Coming off the heels of a highly controversial day in school today, I couldn’t be more encouraged. Strong opinions filled the room directly opposing. Absolute conviction stood boldly, each in its position of choosing.
Today when sentiments began to flow that mirror my own, I felt a sense of justice. Not for the mere validation of my own opinion, but more for the significance of convictions I deem important being given turn, place, and permission.
But yet, even while feeling understood and having my opinions voiced, I still felt something was missing. I sat in a room surrounded by friends from all over the world and all over the country. Each of them brilliant and carrying a very unique perspective from each other and from the one we were hearing. As I sat among them, I discovered something. My admiration for those around me far outweighed my desire to be right or even to have my ideas championed on stage. I found I didn’t want them to take on my “very valid” perspective as much as I wanted the opportunity for their voice to be heard and their convictions to be presented.
While it’s important to know there is only one truth, it is equally important to realize this truth is far too enormous to be contained by a single perspective. And while I love unity, it is merely an illusion until the vastness of these differences are both respected and represented.
You’ve heard it before I’m sure, true unity is only possible in diversity.
Diversity in a culture of freedom doesn’t cower but comes fully, iron on iron, grinding and screeching. These are the very real and uncomfortable sounds of sharpening. Sharpening that doesn’t seek to make a clone of itself but engages, listens, and most importantly loves the strange creature that stands before us. This brother, this sister with such wildly different perspective than us.
So when the challenger came forward today and opposed, it felt right. Like this is why we are here, not to agree with one another but to stand shoulder to shoulder, eye to eye, and engage in this freedom that is our God-given right.
I think that may be why I love debates so much. Not because I love arguing or winning. Okay, maybe a little bit because I love winning, but mostly because there is a vulnerability in it. In discourse, you must stand fully in what you believe without apology. It is often tense and exposing but that is almost the best part. It is the antithesis of hiding.
Today I felt truly grateful. Not for the side that prevailed, but for the participation. I was thankful to be in a room where opinions came sharp, but not to pierce the opponent. Where ground was held but not to mow the other over. I felt grateful for freedom today, not the tranquil version but the living, boisterous, fiery kind. Where we come with passion and we come proud because the beliefs we hold dear are often linked to something we fought hard to have found.
So bring your ideas and burning questions, because I’ve never particularly enjoyed a half-hearted discussion.
Speak your mind and don’t back down, because freedom isn’t tame.
It’s hot and holy ground.
