Compassion = To suffer with (etymologically derivative of Latin). Empathy = the action of longing to feel someone’s feelings.
On March 24, 1997, I was sworn in to become a U.S. Citizen under the Clinton Administration. I was 12 years old. I didn’t know much then. But, I vividly remember the U.S. Office of Immigration downtown Chicago. It was a place that I would eventually walk by and live by during my undergrad years (I lived off of Michigan Ave while attending Columbia College Chicago). It was a place where people waited in line to receive documentation. A place where both cheers and tears resided.
Currently, as I am technically a pastor and music director at a church, an adjunct professor of music at a university, a professional musician who plays in clubs, bars, corporate events, flying to private events, producer for several artists and bands, and a husband and father married into an interracial family, I can’t help but have the internal push toward compassion. I am deeply moved and compelled by friends and indirect friendships being greatly affected by this horrific time. I personally know those who have been wrongly accused or detained. I have compassion and empathy for those who are living in the everyday tension of their immigration status, doing my every little bit to help and strengthen the fabric of integrity here in San Diego.
As I celebrate the U.S. day of independence, I am subjected to the pain and tears of these past few months that have seemed to overshadow this day - rightly so. So, as I celebrate this holiday, I, too, am convicted by the voices that say “remember me, remember us.” Sort of like what Jesus said at communion right before he was betrayed, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
If anyone knows me here in San Diego, they probably know that I don’t tout my religion or faith (I’m actually highly critical of it), I express my commitment to you as a friend through encouragement, and I am radically inclusive bearing no judgement. This day is of importance. But, I charge you to remember those fighting the fight and bearing the weight of the anxious tension.
Ian
#independanceday #4th #nokingsday #citizenship #adoption
Umm… So….You’ll want to come out to this TONIGHT (Friday, May 15th). If you like music, dancing, drinking, having fun with friends, then tonight is a good night to catch @pocketcandy_sd at one of the best and hottest spots in San Diego: @loulousclub . It’s a club dedicated to high energy, good vibes, and endless dancing, and, of course top shelf SD bands.
Playing funk, gospel drives, and nu-jazz tonight. All high energy with a special tune at the end.
We hit at 8:00 PM!!!!!
Tonight with POCKETCANDY featuring a badass group from@our San Diego music scene:
@ianpatrickcler - guitar 🎸
@rossrizzo - saxophone 🎷
@livemusic4life - bass 🎸
@rymandmusic - keys/ organ 🎹
@shaadg_scmusik - drums 🥁
We play just high energy music. And, if you drink a little more, the music sounds better by the second. Come hang with us. YOLO. Just do it.
Ross & Ian
There is no universe big enough that could contain their love for their children. Happy Mother’s Day to these spectacular women. @fairlandgirl and @nminter14 .
Beautiful women.
#mothersday #mywife #mymother
Studio session. In the studio with one of the greatest in San Diego - @spinit_antar . Super thankful for him. He’s a formidable composer and musician. San Diego’s best.
#studio #record #protools #guitar #read
My family left me. So, I had to fly solo. This was a very meaningful Easter at @eastlakechurchcv ! 14 years!
IYKYK! :)
#guitar #musicdirector #redirect #follow #slay
