a tribute to Star Wars … (05/25/13)
36 years ago today, I waited in line for hours to see “Star Wars” on its opening day — twice. As a tribute to the brilliance of the initial Star Wars trilogy (the three films released in 1977, 1980 & 1983) — a saga that not only revolutionized the film industry, but that also said so much about nobility and redemption and forgiveness and courage and hope, I offer the following …
Sometimes life is hard. We experience disappointments, suffer injuries & illnesses, endure failures & setbacks, and are surrounded by cold strangers & dangerous enemies. Fear seems to rule the day, with every gain containing an imminent loss, and every Love carrying within it an inevitable loneliness.
“We seem to be made to suffer. It’s our lot in life.” ~ C3PO
And in response to our sadness, our anger and our frustration come those who would have us succumb to powerful self-centered temptations — to condemning those not like us, to attacking our enemies, to primarily caring for ourselves and those close to us; essentially, to living with a heart in darkness — to acting from a place of fear …
“I suggest a new strategy, R2 … Let the wookie win.” ~ C3PO
Of course, this path — as reasonable as it may be — actually leads us away from Peace and towards further pain.
“Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” ~ Yoda
Fortunately, there is an alternative Path — a Way of Courage — a Way of Caring … the Way of LOVE. And all it takes to tread this new trail, all it takes to leave the life of angst and suffering behind, is one bold step into the fear-filled life of another — one Kind hand extended gently in time of need.
Today is the day we have been given to do the Good we can do … There is no reason to wait any longer to bet started. For no one else is coming to our rescue … No one else is going to rebuild our communities or mend our relationships or assure our happiness … It will be us or it will be no one.
And this is a truly Good Thing — for WE truly are the ones we have been waiting for, WE truly are the ones who will become the change we wish to see …
WE truly are the ones who will save this day.
“Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter … Your weapons — you will not need them, and your size matters not … Simply do, or do not. There is no try.” ~ inspired by Yoda
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