The story of the Detroit, Michigan singer/songwriter Rodriguez sounds too fantastical to be true.  Rodriguez released his debut album “Cold Fact” in 1970.  While it didn’t sell very well in the United States, the album made its way to South Africa and became a huge hit.  This was during the time of apartide, when South Africans lived under an authoritarian regime with institutionalized racial segregation and the country was largely shut off from contact with the rest of the world.  The album spoke to the political climate of that time, with its songs of sorrow and struggle and justice, with titles such as “The Establishment Blues,” “Crucify Your Mind,” and “Rich Folks Hoax.”  My favorite is “I Wonder.”  Here’s a taste of the lyrics:

I wonder about the tears in children’s eyes
And I wonder about the soldier that dies
I wonder will this hatred ever end
I wonder and worry my friend
I wonder, I wonder, wonder don’t you?

These songs served as anthems for this era in South Africa and Rodriguez became a legendary character, complete with rumors that he died while performing live on stage.  Yet Rodriguez was completely unaware of his success and went about his life in Detroit, working mostly in construction.  In 2012, the documentary Searching for Sugarman attempted to tell this story as the filmmakers set out to uncover the truth about this mysterious artist, and they ended up finding Rodriguez, very much alive.  The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and led to the album’s re-release.  Rodriguez then toured worldwide and performed in front of crowds of adoring fans. 

This story reminds me of how we often don’t know what impact we’re having on others.  Certainly this happened on a large scale as Rodriguez was completely unaware that his music was inspiring a nation, providing hope and momentum to a movement towards justice and peace.  But I think this also happens in small and subtle ways every day.  In the Jewish tradition, when someone dies, the custom is to say, “may their memory be a blessing.”  Our whole lives are blessings.  Every day we have the opportunity to be a blessing for one another. 

When we pick up the phone to call a friend, our listening presence might be exactly what they need.  When we smile at the clerk at the grocery store or thank the person re-stocking the shelves, we might be the only smile or the only thanks they receive that day.  When we share our struggles, we might bring some comfort as others learn they are not alone.  Our words and our actions are powerful and contain the potential for transformation. 

Today I invite you to remember that in all you do, you’re making an impact.  May your life be a blessing.

Blessings & peace to you,

Jennifer, CPE Intern