Seeking Definition, First Attempt

        I had discovered that the overall tone of the Cristian Science Monitor newspaper was one of dignity.

       This was a startling and wonderful realization. But then I wondered: What does that mean: dignity? As a writer, I spend a lot of time searching for the perfect word; in this case, I wanted to know if "dignity" was the perfect word.

       I began my search in the oldest dictionary in our home: the Funk & Wagnall's Comprehensive Standard Dictionary of the English Language (1933). This dictionary has my grandmother's name, Edith L. Hillary, stamped onto the front of it.

Edith used the back of it as a kind of address book.

 

 

       Edith was my mother's mother, and was a Presbyterian. I was pleased to use this bit of heritage from a different member of my family—not my father who was Christian Scientist—to seek a definition for the word dignity.

       Dignity:

1.      Grave or stately bearing.

2.      High rank, office, or position: distinction.

3.      A dignitary.

4.      The state or quality of being excellent, worthy or honorable.

       I noted that the first definition in this list was about stately behavior, which, I confess, I rarely exhibit.

       The second and third definitions are about rank or office. Again, this doesn't seem to fit with me. I have served on non-profit boards, and sometimes I was President or Secretary, but no one in my memory ever called me a "dignitary".

       Did this word dignity actually apply to that newspaper's tone? Did it apply to me?

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Discovery!

        One time I had occasion to study the Christian Science Monitor. This newspaper was started in 1908 as a nonprofit by Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science Church. As I turned the pages and glanced through the articles for some school project, I began to get a sense of tone that was different from most newspapers.

       I have a special interest in the Christian Science Church and Mary Baker Eddy. Several of her works are on the shelf with our family Bibles: Prose Works, Other than Science and Health with Key to Scriptures, (1925); Manual of the Mother Church (1936 edition); and Science and Health, With Key to the Scriptures, (1934 edition). These books have my father's name stamped into the front of them.

       I was raised Christian Scientist.

       Today, the teachings of this church seem out of touch with mainstream Christianity, especially the use of prayer instead of medical aid for healing, even for ill children. Many people consider it a cult.

       When I surveyed all those Monitors, my family had long before abandoned that church and I was well aware of its bad image. I don't remember what I was looking for in that research project, but I remember what I found.

       Eventually I put a word to it, the tone prevalent on every page: "dignity".

       Suddenly, I wasn't ashamed to be associated with the church of my father.

       According to Mary Baker Eddy, the purpose of the Monitor was, "To injure no man, but to bless all mankind." Also,

The aim is to embrace the human family, shedding light with the conviction that understanding the world's problems and possibilities moves us towards solutions.

        This seems a far cry from the harsh, argumentative, doom-laden messages of most news outlets today.

       In these contentious, riotous times, I find solace that someone out there is encouraging us to shed light on problems in order to discover solutions. They are encouraging us not to injure others, and—by my reading—to treat everyone with dignity.

       As we enter lent this year, like a whole planet of super-reluctant hermits, let's consider that simple creed of Mrs. Eddy's, and make a vow for every day of lent: Injure no one.

 

(Previously published in the Mid-week message of the First United Methodist Church, Alamosa, Colorado.)

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In Praise of Praise

      One thing that I like about myself, is that I am a planner. I think about what is coming and I prepare. (Preparing for a pandemic? Separate blog post!) Also, I practice: I set a goal, plan the steps to accomplish it, record my progress, and celebrate success.

       For example, I decided last year, on my birthday, to take a long walk every day, regardless of weather conditions.

*    I got a pedometer app on my phone to track my steps. (All my friends count their steps, so I am following the crowd.)

      *    I told my doctor my plan and goal.

*    I incorporated a secondary plan: taking photos of Mt. Blanca for a possible picture book.

       This year, I reported to my doctor that I was taking about 28,000 steps a week. (Truthfully, my friends win; they are taking 10,000 steps a day!)

       She celebrated!

       However, something about myself that I don't like, is that I am generally a reserved, reticent person. I struggle to introduce myself to strangers – although this becoming easier for me as an Airbnb host. Also, I am good at conversation, but not at asking people about themselves.

       Although I often appreciate something about a person – style of dress or hair, voice, hard work, helping others – words of praise rarely leave my mouth. They stay inside me and add to the pile of regret I've stored up over the years. I wish, for the hundredth time, that I could give praise easily.

       Recently, I received an unsolicited comment from an acquaintance, praising me for my writing. She sent me an email saying: "… you are such a good writer; you include personal experiences, historical perspectives, and make it all relevant to a current situation. Well done!"

       My heart soared with happiness! 💖🙋💥

       Her comment included specific details, how my writing helps, and a final pat on the back.  This was a perfect compliment: praise that recognized my skills and gifts, inspiration to continue,  and encouragement to get better.

       I want to pass this gift of praise, that I received, on to others.

       I don't want to be reticent anymore, especially when it comes to praising others.

       Here is my plan.

1.      Set a goal: give an unsolicited compliment every single day. Just like taking a walk, I wish to give praise. Is there an app for that?

2.      Steps to accomplish my goal:

*    Tell everyone in the world through my blog. (Ok, I only have about two followers, but still … )

I'm starting this week, at the 2020 Autumn Equinox, before we head into the dark, dreary time of winter, because this seems a wonderful time to begin a project of praising others.

*    Decide how or where to record my progress (since I don't currently have an app):

o   Report in a current journal -- I don't use any on a day-to-day basis right now.

o   Create a separate daily journal (I am very good at creating and using journals.)

o   Computer spreadsheet noting date, time, person/s to whom I praised.

o   Call or text someone who cares.

3.      Record progress: see options above.

4.      Celebrate success:

*     Report on this blog 4 times/year on equinoxes and solstices.

*     One year from now, on the 2021 Autumn Equinox, make my year's report in my blog, get a growler of my favorite beer at the local brew pub, light a big fire in our fire pit, dance naked in the moonlight.

Okay, probably not that last bit, so don't come sneaking around to spy on me for a thrill.

But you are welcome to join me this time next year. We can lift a glass in praise of praise. Even if we're still separated, or lonely, or sad.

       My hope, of course, is that praising others will eventually become easy and comfortable for me, just like taking a walk. I won't need to track the compliments I give each day, or have an annual celebration – Wait!!!

       Maybe an Annual Moment in Praise of Praise anyway!