Beyond Independence
Blessings to You!

I am blessed and honored to live in America. I have traveled to several other countries around the world, and always return "home" with joy and gratitude. I deeply appreciate the sacrifices so many made to provide the freedoms I enjoy. AND...I believe it is time for us to look beyond the pride we have in our "independence" to another possibility;
to look beyond independence to Interdependence. Please consider the following thought:

 

A Declaration of Independence is not unique to the United States. There are many declarations of independence written by countries, states and territories who declare their independence from a parent country or other government.

 

The signing of our Declaration of Independence is called the "Birthday of America," as we declared our freedom from British rule, and taxation without representation. It was not a painless "Lamaze" birth, it was a painful, bloody birth.

 

Today, many of us have forgotten the original reasons for our decision to break free of England's rule. Many have developed a sense of arrogant personal pride regarding our "independence" and a mindset of entitlement. Our "freedom" is flaunted, as its partner responsibility is ignored. It seems there is confusion regarding independence and individuality.

 

Click Here to read the Declaration of Independence 

 

Consider the possibility that in Truth, independence is an illusion. The Truth of the matter, is that we are interdependent. As adults we may have become independent from our parents for financial support, but now are dependent on our employer...who is dependent upon us for our work...which is dependent upon the customers who by or use our products or services. This is interdependence. 

 

The mighty oak tree may seem to stand independently in the field, yet its very life is dependent on the nutrients and stability from the earth below, and the sun, wind and rain from the sky above.

 

A performer is dependent on the audience; the ability to give is dependent on someone to receive. Our body is made up of many parts; each organ dependent on every other organ for life. We are dependent on the earth, and the earth is dependent on our stewardship of the gifts it provides.

 

A focus on the illusion of independence inhibits our ability to live the reality of our interdependence. There is great pride for most Americans in declaring we are "One Nation under God." Yet in Truth, all nations, even all creation itself is under God...Spirit... Principle.

 

To be interdependent is not to lose one's individuality, or the uniqueness of one's own nationality, religion or culture. It is to be a participating entity in a greater whole. It is keeping a single eye to the good of that greater whole; Oneness in Diversity.

 

Separation, war, discrimination, crime, abuse of power, and politics have at their core a "vs" consciousness; "us against them," that inhibits our ability to experience and enjoy our Oneness. 

 

I have a dream...that one day the world will enter into a new era of peace and prosperity. Not with war or control or manipulation, but awareness of our interdependence.     

You may agree with me or not, but this is the prayer of my soul. I know I am not alone. Consider the words of the Global Declaration of Interdependence:

 

Declaration/Pledge

We, the people of planet Earth,
In recognition of the interconnectedness of all life
And the importance of the balance of nature,
Hereby acknowledge our interdependence
And affirm our dedication
To life-serving environmental stewardship,
The fulfillment of universal human needs worldwide,
Economic and social well-being,
And a culture of peace and nonviolence,
To insure a sustainable and harmonious world
For present and future generations.

   

If these words have moved your heart and soul and you would like to know more about others committed to living our interdependence, here are two resources:

  

Earth Charter

 

We the World

 

As I celebrate our freedom today, I accept my responsibility as a global citizen to do that which is mine to do to live our Oneness.

 

Love and light to you, RevAli   

Rev. Alicia-Leslie

Spirit of Unity

www.spiritofunitychurch.org 

[email protected]

860-537-3727