ISLAND VOICES
Remain faithful to a vision

By Seaward B. Grant
Honolulu resident

This year, for the first time, Hawai'i will have a woman as chief executive. Linda Lingle's hard work and persistence helped secure her victory as the first female governor of our state. She stands on the shoulders of other women who have changed history.

During the 19th century, women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were working diligently to secure the rights of women to vote, hold positions in government and own property.

At the same time Mary Baker Eddy had been making a significant impact on the world, fulfilling many of her own dreams. Although she passed away before women received the right to vote, she established an international newspaper, founded a worldwide religion and wrote a book on spiritual healing that is still being read by people all over the world.

The Boston Post circa 1906, had written, "One does not need to accept the doctrines of Mrs. Eddy to recognize the fact that this wonderful woman is a world power."

What most interests me about these women's lives, though, is their ability to see beyond their immediate experience. In other words, their ability to remain faithful to their vision, no matter what the circumstance. Just as Lingle has outlined a visionary platform for her time in office, women and men throughout history have been looking beyond their own limited experience, envisioning a better world.

To me, this is a promise that no one is limited by age, gender, generation or society. We have infinite possibilities in achieving good.

Eddy wrote, "Man's possibilities are infinite, bliss is eternal, and the consciousness thereof is here and now."

Irrespective of circumstances, we can experience this boundless consciousness today. Like other pioneers in history, we may face challenges, yet we can meet these challenges through faith in the underlying divine principle of good.

When I step beyond old patterns of selfishness and fear into the perception of unlimited good, I can transcend limitation. I believe this kind of daily work expresses the truest form of government for all.

As the state of Hawai'i begins its new administration, let each of us begin to administer our own righteous self-government. We need not occupy high political office to do this. Our individual administration of self-government can bless ourselves, our communities and all mankind.