Quit being afraid, upset and offended. I had been considering writing on this topic for awhile in regards to what I view as a growing problem which paralyzes us both as individuals and as a society as a whole. I have definitely fell victim to it over the years when I have written about being upset or offended particularly off-color comments referring to ALS. Ironically, a news story involving my towns high school principal, Mr. Kevin Lowery, has become an overblown example of what I have been thinking about this past week. This man, who any parent should want involved in the education of their children since he deeply cares about the success of his students, finds himself in a swirl of controversy because gasp he dared to mention his individual belief in God as he sent his students on their way in life at Lebanons commencement ceremonies. I personally did not witness this years comments but I was at last years ceremony when my daughter was valedictorian and he gave essentially the same speech. He basically is a man of strong Christian faith who asked God to bless his students as they go forward in life. Why would anyone be offended by someone basically wishing them to have a prosperous life based on his belief system? I can state unequivocally that over my 20+ years with ALS I have never been offended been offended by someone offering prayers, blessings, good thoughts etc. for my fight against ALS. I have received them from most major religious beliefs and atheists, it comes down to one simple thing receiving the kindness and love for me from another person stated in their perspective. I am the better for it which I believe is proven by my longevity against one of the nastiest diseases known in the world. This brings me to my larger point, why does it seem anymore that we are so afraid. My experience with ALS has taught me that fear is the single most destructive force that will quickly takeover and rip apart your life and in the case of someone fighting ALS it most definitely will hasten and make your journey more difficult as you race toward death. What astounds me is that since I have started my journey with ALS in 1993 particularly since 9/11, that fear has a stranglehold on just about everyone in this nation. We are afraid of terrorists, the economy, our food, our neighbors to even our appearances in many different ways. Fear has made us intolerant of anyone we perceive as different than ourselves making us upset and offended by anything or anyone. This disease of fear cuts across political, economic, religious, racial and any other form of identification we have with no one holding a superior position. Just like with ALS if we continue to let fear control and lead us as individuals and as a nation, it will only lead to a more painful existence and ultimately guarantee the destruction of our way of life. Fear never has been the American way so it has no part in our lives moving forward. Be well and happy!
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 02:29:27 +0000