Courage Together

Photo Credit: Ryan Roth-Klinck

By Andrea Lingle

Imagine a jeweller who had developed to such an extent his knowledge of precious stones that his whole life was in this distinction between genuine and false, suppose he saw a child playing with a variety of stones, genuine and false, mingled together, and having equal delight in both—I think he would shudder inwardly at seeing the absolute distinction resolved; but in case he beheld the child’s happiness, its delight in the game, he perhaps would humble himself under it and be absorbed in this “shuddering” sight.

Kierkegaard from Stages of Life’s Way, p. 205 (SV VIII 37)

Have you ever stood in the middle of a party, telling a fascinating anecdote, only to realize no one is listening? We shrink into ourselves shocked by the sight of our revealed selves. It is a brief moment of total disconnection and exposure. We are excised from the flow of society. We are left with the barest glimpse of our isolated self: who am I when I am not seen? 

Really reading a parable is a risky thing—it can strip you bare before yourself. Do you have the courage to face who you are in the light of a parable? 

The Missional Wisdom Foundation is built on the belief that Community is a Means of Grace. From Together by Larry Duggins:

The concept of the Trinity is much more than a bit of Christian theologic trivia. The incarnation, the crucifixion, and the resurrection all take on new meaning when seen through the lens of the Trinity. In fact, it may be the most important single concept to appreciate in Christianity. The understanding that community—three together as one—is essential to the nature of God informs and enlightens practically every aspect of being a Christian person.

God loves us because it is the very nature of God to love.
God wants us to love because it is the very nature of God to love.
God wants us to love each other because it is the very nature of God to love.

Perhaps this is why Jesus so often told his parables to groups of people. He knew that a parable is a risky thing, so he told them in a container of grace. He told them in spaces where those who choose to hear could be loved, not as who we want to be, not as who we think we are, but who we are when we are revealed.

It takes courage to read a parable. Take my hand, we will try together.