A Question of Truth

Truth. Ali’theia. Verdad. Chshmartit’un. Jinsil. Egiatasun. Truth. A rose by any other name, William Shakespeare once said, would smell as sweet. The question that seems to confront us today is, however, have we lost our taste for truth. At last count, there were over 40 police officers killed in the line of duty in 2015 already. Over forty who’ve, men died, putting their lives on the line to serve their chosen communities. Each of those lives lost left vacancies that will never be filled. Children who will never see their father’s again. Wives who will never have that last embrace, and mothers who will never again welcome home that favored son. This is not a cry that would say every cop is perfect, or that he never made a mistake…had a break in judgment; or even just plain messed up. What it is, is a reminder that there is One before whom every life matters. Every Black life. Every White Life. Every Brown Life. Every Native Life. Every life matters. This is my truth. Referring back to Shakespeare, he said, “All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.” Just for a moment consider it to be true and ask yourself what part are you playing? Are you the protagonist that plots along narrative like Luke Skywalker bring peace and balance to an otherwise capsized universe. Or are you the antagonist, an Emperor imposing your will on all around, forcing them into your version of realty? Or perhaps you take comfort in just being a role player one of many hidden-faced storm troopers just carrying out orders never once stopping to ask the question, “What is truth?” As long as we the masses are willing simply to follow, then we will have the political leaders, the law enforcement, and the criminal element we deserve. Of course, the opposite holds true as well. And even at that, it is not enough to just get involved…to just do something. It is ultimately important that we do the right thing. While standing before Jesus, Pilate asked a question that Jesus never answered. He asked, what is truth? I often wondered what might have happened if Jesus had disclosed…I wonder what would happen in your life if He answered it for you.