Contrast
michael young
It can feel like our lives are being lived in black and white, absolute, us versus them. It can feel like we are living in the most difficult times in our nation’s history, polarized to the point of breaking once again.
Maybe now more than ever, we are being inundated with a notion that life is a simple division between black and white. That to solve the problems of our time all we need to do is hate the other person, blame them, promote, or vote for the “right person for the job” and move on. All one must do is align themselves with the “right” person, place, thing, or group. In doing so we can be part of the winning team. “Our” team will not only win, but they will also put things right. Our faith, my faith has been misplaced at times. My faith has been put in human institutions instead of the Divine realm of God.
When we think of being on the right side or the wrong side, we then move to quickly into the thinking that God is on our side, the righteous side of history. This is all to the detriment of our collective soul.
In living this way, we have lost our connection with the driving force of the universe, God, who is bringing all things together instead of dividing us apart. We lose touch with the God who is about peace making in every time and in every place. The God who heals all wounds, transforms, and resurrects all that humanity has broken.
It is in the gray area of life that real transformation happens, where creativity can blossom and where deep healing takes place. Gray represents the collection of the two opposites of black and white. It is only in the collective that we can solve the problems of this nation and world.
The gray area may make us feel vulnerable as we step into the conversation carrying our personal responsibility. Absolute right and wrong feels good. It gives us answers and can feel comfortable. Until there is only darkness in our hearts, even as we believe we are right.
When we move from the deep contrast of either/or and step into the gray area collectively is when we can then move to see the entire color spectrum and the wonderful tapestry of creation in all its splendor. Moving from the extreme contrast of absolute to the fullness of God can then feel like an awakening from a deep slumber to a bright morning sunrise.
God is calling us and beckoning us to awaken. This is a new day and the new dawn. Awaken and witness all that God is doing, creating, healing, loving, making a Way towards peace where there seems to be no way, and transforming hearts to transform the world.
