Topic: Shame
Sometimes when I'm feeling threatened or shamed, I can so easily fall into the ditch of arrogancy. Same as people of institutional power. Isn't it odd how the powerless and the powerful can so easily fall into the same ditch? The powerful, hiding their immense shame with denial, while fearing they will lose power if they admit to having it. The powerless (or less powerful, actually) fearing shame at being beaten down further.
Recognizing this in others, we can smile inwardly. If both parties could simply be honest enough to talk about the things that unite us all--shame and insecurity, for whatever reason--then, and only then, is there a hope for real change.
Perhaps that was what Christ was trying to say to us all. That's the Joy that can come from the dark night--if only we all stop trying to be perfect, stop expecting others to be, accepting the fact that we can only work for things to get better. Thereby, acting with true compassion.
