Freedom/”The Other” Writing

    FREEDOM
It is so clear that we have been
created for freedom
It’s our birthright

Freedom to learn

Freedom to love and be loved

Freedom to serve

 Our Birthright

Just stop and think about
your happiest memories

Didn’t they have something to do with
exploring/learning?

Weren’t  they somehow connected
to serving?

Serving without any thought of repayment?

Serving without any thought
of duty or obligation?

Just the sheer joy of doing something
you could do for someone else….

The sheer joy!!

Or maybe that memory is wrapped in
a moment of being loved

loved unconditionally…

especially when we know
we don’t deserve it…

Freedom does not mean
Doing what we want,
Getting what we want
Searching for what we want…

That’s how we lose freedom!

That’s how we end up
labeling and trampling each other,
losing sight of the image of God
in each other,
and tragically,
eventually,
trying to exterminate
each other.

I believe

Freedom is DISCOVERED  when we encounter
"The Other"?
OR
Freedom is THREATENED when we encounter
"The Other"!

The choice is ours…

Who is "The Other"?

Someone far way?                
Someone fascinating?
Someone repulsive?
Someone feared?
Someone longed for?

Who are we "The Other" to?

Do I see "The Other"  as enriching my world?

Do I see "The Other" as spoiling my world?

Is my world safer with  "The Other"?

Would I sleep better knowing  "The Other"
is far far away?

What would happen if I entered "The Other’s" World?

            If I sat silently with "The Other"?

            If I staggered under the huge emptiness
of "The Other’s" loss

            If I was paralyzed by "The Other’s" fear.

If I sobbed with  "The Other"

If I simply walked with the "Other"

If I asked myself why "The Other":
Attacks…. Hides…
Gives…. Takes
Screams… Is so secretive?

Do I have the desire,
the courage?

Will I take the time
to enter "The Others" world?

Every encounter is an opportunity
Every opportunity demands a decision!

Freedom
It is so clear that we have been
created for freedom
Freedom to learn

Freedom to love and be loved

Freedom to serve…

I believe

Freedom is DISCOVERED  when we encounter
"The Other"?
OR
Freedom is THREATENED when we encounter
"The Other"!

The choice is ours…

June 5 2007
Carl Wilkens