Live Without Denial

 Oh, the house of denial has thick walls

and very small windows

and whoever lives there, little by little,

will turn to stone.

              -- Mary Oliver, "Hum Hum"

As humans, we go about our daily lives, frequently falling into the time and ego trap that the world and life revolve around us.  Yet it doesn't. Events and trouble suck us into thinking our participation in them is of earth-shattering importance. Self-help gurus have said and written about the importance of "staying in the now."  There is healthy wisdom in that, especially if one is prone to overthinking and catastrophizing imagined dangers. Getting out too far in front of your skis is hazardous to mental health as much as dwelling on unfortunate events or traumas of the past. But here I am thinking of our human calling and special abilities to improve our world. 

Much has gone haywire in the past ten months in the United States.  One of the most common questions arising in news commentary and posts online is, "What can we do about it?"  

Shrinking violets that so many of us are, think we're too small and insignificant to matter.  Being helpless and powerless was Moses' excuse initially to turn God down at the burning bush. Denying our capabilities is a sure way to freeze us out of making a difference.  Not seeing ourselves as worthy enough, strong enough, smart enough, or articulate enough turns change into stone; whatever is "haywire" then is allowed to proceed. 

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?  Commonly, we see all that's wrong with our face and wish it were different.  But faith affirms that we are made in the image of God, so when we look into the mirror, that person is God's image. So whatever is there, good/bad/indifferent, that is also God's presence.  With God's presence is the power to make a difference -- be that in your private life or in your communal life. 

You do not have to deny yourself. God wants you in the game.  Others in the game are counting on you, too. Live big.  Live boldly.