The Feather Pen

The weight of a pen is as light as a feather, pressing words onto a blank sheet; And then…(drum roll please) forceful thoughts are hurled into cyberspace. Some ideas will penetrate like radiation from the sun; other ideas will melt into the void; we can rarely predict what the initial effects of a new idea will be. But we do know that an authentic writer will just keep on writing with that feather pen: presenting the thunderous clamor for change, the olive branch of peace, or even both at the same time. Wasn’t the feather quill the favored instrument of Colonial America?

Still a new idea does begin with a soft voice individually, then a louder dialogue together, and onto the great chorus capable of initiating change. Politics over time became such a bloated sport, the goal of the winner to reveal the worst traits of any opponent entering the arena. The resulting polarization of ideologies does not help or serve anyone - except those who learned from day one to profit from it.

We can do better by listening and trusting again. Listening? Trusting? Yes, the madness and noise will end by some means, and the members of society, the remnant that is left, will be forced (or actually desire) to listen to one another and to trust, in order to get anything done and to survive. We may as well turn the tide sooner than later, mindful of the end game.

With the latest technology, like-minded individuals can and do create an insulated world of their own. But I want to hear from people with differing views and perspectives! The loudest participants to the left and right of my FaceBook page are separated in every way, except that they all truly care. They care about where we’re headed and the future of our children and grandchildren.

I believe we will ultimately care enough to listen and move toward solutions that work. The next generation, IF given the chance, and now that’s a Big IF, will continue turning things around through an open dialogue, trust, while blending new technology with that old feather pen.

As I was writing this blog entry, I came across the farewell letter of Congressman John Lewis who died on July 17, 2020. He will long be remembered for walking beside Martin Luther King and continuing King’s legacy. Holding onto his pen at the very end, Lewis wrote:

“I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.

When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.”

In this humble Concepts Blog, let’s establish a forum of participation, inclusiveness, and encouragement. Here you’ll find messages of hope and a simple faith interspersed with soundtracks from various eras of history and literature which will provoke critical thought and reflection.

Thanks for visiting.