Light and Dark

“We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are.”

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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black or white

good or bad

in or out

when we live in the world

of these false dualities

we live in a world of hate and fear

guilt and regret

we must indeed recognize

that was as individuals are

both good and bad

if we believe we must be totally good (or else we are bad)

then we can never be wrong

we can never listen

we can never regret

we can never repent

if we believe we are totally bad

then we have chosen to give up all hope of acceptance and love

we have chosen to believe evil wins

as we look at the face of the person in front of us

we must see that person as deeply wounded and deeply blessed

mixed in with their addiction we must see their generosity and compassion

mixed in with their impulsiveness we must see their love of beauty

and we must see behind the behaviors that most irritate and annoy

behind the aggression and hate

the hurt and lostness

Dualism is a trap

That forces us to be villains

Or forces us to be self-righteous

It allows for no middle ground

and we have seen

when it comes to gender

and race

and above all religion

how well that works

Rejoice!  You are good!

Admit it! You are bad!

Thanks be to God, who with great mercy says…..

“I can live with, and I can work with, that”