Sarah J. Blake,
This blog began as an attempt to help people to understand my experience of living with disabilities. Over time, it has become a place where I share my thoughts about current events, theology, my experiences as a seminary student, and many other things. All of these things play a part in my experience as a person with disabilities; and my experiences as a person with disabilities shape my thoughts and experiences in these other areas. I hope that reading my entries is encouraging and/or educational. If you leave a comment on an older entry, please bear in mind that my thoughts and feelings about some matters have done a good deal of refining over the years and the entry may not reflect my current thinking.
Tonight I experienced something amazing: the whole reason why I come to these conventions. For many people, the conventions are about conducting ACB business. I tried playing the political schmoozing game, and every so often I still try sticking my nose into the debates. But I learn over and over again that it isn't where I belong. I get my little feelings hurt when someone decides I've talked too much or doesn't recognize me even though I talked first because their favorite person can talk louder, etc. I don't like heated discussions, and I don't see any reason why people can't grow up and have a civilized discussion even when they disagree. To me it's all about avoiding loaded language and being willing to listen to the other person, trusting that we'll get a chance to be heard. Of course, most people are terrified of not being heard; and that is the reason why they interrupt and insult each other, and discussion never really is fulfilling. So I learn that my place is not in politics. My place is in writing, where people can pick up a book or an article and read it if they want to hear what I have to say or put it down if they don't care to listen and I don't have to get hurt. Maybe that's a cop-out. I happen to think it is a creative solution.
( So why am I here...? )This post has generated 3 comments.
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