The Sultan's Tapestry

     I think we need this story as much today as ever before. The recent political narrative has ripped the cover off  the thinly veiled misogyny that tortures women, corrupts men, and warps our children's legacy.  The argument that misogyny is deeply rooted in history is an indictment, not an endorsement and can only finally be countered by mutual respect.

      In this ancient tale from Morocco, both the Sultan and Zakia, his wife rise above the traditional roles their culture dictates. The Sultan gets in touch with his feminine side without losing one bit of power and Zakia steps outside the subservient role with courage and self respect so that the two might speak a healing word to their culture.

     I would hope that people of character will today write an even more compelling story for our time.

Beyond Patriotism©

It is curious to me that the voices that most loudly promise to make America great again are spoken with such anger. It is not surprising that such rhetoric taps into fear and ignites hate. I believe we Americans are better than that--that we can rise above the pandering and paranoia.

"I imagine that one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, that they will be forced to deal with pain." James Baldwin, in Notes of a Native Son

Don't Let Your Fears Limit You

     I am indebted to George W. Burns, a clinical psychologist, for this story of the eel catcher who rose above doubt and fear to find empowerment for himself and his village. 

     *The story is printed in "101 Healing Stories" published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

WHY!

What determines the worth of a person?

What determines the worth of a person?

I don't remember the source but I remember the quote: "Every time a new disability comes knocking, I ask 'Death, is this you?' So far, the reply has always been, 'Nonsense, it's just me."

The great French poet Paul Claudel wrote on his birthday: "Eighty years old.  No eyes left.  No ears, no teeth, no legs, no wind, and, when all is said and done, how astonishingly well one does without them."

I do not treat disabilities lightly--mine, yours or anyone else's--it's just that that it is not what determines the worth of a person.