Episode Transcript
Will the hate be worth it?
You know how certain instances in our lives are forever influential? Some things are always under the surface, only to momentarily poke their heads up in accordance with situations. While others appear out of nowhere as long-forgotten specters of times gone past.
Today, I was visited by such an occurrence. Many years ago, some associates, some of their friends, and I sat around sharing things in a community fashion.
The subject matter ranged from money and sports to personal viewpoints and experiences. And of course, women, as is customary when guys get together. Just as men eventually become the subject, for women, as they chat and swap stories.
I can’t remember what spurred the sudden outburst of, “I hate gay people.” From one of the guys. The rhetoric, unsupported by data, was harsh and somewhat vile in intent. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and as I don’t think any homosexuals were present, it wouldn’t offend or hurt anyone present. And far be it from me to enter into the futile actions or conversation in the attempt to change anyone's mind or feelings. However, for some reason, I, without thinking, asked him a question. The question is as follows: If you were drowning and could not save yourself, and a clearly “gay” person reached out to help you, would you accept their help? The question was harmless and more of an informational query. But the response was not expected. He sat for a few moments. I, of course, did not rush an answer, and I didn’t feel like I was owed one. After a few moments, I rejoined the communal conversation. And failed to realize the profound contemplation that had beset the questioned guy. We were sitting fairly close to each other. A short lull was interjected in the community conversation. The gentleman I had asked. The sentence was short and concise. But landed with the profundity of a well-rehearsed speech of major proportions. “You know,” he started almost sheepishly with a distinct undertone of a moment of unavoidable clarity and newfound wisdom. “You made me rethink the way I feel.” The wisdom was profound. He, of course, added he didn’t condone that lifestyle. And would prefer not to be approached in that manner. But it seemed that his humanity was not at the expense of his intense belief. Could now dwell without contention in the same vessel. Wisdom had replaced hate, allowing humanity its rightful place at the table.
I think of a foreboding future of famine, civil strife, and man-made chaos. Will people act like the racist who temporarily accepts the hand of a “brown” person as they help dig him out of the rubble, he once called his home, after a tornado? But as soon as there is a return to systemic “reality,” or around other racist friends, will they willingly return to the programmed ignorance of hate?
If we make it through. And during and after the chaos. Will we remember the poisonous mentality that got us there? And since community and one-love will be the only lasting solution to the madness. Will we have the spiritual maturity to accept a new path for humanity, eternally?
Or, as we experience cataclysmic failure as a species. Will anyone have the wisdom to ask: Was hate worth it?
Again, my dearest friends, I hope this piece lands with the same weight it carried for me.
I, of course, wish you the very best in all your positive endeavors, my dear friends. May you be blessed with love, light, health, protection, and peace.
Let’s all fight for “One Big Beautiful” existence for all.
How about that?
