So many of us have lived our lives placing unmerited value on the opinions of others while discrediting our personal truth and reality. Breaking the shackles of people-pleasing requires honest self-appraisal, a healthy dose of self-esteem, and an enormous commitment to self-realization.
“Did you grow today?”
Well, yeah, as much as a nearly 73 year old man can expect to grow. Actually, I am shrinking. I stand 5’10 whereas a few years ago I was 5’11. I wear a size 34 waist that was last year a 38. So, maybe I have stopped growing.
“Did you grow today?”
Dangit, where is that question coming from? I maneuvered through the masked and unmasked crowds at my grocery store, I read the news headlines without losing my religion, I stayed within my diet plan…what do you mean, did I grow today?
“Are you feeling uncomfortable and unsettled about today’s problems with racism and white supremacy?”
Of course, I am. I am very concerned regarding our nation’s course, about the lies we have been feeding ourselves. I don’t like being a ‘privileged white man’.
“Good, then you did grow today. Now, what will you do about it?”
Oh Lord, just how much do you want me to grow?
“Back off, sonny. I ask the questions, you come up with the answers.”
From today’s reading in REDLETTERCHRISTIANS.ORG:
These uncomfortable and unsettling conversations we are having about racism and white supremacy aren’t really on the same scale as the trials endured by marginalized communities, and yet they are necessary. If you have felt unsettled by the news cycle and the reactions, good! That is what we, especially those of us with privilege need to experience, not just for endurance sake, but for the sake of our marginalized human family.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” JAMES 1:2-4
lpb - quest 