Faux Power

“We are only just beginning to understand the power of love because we are just beginning to understand the weakness of force and aggression.”

                                                           B.F. Skinner, Walden Two

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we think

it is all about strength

about who is bigger, or stronger

who has strength of will

we believe is about who is willing to use their power

to cow

manipulate

coerce others

the more brutal

the less compassionate

the more power

this is the principle of least love

this is the philosophy of many

who make the imposition of power

through the use of money

physical strength

position

guns

a way of life

this is the appeal

of athletic superstars

and politicians (for some)

even mega churches

it is not the way of Jesus

who saw the weakness of power

which ultimately oppresses, diminishes, and destroys

even those who use it

and knew

the power of

love

Here is our country

“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”

― Theodore Roosevelt

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here is our country

large

diverse

beautiful

its coasts,

its plains

its deserts

and its mountains

this is a gift

a land flowing with milk and honey

a place where there can be enough for everyone

everyone

here is our country

are we taking care of our natural wonders?

are we managing with creativity and responsibility our resources?

do we honor our past?

do we insure that everyone, everyone is taken care of?

we know the answers

no

no

sometimes

no

there is little excuse

for children going hungry

people not having health care

the rich hoarding

and the poor sliding into the blackness of poverty

the solutions are out there!

Or perhaps, the solution is ‘in here’

In our hearts

Everyone can have enough

In this land of plenty

As long as some do not have too much

Everyone can have enough

If we understand that we all participate in the Sacred

And are brothers and sisters

together

Everyone can have enough if God opens

Our minds, our hearts, and yes, our hands

And gives us the boldness and generosity to live out our essential unity

Here is our country

Let us make it great

feeling human

“having returned from the woods, we remember with regret its restfulness. For all creatures there are in place, hence at rest.   In their most strenuous striving, sleeping and waking, dead and living, they are at rest.   In the circle of the human we are weary with striving, and are without rest.”

― Wendell Berry, What Are People For?: Essays

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I feel tired

I am sure I look tired

Hey look!  Walking cadaver coming through

Perhaps it is being 65 (almost)

Perhaps it is too many years of being a human

Doing

And then doing some more

Ah

for the restfulness of being

just who I am

doing what I feel called to do

by my inner spirit

not what a myriad of voices

external

scream at me to do

perhaps if I learn

from the doe asleep in my flower bed

the cat asleep on my computer

even that rock chuck

sunning itself on (of course) a rock

I might begin

to look

and feel

human