Are you out of the box?

Odd Balls

“Some of the most wonderful people are the ones who don't fit into boxes.”

Tori Amos

There are people who, from childhood, do not want to “fit in.” They make their mark by going against the grain, so to speak. One such is Palmer, who was once a member of our church and an ordained minister. He is a big man who wears sandals and red socks to church with his plaid Bermuda shorts. He would from time to time fill the pulpit when our regular minister was away. His sermons were always entertaining—one I remember was titled, “The Kingdom of Heaven is Like Compost.” He is a serious fan of Mark Twain, even considers Twain one of America's leading theologians, and often quotes him. I visited his home, now in Wisconsin, some years ago and discovered he has a little shrine to Twain in his man-cave.

Some humans of the “odd-puzzle-piece” variety are the very ones who go on to advocate for those who would want to fit in if they could. In Palmer's case, folks with cognitive disabilities. They know what it feels like to be an outsider, and while they don't want it for themselves, they will defend another's right to be one of the “chosen.” Those who have decided not to run with the pack don't mind being offensive, even obnoxious, if that's what it takes to break down barriers for defenseless people. There is real strength in being weird if you fully embrace it.

I also believe that people who are out of the box live life more fully because they live it as themselves. They are not a product of our consumer society, nor are they willing to step to the music of collective consciousness. Instead, they cut a path made just for them that takes a great deal of courage and effort. I say, “Hats off to the odd-balls!" May we have ever more of them.

                                             In the Spirit,

                                                  Jane