"You're gonna need a bigger boat"
--Brody
I don't fit in. And frankly, I don't want to.
I have understood for years that I am an island. There are few people to whom I really relate. Few with whom I have a real connection on all levels. Fortunately, I found one, long ago, and we have made a life together. A slightly larger island, perhaps. Not even close to a continent.
I have several close friends. Many acquaintences. And, well, that is really the way I like it. I dedicate large amounts of time to those I deem worth my friendship and hate to invest much in throw-away relationships. This is what brings me to write this evening.
Lately I have noticed that many of those to whom I have a more dedicated relationship do not share my beliefs or my values. Have they changed? Have I changed? The answer to each of these questions is "no". I think it may just be starting to matter. As it should.
I have no intention of discarding my parents. My brother. Other "friends" whom I consider myself to be very close. But our differences are starting to become more pronounced and my ability to temper my beliefs seems to be wearing thin.
I feel that we have a moral responsibility to stand up for those things that we feel are right. I understand that I am at odds in many of my beliefs to those around me I hold dear. I understand diplomacy and believe myself to be adept at the practice. But I am finding it harder and harder to hold my tongue and to keep from speaking up when my values are crossed.
It is interesting to me that when I speak out, some with whom I disagree fall silent. In the past, this was my approach as well. Some will never see my side of the issues but others, perhaps, will be able to come around to at least respect if not appreciate other interpretations of the world in which we live.
I am priviledged to have been born into relative affluence. My parents educated me, gave me every opportunity in life. And their parents before them. I am fortunate and always have been. I do not take this for granted and strive to assist others who are less fortunate than I. Have I done everything I could? Absolutely not. But I am working on it.
But I digress. Essentially, I have grown to understand that we all have the opportunity to address an audience, however small. And in doing so, we have many options as to what we put forth. I choose to continue to share my beliefs in the hope that they can make small changes in the way others see the world. And, perhaps, this island will grow.
(A very good friend gave to the Red Cross last week. His first donation to an organization to which he had no direct relationship or history.)
--Brody
I don't fit in. And frankly, I don't want to.
I have understood for years that I am an island. There are few people to whom I really relate. Few with whom I have a real connection on all levels. Fortunately, I found one, long ago, and we have made a life together. A slightly larger island, perhaps. Not even close to a continent.
I have several close friends. Many acquaintences. And, well, that is really the way I like it. I dedicate large amounts of time to those I deem worth my friendship and hate to invest much in throw-away relationships. This is what brings me to write this evening.
Lately I have noticed that many of those to whom I have a more dedicated relationship do not share my beliefs or my values. Have they changed? Have I changed? The answer to each of these questions is "no". I think it may just be starting to matter. As it should.
I have no intention of discarding my parents. My brother. Other "friends" whom I consider myself to be very close. But our differences are starting to become more pronounced and my ability to temper my beliefs seems to be wearing thin.
I feel that we have a moral responsibility to stand up for those things that we feel are right. I understand that I am at odds in many of my beliefs to those around me I hold dear. I understand diplomacy and believe myself to be adept at the practice. But I am finding it harder and harder to hold my tongue and to keep from speaking up when my values are crossed.
It is interesting to me that when I speak out, some with whom I disagree fall silent. In the past, this was my approach as well. Some will never see my side of the issues but others, perhaps, will be able to come around to at least respect if not appreciate other interpretations of the world in which we live.
I am priviledged to have been born into relative affluence. My parents educated me, gave me every opportunity in life. And their parents before them. I am fortunate and always have been. I do not take this for granted and strive to assist others who are less fortunate than I. Have I done everything I could? Absolutely not. But I am working on it.
But I digress. Essentially, I have grown to understand that we all have the opportunity to address an audience, however small. And in doing so, we have many options as to what we put forth. I choose to continue to share my beliefs in the hope that they can make small changes in the way others see the world. And, perhaps, this island will grow.
(A very good friend gave to the Red Cross last week. His first donation to an organization to which he had no direct relationship or history.)
lesleyslenning:
amen!