I don’t know about you but I often get frustrated with the limited approach that everything has to be “either/or”. For many years, as a teacher, I tried to expand my students’ perspectives so that they would think more inclusively. Much of life is very gray, not black or white, so why do we tend to lock each other in by “only one opinion will do” or “only my approach is the right approach”?
I prefer widening the options as long as they are ethical and moral. Recently, I was reading sections of Richard Rohr’s book, The Naked Now….Learning to see as the Mystics See. Rohr is a contemporary world renowned speaker, and Founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation.
Anyhow, here’s a gleaning of one section of his book which I think holds a very “hopefilled” and empowering invitation for each one of us. I hope the passage below is refreshing for you as well.
I’ve selected just a few lines from his writing entitled…. The shining word “AND”…
“And” allows us to be both-and
“And” keeps us from either-or
“And” teaches us to be patient and long suffering
“And” is willing to wait for insight and integration
“And” helps us to live in the always imperfect now
“And” heals our racism, sexism, heterosexism and classism
“And” allows us to enjoy both sides
“And” is far beyond any one nation or political party
“And” allows us to ask for forgiveness and to apologize
“And” is the mystery of paradox in all things
“And” is the way of mercy
“And” does not trust love if it is not also justice…
“And” does not trust justice if it is not also love
“And” is far beyond my religion versus your religion
“And” allows us to be both distinct and yet united
Our world, our communities, our lives are so polarized in so many ways. Perhaps each of us can infuse our lives with AND….invite others to do so as well!
AND…with that, Live “and” be HOPE this week!
Thank you.
Sr. Debbie Blow