,  to view the video of the story of Lili, then you will understand the way I did when I saw it.  Find your own way to bring us all into realms that may otherwise seem uncomfortable, which you may find warm and friendly.

Starting gay/straight student alliances in schools, having lunch with people whom you may not usually gravitate toward because of differences, reaching out to those whom you know are different- to learn about them and teach them about you. Walking away from the “cool” Bully group and taking up friendship with the person being bullied.  There is so much you can do…..

Arrange friendship tours of schools different from your own. Find the your  ‘Kewl ‘ because it is truly cool!

This Video shows some snippets from the extraordinary event that launched “Beyond Differences.” Speakers included:

Speakers:

Principal from Scattergood Friends  School,
Aislinn Neuwirth Cushing, Lili’s best friend
Laura Talmus, Lili’s Mom
Lili’s brother Adam Smith,
Kamala Harris, San Francisco DA and Candidate for Attorney General,
Delores Huerta, Immigrant rights Leader, co-founder the United Farm Workers Union (UFW) in 1962 with Cesar Chavez.  In September of 2003  Dolores was appointed to the Board of Regents for the University of California system.
She also serves on the boards of the Feminist Majority and People for the American Way.
Emcee Jeanne Rittzo,  No on Prop 8 Witness.

Beyond Differences  Lili on Face Book

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Private Courts Inc.
Conflict Resolution, Human & Civil Rights Advocacy

Pictures and Video by Melanie Nathan©
Picture Laura Talmus, Lili’s Mother.

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