I listened to his history. It was an amazing journey. From living in different countries to excelling in sports and on through the longing to feel that he belonged – it could have been your story or mine. The superficial things were unique. My era and his were different times. TVs were not always found in the homes in my neighborhood. In his, the initial rarity was having more than one computer. I grew up knowing how to use a slide rule; he could not imagine a world without a pocket calculator. Space travel was a given in his world; I can still remember John Glen’s first flight.
The differences hid the real story. His life and mine shared more in common than we had differences. We had similar up and downs. Fear and hope were familiar friends. I knew there was more than the wonderful façade. It was hard to see how the great memories masked extended periods filled with events and experiences long repressed.
It took more than one session to get beyond the surface. In time, in the quietness of a long conversation, some of the darkness emerged. As I listened, I realized that we are the sum of our story. We are more the worst and not as much as the best. From the way we look at life through the way we respond, the total of our experiences shape our souls.
I admire those who are willing to talk about the ugly side of their lives. Without making light of it, the truth tells reveals more. The pattern of revelation is found across many Wisdom fathers. In one case, Paul candidly revealed his dark side. “I went after anyone connected with this ‘Way,’ went at them hammer and tongs, ready to kill for God. I rounded up men and women right and left and had them thrown in prison. You can ask the Chief Priest or anyone in the High Council to verify this; they all knew me well.” (Acts 22.4)
In opening up to the light we begin to see.
