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Some 45 years ago, just out of the blue my father asked me, "Are you hear, or are you there?" Confused and caught off guard because that was not his nature, I had no answer. I just stood there before him and replied, "Huh?"
He asked, "Are you in this room, or are you in that room?" So, I said, "Well, if I am right in front in front of you I guess I am in this room." Then he rolled over on the couch as he said, "Are you?"
That memory stayed with me for many years. Perhaps in part, because it was so unlike him, but more likely because I never truly understood what his question was. But, with time (15-20 years of time) I figured it out. It was right there, in front of me, the whole time. And, when I did, it changed me.
How wrong I was to conclude that simply standing before him placed me in "this room."
He asked me the question because he didn't know, because I never told him, because he never asked before, because it was not apparent, and he couldn't tell whether I loved him. You see, although I had a stance, he was not sure what it was. And, I learned how important it is, not only to have a stance, but to fortify it by letting others know exactly what it is. It was then that I began to speak out.
Take a stance and let it be known. Whether it is loving someone, or intolerance of another, a political view, a faith, a favorite hobby or garden; express yourself! It is OK to be outspoken. Announce yourself! Remove your costume! Let all see who you are! Practice your faith! Brag about your hobby and your garden! Share both your joy and your failures! Speak out about these things!
For to hide in your closet, to be silent, to be passive, to not denounce those things that you don't like, to run from your aggressors, or to pretend to be one that you are not, will only lead others forcing their ways on you. That is precisely why Americans have let things come to be what is today. It is because we did not speak out against those that were "over there."
Since Biblical times, many have said through a variation of words, "If you are not with me, then you are against me!" So, are you here, or are you there? You know where I stand. If not, ask me. But, to gain my respect, I need to know yours. And, if you don't, I'll place the label on you that I think is appropriate.
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If you won't fight, then you better be prepared to run for your life. Take the poll to the left.
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we live in an microsoft kind of world ~ there are no right or wrong ways, just many ways. it seems as if it doesn't matter how you get there, but that you get there. people are in many different places ~usually where they need to be. and that is okay too. (or so we are told)
ReplyDeletetake a stand? the way we chose to live is our stand.
Geo - Your "Let it be. See or Hear No evil" attitude is why we are where we are. You might like it, but I don't. You see, the Are right ways and ther ARE wrong ways. And things DO matter. Yes, there are many different places, and many ways to stand. You have found yours. Snuggle up in your closet, but if you visit mine, you'll see the way. Thanks for commenting though.
ReplyDeleteSouds as if Geo dosen't with Grand-pa D and is no longer in this room ....but THAT room.
ReplyDeleteGeo, remember that when you get lost...Follow the bread crumbs.
i really liked your bathroom, but have no desire to check out your closet. might find something i dont even want to know about ~ and have to take a stand.
ReplyDeleteplease re-read my comments. the word "seems" is not my opinion, but my observation, as with "what we are told" vs. what we are smart enough to judge for ourselves.
if you are pinning for an argument...find one elsewhere.
and hog...i always have bread crumbs with me. learned that in boyscouts.
Heck, half the time I don't even know what day it is.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I am here, but other times I am there. I don't have to be 100% committed to anyone's position but God's, so I couldn't answer your poll. Even Robert and I disagree from time to time. But I still have his blind side.
Hey I thought honoring your parents was standing
ReplyDeleteon the Lord's side.
We should always have the blind side with family and freinds even when we don't agree and most important the Lord's side. Even though He dosen't our help.
So I rest my case ("are you in this room or that room")