No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. ~John Donne
A Connecticut farmhouse with generous lawns. Potato sack races, a pick-up softball game. Tables groaning with homemade cakes and pies. And, for only a quarter, bottles of birch beer and orange soda could be pulled from the ice–enough to make any child’s heart dance.
Because it was a Sunday School picnic, a hymn-sing–my aunt’s feet fueling the pump organ, generations piled on top of each other in the shade of the trees. The youngest ones, worn out by the sun-drenched games, would miss the sparklers and glow worms that waited for night to fall.
These were my father’s people, many unknown to me, yet mysteriously my own. A web, an unbreakable connection, my roots.
Many years later, the Santa Cruz mountains. Marching band and homegrown parade. Ice-cream sundaes, women chattering on blankets in the shade of the redwoods. Men shepherding face-painted children on the lawn. A worship service in the grove, the centerpiece of Family Camp–a family tied together not by blood, but by the Spirit.
These are God’s people, many unknown to me, yet mysteriously my own. A web, an unbreakable connection, nourishment for my roots.
Declaration of Dependence
I would prefer independence. I have inherited the American love for wide open possibilities and pride of self-reliance. Asking for help comes with a cost, the loss of the illusion that I am my own.
For, illusion it is. Self-sufficiency was the serpent’s lie, and we swallow it anew in each generation.
So, this is my Declaration of Dependence: Across the divide of generations and geography, nations and natures, we need each other.
Do you find it difficult to rely on others? What would you add to the Declaration of Dependence?
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16 replies on “Declaration of Dependence”
Self-reliant, John Wayne individualism is a veritable cult in this nation. You preach an uphill message here. Do it anyway.
The truth is usually preached uphill! Thanks, Robert!
I’m with you! Unfortunately, this country worships the idol of the self-made man (or woman).
-Claudia
So we do, Claudia. You have eyes to see.
So wise! Along with the lie of independence there is often the companion of isolation… the sense of being alone and helpless. So easy to fall into the trap and it’s a slippery slide down. It is indeed an uphill battle to fight what the enemy has instilled in our culture (and we have bought into it!). But worth the struggle!
Great point, MB. The other side of pride is helplessness–knowing you can’t help yourself, but not knowing where to turn. Both the outcome of individualism. Thanks!
I just shared with dad–it was very appreciated.
Thanks, Deb!
(I’m not sure if I’m posting this in the corcret place as I was unable to post it from the Dashboard.)The type of physician I would like to work with is a gerontologist. A gerontologist specializes in caring for the elderly. I have a fondness for our older population. They built out society and lived in a time that many of us can learn from. I would take great pride in caring for them as they age. In my opinion, working with a doctor that shares my passion and excitement would be the ideal work environment.The type of physician I would not be as excited to work with would be a proctologist. To be completely honest, I just don’t think I have what it takes to be in that environment. It’s important to be professional in any medical environment. I believe my sense of humor would not allow me to be as professional as I would need to be. I would also prefer not to work with ophthalmologist. Several years ago I spent a week with my grandfather at a specialist to have cataracts removed. I found it very difficult to watch the videos of my grandfather’s up coming procedures. It wasn’t difficult caring for my grandfather after surgery, but I must admit the pre-op was an experience that I would not want to assist in on a daily bases.
I loved this!
right on – I was there with you at the Celebration – the “Family” coming together to celebrate the Goodness of God and our dependence on Him. Sitting with our family and looking out over the group gathered to worship in Cathedral Grove made my heart sing..what a privilege to be there. Meeting and greeting old friends and meeting new friends – what a blessing..we DO need each other..for mutual encouragement, accountability and spiritual growth.
Amen, Karen!
It seems far from accidental that God so demonstratively calls us into His family. Into community. Into dependence on Him. Once again, well said my friend.
I’m grateful to be in community with you, Rebecca. Thanks.
I would add that we need to first be dependent on God to show us how to let go of our control. Ask the Lord for the wisdom to know how to be humble in a healthy way. I know I’m very independent in so many ways and I need direction on who to reach out to in general and in times of need. That can be a scary thing for me..
Enjoying your writing. Keep up the inspiring and thought provoking blogs.
Very wise, Dawn. Thank you.