Be Yourself

John Jakes is the acknowledged contemporary master of the family saga. He is the creator of the legendary eight-volume Kent Family Chronicles.  He is also a man who is a master at weaving fiction and facts into beautiful tapestries.  He gave us “Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.”

Today’s American culture sends such mixed messages about being who you.  This is the land of the free and the home of the brave, right?  It okay to be gay as long as you don’t want to get married, adopt children, or lose your job or housing (and until recently, in the name of “freedom” defend this country.)  We offer freedom of religion.  (well, that is if you believe in Christianity.  And only “OUR” version and/or interoperation of the Bible.)  We believe in freedom of political party (as long as you believe what “we” believe, when we believe it) (oh ya, and don’t be poor, down on your luck or need medical attention because your just lazy and want something for free.)

What has happened to our culture in America?   I get that times change, people change, but other countries have time-honored cultures that are often symbolic of who they are as a people.  When did it become ok to speak or act ill towards your elders?  I understand freedom of speech as I understand a parent’s right to wash their child’s mouth out with soap for using dirty words.  When did it become ok to drive down the street blaring lyrics that I want to cover MY ears (let alone the ears of anyone younger than me.)

I know I am dating myself when I say “What happened to the times of the Waltons…”  People took care of themselves, each others and those that need help.  I am not being cynical, because I know that there is A LOT of good going on in this world.  I am just raising my hand and asking where did “OUR” culture go to?  What IS our American culture?

I submit that you SHOULD be yourself.  Be who you are.  Believe what you believe.  And let that shine through your actions, words and life.  And don’t worry about those that “mind”, they only matter if YOU give them that authority/power.

George H.W. Bush called for our country to be “kinder and gentler” in many ways we are.  And in many ways we have room to learn, grow and be just that.  We can be the change that we seek in this world.  One day, one journey, one person, one kind word, one truth at a time…

Chaplain Royal Bush and Chaplain Beth Loofe are Interfaith Chaplains offering nondenominational and nonreligious care and services to all, without exception in Nebraska and Iowa. They conduct Weddings, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funerals, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. For more information please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals.