Bill White
Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth – Henry David Thoreau
Of my own spirit let me be in sole though feeble mastery – Sara Teasdale
Folks have long associated truth with beauty and spirituality. To that, let me add movement. Motion, whether physical or mental. Its likely our forebears walked out of the dark continent, step by step, seeking that ageless goal of security. But wouldnt it be comforting to imagine they also were seeking some form of truth as well?
Parks represent movement and have been holy places in my own life. Whether the Montreal parks of my childhood, strolling with the kids in Madrids beautiful Retiro, or Ferry Park – now only a block away with its song birds and animation. Movement – hawks, mocking birds, turtles, walkers, disc golfers, tennis and baseball players. Then those enjoying the mental movement, park bench sitting, fast becoming a lost art.
Notice even the cover of our Order of Service implies the truth and spirituality of movement – the religious symbols suggesting, perhaps, a ships wheel or compass. Theological directions. If Im right, clock-wise, The Tao, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Gnosticism, Native American. Topping it all, due North, the Humanist Starburst. All dedicated to lifes brief, mysterious journey, though not necessarily to a godly guide. Each in its own domain, alerting us to Homo Sapiens death awareness and cosmic connectedness. Each with its own holy trip to truth, provided one doesnt stray too far off course, so to speak.
Except one -
Lifes launching. How like a starburst we emerge, womb-weary, into the dazzling lights of life. Some even say our way may be lighted at journeys end. Meanwhile, a cell splits, then again, and again, and again. What could be more mysterious? Ultimately spinning us again starward in soaring spires and roaring space ships. What greater truth and spirituality dare we hope for than the magnificence of life itself?
Many the religious priests and shamen that counsel us to stand fast. Seize their truth and stand fast! On the other hand, the humanist life stance requires movement of us. It implores us to link arms and move forward despite our fears and because of our hopes. For those that will follow, we dare not ignore those humanistic yearnings deep inside each of us. With bold curiosity, seek out obstacle and prize alike. Chalices are fashioned to help light our steps through this panorama of a new centurys truths. Might we even reach a point where, as the lyrics tease us, everything is holy now?
SHALOM
MAY/JUNE FREE THOUGHT MEETINGS
The free thinkers meet Saturday, May 8th, 10:30 AM at the fellowship to decide what the story of the fall in the garden is really about. Could be the Genesis of something big…
The Panhandle Free Thought Association gather Saturday, May 15th, 10:30 AM at the fellowship. Topic up for discussion, “Is it a zero sum game, relatively speaking?” Come on out and win one…
The free thought folks meet Saturday, June 12th at the fellowship. As it’s still very much on the front burner, especially in Pensacola, we’ll talk about “Healthcare, universal or private?”.
There will be a meeting of the free thinkers Saturday, June 19th at the fellowship. Subject on tap, “The Fairness Doctrine, how fair is it?” Come find out with us.