It's a day after Halloween...the first day I have the time (and the mental energy) to reflect on another All Hallows Eve gone by. The Great Pumpkin didn't rise out of the pumpkin patch, but the day is always filled with magic for me.
I know, Christian ministers are supposed to say something against the day. I'm supposed to re-infuse the day with more "sacred" ideals and rally against the human need to hide in costume.
But that would be insane.
I love Halloween because it's so perfectly human. We (yes, i say "we") spend time choosing an ideal costume and then find a party or go trick or treating or just hit the streets like I did in NYC. We over indulge in sweets or other consumables and then try and get back to work the next day.
Its awesome.
It's human.
This year, it was the costumes that struck me. Well, maybe I should say it's the process of choosing a costume that struck me. Halloween nay-sayers talk about the idea that we go out as something that we aren't on the day...a chance to step away from ourselves.
I, unsurprisingly, disagree.
Truth is, I think we say a deeper truth about ourselves with the costume (or non-costume) we choose. We tell a story about ourselves and who we are at the core of our soul. Sometimes it's a truth so deep that only the permission of a costume allows us to tell our story.
Ironically, I'm wondering if Halloween is the one holiday where we aren't afraid...
...at least those of us willing to put on a wig and makeup.
The story of redemption must be one that results in the human heart replacing fear with truth. We have to learn to trust the truth that we are beautiful or courageous or chivalrous or funny or sexy. Somewhere in our hearts we are all angels, rock stars, cowboys, superheroes, or celebrities. We are magical creatures that make people turn when we enter a room. Even those of us who decide to be a bit ghoulish choose creatures that are noticed...because in our hearts we know we are creatures who should be noticed.
I notice them all on Halloween.
What is more, is that I believe the heart of God notices us year round. We are seen for who we are, not the one who has to hide inside the expectations of others in order to have the things we believe we need to survive.
A few of us believe. We call them stars.
Then, like zombies, we consume their greatness when all the while missing our own.
So, my dearies, slip on the tights, dye your hair, wear all the adornments you can.
Just make sure it's really you.
Then go...don't be afraid.
Peace.
I know, Christian ministers are supposed to say something against the day. I'm supposed to re-infuse the day with more "sacred" ideals and rally against the human need to hide in costume.
But that would be insane.
I love Halloween because it's so perfectly human. We (yes, i say "we") spend time choosing an ideal costume and then find a party or go trick or treating or just hit the streets like I did in NYC. We over indulge in sweets or other consumables and then try and get back to work the next day.
Its awesome.
It's human.
This year, it was the costumes that struck me. Well, maybe I should say it's the process of choosing a costume that struck me. Halloween nay-sayers talk about the idea that we go out as something that we aren't on the day...a chance to step away from ourselves.
I, unsurprisingly, disagree.
Truth is, I think we say a deeper truth about ourselves with the costume (or non-costume) we choose. We tell a story about ourselves and who we are at the core of our soul. Sometimes it's a truth so deep that only the permission of a costume allows us to tell our story.
Ironically, I'm wondering if Halloween is the one holiday where we aren't afraid...
...at least those of us willing to put on a wig and makeup.
The story of redemption must be one that results in the human heart replacing fear with truth. We have to learn to trust the truth that we are beautiful or courageous or chivalrous or funny or sexy. Somewhere in our hearts we are all angels, rock stars, cowboys, superheroes, or celebrities. We are magical creatures that make people turn when we enter a room. Even those of us who decide to be a bit ghoulish choose creatures that are noticed...because in our hearts we know we are creatures who should be noticed.
I notice them all on Halloween.
What is more, is that I believe the heart of God notices us year round. We are seen for who we are, not the one who has to hide inside the expectations of others in order to have the things we believe we need to survive.
A few of us believe. We call them stars.
Then, like zombies, we consume their greatness when all the while missing our own.
So, my dearies, slip on the tights, dye your hair, wear all the adornments you can.
Just make sure it's really you.
Then go...don't be afraid.
Peace.
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