By Bro. Dallas Thompson 5-GE-84
Mafioso said, “Omega men are Born not created.” I believe this to be true. However, Omega Spirit must be fed and refined to grow within our hearts. Omega Spirit is plentiful in those who learn to understand and embrace it. It follows the basic principles of our beloved fraternity. Those four simple words embody the fullness of the Spirit. Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift are words and ideals that are in the public domain. In truth, most of us can think of people that project some understanding of the strength of those ideals, but don’t wear purple and gold. However, the sacred knowledge of the synergy created by adding the substance of the principles with the poetic philosophy that Friendship is Essential to the Soul is reserved only for the few.
For those who understand it, Omega Spirit is a part of all they do. It guides the mind, body, and soul. It projects a power that others see, but don’t quite understand. Omega Spirit grows from hardship, but it is nurtured by love. The foundation of Omega Spirit, once laid, determines the strength of everything built upon it. But, just as people outside the fold may have adopted some of our life principles, some that wear our colors have not. Once you’ve embraced Omega Spirit it’s easy to tell who is who, because the fortitude of a person’s spirit will reflect in everything they do. It takes blood, sweat, and tears to make Omega, but that’s the easy part. Courage, endurance, and obedience can allow you to see it through, but faith, sacrifice, and humility help you absorb the light of the Spirit and the priceless value of its warmth.
Each day presents new challenges, but in truth there is just one. To live your creed until you leave this Earth by exemplifying Omega Love. Members vs. Men expresses it well; the concept of full immersion, but words alone cannot translate the extent of its full relevance. When the true Omega Spirit is in your heart, it becomes the catalyst in all you want, do, and dream. It helps you realize that no boundaries can contain you if you’re focused and committed. It also opens your eyes to the understanding that the light cannot be seen by all no matter how hard they try. This understanding helps alleviate the feelings of pain, betrayal, and anger when others degrade or misrepresent the spirit.
Life’s challenges can sometimes be overwhelming. Keeping priorities in perspective is often the key to fulfillment. Learning to use the resources available and an intimate knowledge of one’s own capabilities and limitations are the keys to achievement. Omega Spirit helps you to do both. We all understand the obligations incurred by those who have crossed the burning sands. Unfortunately, some make the mistake of believing that Omega is an organization or institution, when in reality, it is a way of life. If the corporation that is Omega Psi Phi Fraternity ceased to exist, the light that is Omega will continue to shine forever in those who are fully immersed in the Spirit. The journey from curious interest to full immersion cannot be measured in time. It’s a lifelong odyssey that begins with the first recognition of the innate connection that Omega men have with the Spirit and ends with unconditional Omega Love. The journey begins at recognition that Omega Spirit exists, but the true connection begins before the ability to recognize is there. Mafioso said, “Omega men are Born not created”. I know that this is true.