Write It Out: Instruction Video
“But give this a thought. What if the creation story in Genesis had featured a flawed deity who was understanding and sympathetic rather than autocratic and rigid? Someone who, in the process of creation, found herself lost from time to time and in need of advice, someone who was willing to accept a little help with the more difficult decisions?
What if the animals had decided on their own names? What if Adam and Eve had simply been admonished for their foolishness?
I love you, God could have said, but I’m not happy with your behaviour. Let’s talk this over. Try to do better next time.
What kind of a a world might we have created with that kind of story?
Unfortunately, by the time we arrived in the wilderness, broke and homeless, the story of being made in God’s image, of living in paradise, of naming the animals must have gone to our heads, for while we weren’t the strongest or the fastest or the fiercest creatures on the planet, we were, certainly, as it turned out, the most arrogant.
God’s Chosen People. The Alpha and the Omega. Masters of the Universe.”
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Decisions – MEC 2020
“I’ve decided to stay here, even though you said not to.”
It was undoubtedly an act of defiance. My first, actually, against her. As much as I knew she wanted me back at home, or at least closer, I also knew that going back would be the end of me. Not the end of my life – I harbored no suicidal tendencies – but the end of a life I’d hoped for, had dreamed of.
Deciding to stay was exhilarating. Once I’d said my piece and ended the call, I was giddy, expansive. I looked around at the rental flat I’d called home for the past two months and it took on an entirely new persona. No longer was this the lodging for the summer student, it was now a home for a working, independent woman.
I wanted to scream. I didn’t. I did a little dance instead and grinned, puffed out my chest and stretched as if to fill the entire room.
It didn’t take long for the doubts to arrive. I wasted no time – I’d been expecting them. I wrote each down on pieces of paper:
“I’ll be lonely.”
“I won’t find enough work.”
“I won’t be able to afford it.”
“I’ll get robbed… raped… killed…”
Taking my tennis racquet, I crumpled each one into a tight ball, threw the ball up and smashed it to the kitchen floor with the racquet.
“I’ll find friends!” I shouted to the first.
“I’ll find work!” I smashed the second to the floor.
“I can afford it!”
“I’ll be smart – and I’ll fight!”
Then, picking up each of the crumpled, defeated pages, I piled them into the kitchen sink and promptly lit them on fire.
As the smoke began to rise, I jumped for the window and threw it open, fanning the flames with the racquet to direct the smoke outside.
Having the fire alarm go off in spite of my efforts only made the event even more celebratory, as if announcing, hey everyone! I’m staying!
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Happy Summer Solstice! There’s something about standing up for yourself, in whatever way, shape or form it takes, that is exhilarating. This type of action reflects the heat and passion of the summertime. Whether it’s setting boundaries or discovering them, these actions teach us about ourselves. Can you relate? Share your thoughts below!
