How Faith Calls Us To Stand Out And Speak Up
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(OPINION) As a prolific writer — both fiction and non-fiction — when an inspiration hits me, I have to follow through on the process of getting my ideas on paper (or, in these modern times, typed into the computer) or it bugs me no end.
My latest effort will, eventually, be a book about how not to be “beige.”
I’m already discovering how many aspects of life contribute to the overwhelming amount of beigeness in today’s world. Faith is just one of them.
What does it mean to be beige, exactly?
Beige is considered a “neutral” color, nondescript. When walls are painted beige — in homes or public buildings, for instance — those passing usually ignore the décor and go about their business.
Beige doesn’t “pop” like brighter colors; it isn’t noticed.
Spiritual leaders who refused neutrality
People who are beige don’t stand out in a crowd, don’t speak out on hot-button issues and conform to the status quo without objection.
Here’s a short list of people who weren’t beige, from a faith perspective:
— Jesus
— Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
— Moses
— St. Francis of Assisi
— St. Benedict
— Mother Teresa of Calcutta
— The Dalai Lama
What makes these individuals “colorful” on the spiritual plane is how they weren’t afraid to speak truth to power, to advocate for those without a voice, to proclaim the equality of human beings as they stand before the divine in the face of unjust class systems or government policies.
They willingly withstood ridicule and persecution, on an emotional and physical level, for their beliefs, while inspiring subsequent generations to pursue a deeper relationship with the tenets they held dearest to their respective hearts. They refused to compromise when offered power, money or other “perks” of status, becoming shining beacons for the ages.
Conversely, those who choose the course of beigeness are content to sit back and watch the world go by, without raising a finger to make a tangible difference.
How refusing neutrality changes the world
They may gather for worship at the church, synagogue, temple or mosque of their choice on the weekend, but once the service has concluded, they go about their lives without giving much thought to applying their faith to the moment-by-moment challenges and interactions of each day.
They “go through the motions” of living and miss the rainbows that shine through the raindrops of the ordinary.
As quite a number of comedians have pointed out over the years: life isn’t supposed to be dull. We’re put here on earth to relish the many gifts we have been given, to laugh, to sing, to dance, to smile and to be a bit silly now and then. We shouldn’t wrap ourselves in a beige cardigan of isolation from our neighbors, our community, our world — convinced an unchanging, hum-drum daily routine is sufficient for a fulfilling existence.
Those on the short list above never intended to “make their mark” on the society of their day, but because they refused to fall into the trap of beigeness, their actions had a profound and enduring impact on others.
For Moses, Jesus and the Buddha, entire religions developed in the wake of their lives. For St. Benedict, St. Francis and Mother Teresa — also a saint — their examples sparked communities of vowed religious and lay people, of many faith backgrounds, who have integrated concepts of simplicity, moderation and selfless service into how they express their love and respect for others and the planet.
The Dalai Lama, who lost his homeland of Tibet at a young age, continues to preach tolerance and understanding with his distinctive humor and warmth while enduring a decades-long exile.
The key to not being beige, especially from the viewpoint of faith? Be open to what the day brings, don’t ignore the challenges and the opportunities — just plodding through the hours like an automaton or a zombie.
See the wonders there are to be seen, hear the sounds of diversity, feel the joys and sorrows that are inflicted on those close at hand, and reach out to support, sympathize and help better their lot.
Let’s pitch the beige cardigans and really live!
This article was originally published in FaVS News.
Julie A. Ferraro is a communications professional who works extensively with Catholic religious communities. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, she is a mother and grandmother. She has been a journalist for more than 35 years and continues her studies of both Benedictine and Franciscan spirituality.