I have to admit I have been sitting here trying to think of metaphors for my existence in the world. The over used ripple in the ocean, or the innocuous fart on the wind. I consider myself something more than the by product of human bio chemistry exchange. And when I think of a ripple in the ocean it reminds me of all the saline tears of my life, in the end, neither suite. Don’t worry, I’m not all depressed or unworthy, but the writers mind was kicking it around for a moment and trying to sort through how best to begin today.
It’s Easter and I was thinking about the impact of one mans birth, death and resurrection. Whatever your religious beliefs, that one life had a profound effect on the world, changing it in a dramatic and positive way. He preached to treat your fellow man as you would wish to be treated. Honestly, all the doctrine and regulations came after his death and based on others perceptions of his words. He was not the author of the bible, but the subject.
Don’t start with the argument that the bible is his word. It shares his words, through others eyes and ears. It is not an argument that I wish to engage in at all. I was raised Catholic and have their doctrine engrained in my psyche. So much so, that when I built the ghost mythology in my novel, Shaking Off the Dust, it was important to me to follow the doctrine of free choice. The ghost had the option of stepping into the light every day at sunrise, it was their choice to stay and a choice they made each day.
In what way can an individual affect this world? I’m reminded of the movie in which the accidently crushing of a butterfly’s wings in prehistoric times, change the entire time line. Don’t we do that in a very measured way, every mother and father creates the future in how well they do their job. Our world changes for the better when we raise a child to relate to others in a positive way. Each of us has the potential to affect everyone we touch in our lives. But do we see that role as righting some of the wrongs of our generation, or do we simply pass on our negative views and wonder why the world has become such a violent place. Positive change takes place when we all step forward as individuals, but speak with one voice.
Have you noticed that it only takes one vicious rumor to ruin someone’s career or life. But then again, it takes one man to voice an idea so profound that it can change the way we see the world. Not really, because it is a chain of affirmation as individual then pass it along, until the world has grasp the idea. And don’t start me on the internet.
What’s my point? Words and ideas move us to action. There are great men and woman, who have changed the world with an idea. Not always good ideas. We allow them to be our pied piper, or lead us down a path, because something resonates to our souls or hearts and minds. I think we are being swayed by hype and unrealistic expectations many times. But we evolve and the world changes and our children will live different lives than we ever understood.
The words of one man, a very long time ago, are celebrated by Christianity. All the religions of the world have found ritual and celebration as a way to hand down the words of individuals they believe made the world a better place.
We all have that power, to change the world. What are you doing to change the world?
Rhianna Samuels
