Feb 3 2013
“O” – My #G-D?
GOD IS!
“He/she who needs to be right, is in a #prison of their own #creation” – AEF
“In times of #change, the #learners will inherit the earth, while the #knowers will find themselves beautifully equipped, to deal with a world that no longer exists” – Eric Hoffer
“The greatest obstacle to progress is not ignorance, but the #illusion of knowledge” – Daniel Boorstin
I first began referring to the #DIVINE in written form as G-D a little over two years ago, omitting the “O” by design. The rationale was based simply on the notion, that it was my way of expressing the ONE who is inexpressible, recognition that the #CREATOR could not be defined in human terms, placed neatly in a box of our own making. It was my way of separating the mortal from the immortal, the corporeal from the non-corporeal. It was for me, a form of personal worship! In recent days, a series of conversations I’ve had with three women whom I deeply value has caused me to re-think the efficacy of my justification – and even my motivation! Let me explain.
Initially, the editor of my book #“The Walk” (www.thewalkbook.com), after receiving the initial draft, commented that spelling G-D in that fashion, would be confusing and even offensive to some readers, recommending that I revert back to the more common rendering – simply #GOD! At first, I mildly disagreed, but for the sake of making progress and apparently, not feeling that this would in some way deeply offend the #ALMIGHTY, agreed, albeit, with a modicum of self-righteous indignation in tow, after all, what did she know, could know. She wasn’t #Jewish, from amongst the chosen. She had been grafted in. That should have been a “yellow light,” a caution!
More recently, the second of my dear sisters brought to my attention the missing “O” and inquired as to the reason(s) behind it. She had survived an unimaginable series of church experiences as a child, attending with her family a place of worship that preached holiness, espoused righteousness, celebrated and validated #“GRACE” – while all the while she was a victim of a “predator” from within – a church deacon. For her, what should have been freedom was bondage, what should have been light was darkness, what should have been “GRACE,” was manipulation. Understandably, since her ordeal, she has become a voice for the cause of genuinely “setting the captive free“ wherever she encounters legalism, perfection (as if anyone could ever attain it), separation, and exclusivity – religion! I assured her that I was none of the above. I had dealt with that in full, hadn’t I?
Finally, yesterday, I was speaking on the telephone to another #“angel” who also brought to my attention, the enigmatic missing “O” issue and asked me about it. This quite apparently, was also a matter of great distress to her. Why was I spelling G-D without the “O?” “I thought I was losing you,” she lamented. “I thought that you were following another god that you were going to eventually spring on us and not the #GOD of CREATION! I immediately went into the same discourse that I had delivered only days prior, defending once again, what was behind my inscrutable stance. She seemed relieved after I clarified matters. But I wasn’t!
What lessons have I learned over these past few days regarding this matter?
- My initial expressed desire to cast G-D as being separated, distinct, from our finite man-made dalliances, was a mask for something else – a pride that had not yet been dealt with. Yes, I wanted to demonstrate the unique nature of G-D, but I also wanted to draw attention to myself insofar as how I introduced HIM – to separate myself! #Pride! #Exclusion! #Religion! #Insecurity! I see it now!
- My rendering of GOD as G-D, was a momentary distraction for many who read it, a “stumbling block.” Where there were three friends who had the courage to lovingly confront me, how many hundreds more were affected that said nothing, and yet, quietly have pondered this for GOD (that didn’t hurt at all!) knows how long? I want only to be a force for healing and inclusivity in this world!
- There are angels in this world. Three of mine are women whose first names begin with A, T and B. They know who they are. I thank GOD for them – my GOD!
Has this post spoken to you? How can you relate? Have you had a similar experience? With whom?
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KEEP WALKING!!!
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