An East-Coast family moved into our town.  After a short time Power Mom quickly worked her way through the community and decided which families were the Chosen Ones-you know–the aristocracy–the ones “worth knowing” who had clout, money and prestige.  After a couple of years, she went so far as to create a list and distributed her list to “worthy” new arrivals when they hit town, or when she met them at private schools.

There was some division over The List.  Was it flattering or an insult to be on it?  Could you get your name taken off?  Added?  For most, The List provided endless hours of smirk and speculation.  Prejudice is bad form, but to actually create a list?  Copy it?  Distribute it?  Sick.

It’s easy to write off Power Mom as insecure.  Maybe disgusting.  But before you do, ask yourself one simple question:  Do you have your own List?  Maybe it’s not written down, but do you have one?  Let’s be honest.

I was on a flight to Chicago some years ago.  I was seated next to an old, overweight, unattractive Latino Lady.  She was conservatively attired in a black skirt and white blouse.  I didn’t speak to her for 3 ½ hours until we were on approach.  I assumed she wouldn’t have much to say to add value.  Basically, I assumed that she “wasn’t worthy” of my time.

Turns out Latino Lady had put three kids through Northwestern–two doctors and a lawyer.  Her husband was killed in Vietnam.  She owned and operated a catering company with customers that included Michael Jordan and Mike Ditka.  Other than that, she hadn’t done much with her life.

I barely had time to learn this and we deplaned.  I’m still kicking myself to this day.  I missed a golden opportunity to meet a fantastic person and learn something from her–but I didn’t.  Because, you see, she wasn’t on My List.  I realized, just like Power Mom, I had too had my own list–my own prejudice–my own set of insecurities.  Each and every person on this planet is worth knowing.  Has value and worth.  We don’t need lists.  Just open minds without prejudice.  After all, those who have much do not have more, and those who have little do not have less.   Time to destroy our Lists.