During most of my time in Holland, I have been attending a Reformed Church (not my background by a long shot) that is somewhat politically activist oriented. Although the church has its share of religious-related factors that drove me away from organized religion in the 1990s, many attendees are well-meaning, good people.
On a recent Sunday, one woman spoke about efforts to support gay and lesbian students at my college. After the service, I spoke with her and shared with her that a woman shared that she was a lesbian to me while we met privately in my office.
Over my time in Holland, I have given a great deal of thought about working on such issues here. Some have told me that it’s great to be working on the “front lines” in battling the prejudice that exists in this small town. Others have told me to “stay and fight,” that voices for liberal causes are needed in this town.
Although I believe that there is an important place for this work, and that change in the world happens through those who stay and fight, that is not to be my lot in life here. Am I selfish for wanting to move? In some respects, it seems silly to remain here when there are perfectly reasonable cities where I can be around others who share my values, and where it would be a lot easier for me to make good friendships. What it comes down to is this: fighting is good, but life doesn’t always have to be this hard. I think it is great that there are people like Jane, Kristen, and others who want to stay and fight here, but I am not ashamed to admit that I am not going to be one of them. I actually quite strongly believe that my path is beginning to diverge and lead me in a different direction, both geographically and spiritually.
I’ve begun attending a local Quaker meeting in Holland. I love the hour of silence just to meditate. Of course, in being a small town I knew most of the people there when I walked in, and it’s a tiny meeting in this land of the Christian Reformed. However, it is nice to experience silence when there is just so much noise around. I’ve spent the past year sifting through all the noise to find that voice that I heard again in Wellington after a few years of coasting along.
Recent Comments