For as many people there are out there, I am fairly certain that there are that many definitions for liberalism and conservatism. Just as I am sure faith has as many definitions. I don’t think about either one often. I know what my value and belief system is and I think that is all I need to know.
Last weekend , we were out with friends for dinner. And a great one it was. The other Mrs. and I were talking deeply profound matters while the Mr.’s were talking about…hmmm….. I don’t know. She asked me if I thought I was a conservative Catholic. I said yes. She disagreed. She thought I must be liberal because I am not judgmental of the people who have another value or belief system than I. Then, I began wondering what the heck. We interrupted the probably not so deeply profound conversation of the men and I asked Pops if he thought I was liberal or conservative, thinking I may be off base and don’t know what I am. Like I said, I don’t think about it often. He said that I am most definitely conservative. That’s what I thought. You got it. I am blond alright.
I do not share my political views often since it would often come across as me vs. you. Or me good, you bad. Or me smart, you not. In today’s atmosphere, I do not mean to participate in division tactics. I will not begin here either. But it seems to me that we, as a culture, are more interested in judging each other rather than respecting our differences in our values and beliefs.
I have been all gobbly gooked since this conversation. I pose a few questions out into the thin air.
Am I wrong if I value something that you don’t? Or vice versa? Should I be chastised?
Is it my job to judge your values and beliefs? Or your job to judge mine?
Am I NOT doing my job if I don’t make a judgement?
Is it even important to form an opinion on every livin’ thing? Maybe let one slip by unnoticed.
Does judging cause separation? Division?
Because I feel strongly about something and I don’t talk about it, does it mean I really don’t feel strongly?
If I don’t speak out my values, am I considered tolerant of anything?
Is it enough to live out my values and beliefs? Does that speak louder than loud words?
Is judging each other too big a job for any one of us?
It is all very curious to me. I believe you think one way and I think another, but what now? Nothing now. That’s it.
Enough on liberalism and conservatism.
Liberation.
We have lived in this house 2 years. The builder put a door hitch on the inside of the closet. Because of the door hitch, I have not been able to open my underwear drawer more than three or four inches for two years.
No kidding. Who knows what is in that drawer? if I can’t reach it in the narrow opening, it doesn’t get reached.
UNTIL TODAY….
I took off the hitch. Excuse me, I should be saying latch. I took off the latch. Or hitch. My underwears drawer is open. After two years. I have been LIBERATED.
That is LIBERATION, baby. That IS liberation. Yeah. That is li……………..
God bless,
Karen
The Shieling 