Identity Crisis
Dear Aiden and Evan,
There is much discussion these days regarding how individuals and groups define themselves, or wish to be defined. Everyone seems consumed by a wide variety of labels, definitions, pronouns, and the like. Gender, political affiliations, ethnic origins, religion….it’s all on the table for debate. The proper or improper use of identifying words even seems to bring with it life-altering consequences for some. I want to take a moment to share with you a perspective you will not find readily discussed.
For sure, words are powerful tools. They can do great harm, they can also provide much peace. However, at the end of the day, words are simply noises we make with our faces. Anyone who says differently is incorrect, clinically speaking. The real messaging comes from your mind and your soul. It is in those places where your true intent and feelings originate. Be purposeful with your thoughts and your words will follow suit.
Many seek to define or affirm their identity via fleeting and inherently flawed modalities. Laws enacted by various governments. Policies put into place by companies or organizations. Science and healthcare sometimes play a role as well. While all of these are likely well-intentioned entities, I do not believe they have the sovereign or ideal platform necessary to dole out something as sacred as a human being’s identity. Laws always come and go as ruling parties change like the wind. Company policies follow incoming and outgoing CEOs constantly. Even science is fickle. Scientific FACTS of 50 years ago have changed with the advent of new technologies. In like fashion, many things science touts as truth today will undoubtedly give way, as the test of time moving forward has its way with them.
I want you to consider that life itself, and who you are, is too precious a thing to be decided by some random Congressman or Senator or Judge you will never meet. You cannot be classified by your vocation or even by what church you call home. No diagnosis, no matter how daunting, owns you. Anything given to you by mankind can be taken away by the same. Look for truth in creation all around you, since you are very much a part of it. You will know the truth when you see it because it will be unwavering. Unchanged for all time. Does the salmon ever get to eat the eagle? Not once, ever. All life is precious and should be treated with respect, not because of what it is called, but rather because it was perfectly made. Aiden, Evan,....you are part of this. You are perfect. You are my boys. These are unchangeable truths.
