Discovery

How do we become our most authentic self? What does it mean to be our authentic self?  Feeling called and searching for meaning and purpose in our lives is not a foreign concept; feeling called is only the first half of this question to the mystery of life. The second half of our question calls us to take that mighty second step on our journey when we dare to ask, ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ Such a question comes with heartbreak, pity, frustration, it is a question that comes with hope, compassion, and love; it is a question that ultimately awakens our divine selves. To crack open that part of our selves invites vulnerability and pain. Yet it is this vulnerability that opens our eyes to the realities of this world. It is being cracked open that leaves us in utter discontent. 

Mass media overwhelms us of the realities of this world to a point where we may (and certainly at times) become averse and numb to it. Let us take a step back though and evaluate. For too long have we been bombarded with the sufferings of the world and there has been too little talk of hope. A wise man, Brayton Shanely co-director of the Agape Community, shared with me this insight of author John Wildeman: the truth is never depressing. Simply because we are aware of it. We are aware and we are awakened to these truths and hence we can do something about it. Whatever your passions are, pursue them; for you serve as the symbol of hope. What you say, what you do, what you think represents your reaction to the world around you. Live consciously. 

That is where you find my friend and I. We find ourselves in hopeful discontent and thus have set out to be in solidarity with others whom too are in discontent. Our journey began in Maryland at The Farm at Our House where at-risk youth are given a chance to living a life of worth with access to carpentry skills, obtaining a GED, all while living on the land and waking to rolling hills and green pastures. We took part in the farm activities with the farm manager and assistant farm manager. What we got out was more than experience with fence repair and knowledge on vegetable greens. It was an experience with young people who were creating and living alternative lifestyles. Our few hours spent were rich of conversation on farming, gardening, and how we all got to this place to begin with. This is the future of the United States; with all hope this is the future the younger generation is trying to create for the sake of our lives and the lives of those around us. Hope is in the making; it greets us in the rising of the sun, it is found in every breath we take. Friends, I hope you find yourselves in discontent and take it as an opportunity to make something good. Peace to you.