When I was a teacher, I used to ask my students what they valued more: love or truth. I explained to them that there are two types of world views- one dominated by love and one by truth. The one who values love will forgive a thousand sins to feel as though they matter. To make others feels valued. They will lie about bad haircuts and extra poundage. They will cheat and steal to save a hurting heart. I like these people, they are my friends. They make me good and kind, even when, perhaps, I am not. But the one who values truth is something altogether different. They are relentless. They will speak their mind regardless of the damage. They will tell you about jeans that really are too tight. They'll say that bangs just make your face look fat. I've never much cared for the truth-tellers of the world. And when asked what kind of person I am, I'll say it's love for me. Love til the end.
But here's the thing about love. Love isn't real unless it is paired with truth. True love- the love that goes past fuzzy feelings and pats on the back- is created and strengthened when we accept the truth of a person. When we're not afraid to want them the way that they are. And truth is nothing without a heart behind the voice. So today I am rethinking this concept of truth and beauty. I am saying that we're all a combination of the two and perhaps it's not how much you love, or how loud you can shout the truth - perhaps it's how completely you can marry truth and love. And just like any good marriage, pull out the best in each to strengthen to weak parts of the other.
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Your writing is beautiful, as i am sure you are also.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rich. I know this is you, because you didn't capitalize the i... Love ya.
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