You may have seen a meme which asks "What is your dragon name?" Instructions for discerning this are: [Your name, backwards] the [current mood], Hoarder of [last food you ate] and [object to your left]. Most people use given names; I primarily give my surname. I have since put my given name which, backward, is "Oj." A lot depends on mood; sometimes the more sober and somber "Draglad" is required. Recently, a letter was dispatched to Draynim the Abiding, from Oj the Generous.
Some would slander dragons, equating them with demons. I chalk this up to weak minds and petty fears. Certainly there lies within the souls of all living creatures, that spark of divinity which is too often subverted. It is sad that all nonconformity, whether of form or ideals, seems automatically to be labelled "evil." Is this why some folk are so obsessed with *slaying* these powerful beasts? What have dragons ever done to deserve such a fate?
Alas, that is a question which could well be asked of other groups which are demonized and marginalized: immigrants; poor people; ethnic minorities; LGBTQ persons; far too many others. Racists claim discrimination when those they would oppress, are given equal rights. How pathetic is that?
I am fast realizing this cannot be about dragons when there are more pressing issues to discuss. we will leave the fate of dragons for a time when there is not so much social upheaval. So let's get in there and get our hands dirty, shall we?
Via Facebook, I follow the vlog [video blog, for those unfamiliar with the term] of Beau of the Fifth Column. This bewhiskered young fellow [I have reached such an age that anyone south of the half-century mark is "young"] comments frequently on the deplorable state of U.S. politics and policies. During a recent segment, Beau addressed the issue of crying babies. For once, he did not refer specifically to those unfortunates being tear-gassed at U.S. southern border. Instead, Beau was talking about those nameless "least ones" that fill shelters - when there's room.
On a recent Saturday evening, I attended an appreciation banquet for Neighbors of Hope, a local outreach ministry. After a lovely meal, we heard speakers from various ministry coordinators and a couple testimonies from participants.
Dee Crane, director of the ministry branch which focuses on women and children, mentioned some depressing statistics. I didn't take notes but was not particularly surprised to hear that approximately one-third of school children in Lenawee County, are living below the poverty level. Shocked, yes - but hardly surprised. It is sad that many seem to dismiss this appalling state of affairs as "the new normal." There is nothing "normal" about an affluent country subsidizing its billionaires, while condemning its most vulnerable occupants to an existence of extreme poverty.
Affluence is too often seen as a reward for morality; such that they are sometimes equated with each other. We must disabuse ourselves of the notion the wealthy are more worthy, simply by virtue of their net worth. The "war on poverty" should not be open season on poor people. So often the question "(But) What can I do?" arises. Whatever is within your means: donate; participate; advocate. Show kindness to the oppressed. Don't judge someone for making "poor choices," - especially if you don't even know what their options were. Chances are, any given individual is doing the best they can in any given situation, with the resources available.
Kindness makes the world a better place; be kind. Please. Thank you.
Good one, sis.
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