Musings

Thoughts after observing “Wokeness” and Cancel Culture, quarantining for COVID-19, and surviving cancer.

“When a man or woman is truly honest, it is virtually impossible to insult them personally.” ― Brennan Manning

When I've heard myself described by others, sometimes I'm surprised at how positively they perceive me. At other times, the snark and ugly reveals them more than it reveals me. And at still other times, a simple physical description can sting — not because it's given in malice or with a negative slant, but because it's true, and I don't like the trueness of it.

At the risk of being accused of painting with a broad brush, I wonder if many of the "offenses" and "causes" that stir up people's emotions are often rooted in the same unwillingness to admit truth?

We want perceptions to change, but we don't address realities. Things are — but why are they?

Can they change? How?

Should they change? Regardless of how much we wish they were different, is it better that they remain as they are? Can we keep the foundations solid while remodeling the structure?

Have we considered the long-term consequences?
Are we willing to live with those consequences?

We want people to see us in a better light, but we don't address the issues inside us that dim the light. How, then, do we see ourselves?

Food for thought.

"There is the you that people see and then there is the rest of you. Take some time and craft a picture of the rest of you. This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions." ― Brennan Manning, The Furious Longing of God