Stella Lohmann
Courage to expose the man behind the curtain
By Stella Lohmann
Does this happen to you? Post a few videos or articles that are thought provoking, even controversial and or emotionally charged, and wait for the well meaning happy camper comments. They smilingly admonish saying, "Just be happy', 'Just let go let God,' and others you can fill in the blank. Stating current state of affairs doesn't conclude defeat. anguish or helplessness nor lack of faith. Hot topics — on blogs, in the news, on talk shows and elsewhere pose what is and hopefully what could be. Strategy always includes first knowing the source of trouble or enemy followed by thoughtful execution of a plan.
Do those pat answers merely mask a hidden fear of facing those giants of life only to retreat to more comforting thoughts? Remember the Great and Powerful Oz in the movie classic, The Wizard of Oz? Recall the scene where Dorothy accompanied by Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion complete their long dangerous trek to Emerald City to request Oz's wisdom and help. The doorman finally allows them into a bellowing smoke-filled chamber of OOOOZZZZ! Shaking and stammering they ask his indulgence as he roars with pompous platitudes. Meanwhile, Dorothy's little dog, Toto, innocently pulls a curtain to expose a man pulling and pressing knobs and gadgets speaking into a microphone!
The rest that follows is the uncloaking of not a great wizard but rather a man who had no powers other than a purple horse and a hot air balloon. Morale of the story at this point: Become educated, involved and most importantly have courage to ask honest questions and expect honest answers from those utilizing twin teleprompters and private jets. Similarly don't be surprised when those thunderous voices retaliate hiding behind choice phrases and cleverly televised smoke screens. Isn't that what's happening today to those attending town hall meetings?
Dorothy had the courage to go the distance down an unchartered yellow brick road (and even tangle with those ugly flying monkeys) to be heard. Her humility and courage got her there (even with the witch of the west riding her private broom.). At any point she could have had a pity party, given up or turned away and said it's no use. Admittedly Dorothy is fictional but the principles remain true. This is no time to retreat to faith but rather to use faith with courage to press through ridicule and hard times.
© Stella Lohmann
August 6, 2009
Does this happen to you? Post a few videos or articles that are thought provoking, even controversial and or emotionally charged, and wait for the well meaning happy camper comments. They smilingly admonish saying, "Just be happy', 'Just let go let God,' and others you can fill in the blank. Stating current state of affairs doesn't conclude defeat. anguish or helplessness nor lack of faith. Hot topics — on blogs, in the news, on talk shows and elsewhere pose what is and hopefully what could be. Strategy always includes first knowing the source of trouble or enemy followed by thoughtful execution of a plan.
Do those pat answers merely mask a hidden fear of facing those giants of life only to retreat to more comforting thoughts? Remember the Great and Powerful Oz in the movie classic, The Wizard of Oz? Recall the scene where Dorothy accompanied by Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion complete their long dangerous trek to Emerald City to request Oz's wisdom and help. The doorman finally allows them into a bellowing smoke-filled chamber of OOOOZZZZ! Shaking and stammering they ask his indulgence as he roars with pompous platitudes. Meanwhile, Dorothy's little dog, Toto, innocently pulls a curtain to expose a man pulling and pressing knobs and gadgets speaking into a microphone!
The rest that follows is the uncloaking of not a great wizard but rather a man who had no powers other than a purple horse and a hot air balloon. Morale of the story at this point: Become educated, involved and most importantly have courage to ask honest questions and expect honest answers from those utilizing twin teleprompters and private jets. Similarly don't be surprised when those thunderous voices retaliate hiding behind choice phrases and cleverly televised smoke screens. Isn't that what's happening today to those attending town hall meetings?
Dorothy had the courage to go the distance down an unchartered yellow brick road (and even tangle with those ugly flying monkeys) to be heard. Her humility and courage got her there (even with the witch of the west riding her private broom.). At any point she could have had a pity party, given up or turned away and said it's no use. Admittedly Dorothy is fictional but the principles remain true. This is no time to retreat to faith but rather to use faith with courage to press through ridicule and hard times.
© Stella Lohmann
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