Labels

After reading Sir Bowie's blog about Trademarks and Beer Labels, I started reflecting on how we use labels in all facets of our lives. What seems easy on the surface becomes very difficult inside when we truly realize how labels form so much of who we really are as a person. It all starts with a question. For me it came last night from Lady Allwinky over a dinner discussion about a friend having to "put their dog down", human speak for kill the dog! Sure we believe it's the humane thing to do, so why don't we use the same logic with human beings who can no longer function without pain and suffering? Good question! The answer, labels! It's labeled brutal, sinful, trying to be like God, etc. when applied to humans; however, it's labeled as the right thing to do for cats and dogs. The same theory applies to the control of sexual reproduction. Sex itself, a very natural function, has long been a taboo in our society. It always has a label associated with it, depending on what perspective you are coming from This is when simple answers are not enough for me, because simple answers are often the drug of simple minds. But there I go labeling again. Some would say it's as simple as my lack of faith. Perhaps they're right; however, there's that Cherokee blood that flows through my veins that leads me to view ALL LIFE as Sacred. The trees, the grass, the birds, the asshole who cut me off on the bypass today. A very wise and open minded priest (hard to find now days) once told me that all creation and creatures are good and are meant for USE. It's when when we ad the AB in front and make it ABUSE that the problems begin. (This is actually a teaching of St. Ignatious of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits) So the next time you naturally fall into labeling events and all created things that are alive in their own special way, remember, life is not meant to be like a grocery store where you like only the "brand" or "generic" labels; life is a grand banquet, or better yet, your favorite pub, full of safe things, crazy things, wonderful things, horrible things, brand names, generics and a exotic choices waiting for your USE, not ABUSE. That is why I embrace the philosophy (really the way of life) of Unity through Diversity. It is also why I find the Catholic Church in it's "TRUE foundation", as the closest place for me to "formally worship" the living God, because Catholic at it's essence means UNIVERSAL and it's the one Church throughout the world that is truly Unified through Diversity (Like when I witnessed a Mass in Hawaii using traditional music and the hula at the altar under a Samoan Warrior Jesus). So, remember to read and apply all labels carefully and to Think, Drink and be Merry!

Sir Hook of Warrick

We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents.
-Emerson