"This stuff isn't worth very much." That's what an estate advisor told my friend when her mother, a widow over 50 years, passed away. Among the belongings to sort was a meticulously folded American flag encased in glass and a framed picture of her mother receiving the sacred keepsake at the graveside in March of 1973.
On Memorial Day, let us honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and reflect on the values that define our humanity. While we can never do enough to express our gratitude to our defenders, veterans and first responders, we can always strive to honor life itself.
It begins with understanding that life is about relationships, not stuff .
A foundational lesson regarding the interconnection of humanity comes from where many life lessons unfold, the pickleball court. I've noticed an illusionary dyad influencing interactions among players. This dyad, a false binary, convinces the players their worth is tied to pickleball skills and ability to slam a ball. I've seen competitors devalue a newcomer simply because he was not good at pickleball. How disheartening is that?
Yet, this microcosm reflects a broader societal issue where worth is measured by superficial standards: income, education, social status. Even religious systems, despite their teachings of love and compassion, can perpetuate this illusion. It's a paradox that defies reason if we genuinely embrace the inherent worth of every person.
Navigating a distorted world that values categorization and labeling can be challenging. How do we escape the illusion? First, be mindful of the thoughts that limit others or label them. Ask yourself, "What illusion am I participating in?" whenever you find yourself judging or categorizing someone.
Second, embrace the inherent worth of all people. Our value comes from our spirituality, from understanding that we are incredible spiritual beings having a human experience. Recognize this in yourself and in others.
Lastly, embrace the gift of life, for it goes by fast.
This Memorial Day, let us honor the values of freedom, equality and peace by committing to seeing beyond illusions and embracing the inherent worth in every individual. In this way, we create a world of peace and understanding, truly honoring the sacrifices of those who have served.
— Rev. Cynthia Ramirez Lindenmeyer, sacred activism pastor
