Years ago when the city of Baltimore was experiencing violence, my friend the
Rev. David Carl Olson said that “My liberation is tied up with yours.” He was
referring to a quote that was not merely academic, but lived inside of him. “If you
have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come
because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” by
activist Lilla Watson.
Many of us have a life quote that we carry in us. Two of mine are “We are more
alike than we are unalike” by Maya Angelou and “Forward together, not one step
back” by Rev. Dr. William Barber.
Both of these refer to how I feel about people and how I wish to see and be seen by
people. They remind me of who I am—a unique person who shares bonds with
everyone, and a member of communities who move together.
Liberation means being free of ties that are unhealthy, being able to revel in bonds
that feel good, that do good.
When we keep our own self-worth in our minds, hearts, and in our words and
actions, seeing the worth of another is easier. To love another we must love
ourselves. One way that we love ourselves is by keeping our own boundaries for
our personal sense of safety, well-being and health.
When we know what we want and need and can identify how other people make us
feel, that is a premise of liberating love. We are liberated from fearing other
people or their rejection because we know who we are.
In turn, it is easier to love that other person because we see them for who they are,
not merely in relation to us, but as a whole unique person.
Liberation is freedom from, freedom to….
Liberating love is a love that we can give and receive freely because we fully
know and understand what is at stake.
We may not all have the same experiences or outlook, but we can share of
ourselves and see others, in a liberating love.
In peace
Rev. Amy