“People need to wake up. They can’t hear God’s voice if they’re asleep.” - Vernon Cooper, LUMBEE
In every community, there exists a sense of shared conscience, a hoop of many hoops as Black Elk, a Sioux, would describe. When our collective consciousness is clouded by dysfunction—whether it be through alcoholism, family abuse, violence, racism, or other forms of disarray—we may grow accustomed to these states and accept them as normal. In such times, we remain spiritually asleep, giving our power away to negativity.
It is the Coyote Clan’s sacred duty to awaken us from this slumber, even if by becoming a nuisance. Like the Twelfth Step in our journey of recovery, we learn that engaging in this act of spiritual awakening carries no risk of failure. When we attempt to awaken someone—whether from the grip of addiction or spiritual dormancy—we plant the seeds of recovery and hope. We, too, are nourished by these actions, ensuring our own growth and continued path toward light.
Our journey is not devoid of discomfort. Growing into maturity and grace requires us to confront uncomfortable situations and take loving action. Avoiding these challenges might have been our instinct during times of addiction or spiritual dormancy, but our recovery teaches us to engage. By doing so, we transform our discomfort into a demonstration of our growth and an increase in our spiritual and emotional resilience.
No longer do we avoid the awkwardness of life. We participate fully, learning that every challenging moment is an opportunity to evolve. We become beacons of recovery and spiritual vitality, embodying the change we wish to see in our communities. In giving ourselves fully to this journey, we receive the greatest gifts of all: a sense of purpose, clarity, and a deeper connection to the divine.
Just for Today: I will be a living example of spiritual awakening and maturity. By embracing discomfort and sharing hope, I wake up to my truest self and help others find their path.