From the 1995 edition of The Muse: Coming of Age
I heard a child ask his father, “Daddy, what is true?”
“My son,” the father answered, “I can certainly tell you. I know all the rules of life. In fact, a few I’ve made my own. All the limits are defined. All the variables are known. Yes, there are many, my dear son, who would lead you astray. Those who claim to know what’s right, exactly what to say. Just know that they are evil. Their motives not for you. I’m the one who knows what’s right, exactly what is true. God looks like this. He speaks like that. His Son died just for you. He made the world all black and white. His own wear is red, white, blue. You can’t be this. You can’t do that, if you want to join His own. Never look like this or speak like that, else you’ll forfeit God’s own throne,”
“But, Dad,” the son responded, “I found a friend today. His face it wasn’t just like mine. He seemed, well, rather gray. He spoke like that and not like this. His words were full of love. He was plaid, not red, white, blue. And Spirit-filled, I know he was. His Spirit’s voice, it claimed the truth. That’s why I’m asking now. It scares me, Dad, when you're not near to draw the lines or show me how. My friend’s not this. He isn't that. So, he must be evil, right? For your rules are clear. Your lines defined. Your gate drawn nice and tight. There’s just one problem. Just one point, where I am not so sure. God said to me through Peter, Dad, ‘Don’t call unclean what I’ve made pure.’ My friend, you do not like him, Dad. I can see it in your eyes. You think that he is not so clean. His words you yet despise. But I can feel his love is pure. I know his heart is true. And while your lines are very clear, my own are different from you. I believe that you do hear the truth. You can show me what is right. But this time, Dad, you’re just plain wrong. It’s as clear as day from night. Believe me when I tell you, it hurts to know we don't agree. But someone greater than you, Dad, is watching over me. His love, I can't deny it. His message rings so true. So forgive me if I see people plaid, not just red, white, and blue. I can’t simply label ‘not pure’ all the things that God’s made clean. I can’t deny my friend Dad, just because he’s not like me. Please remember I’ll always love you. You’re my Dad. You gave me life. But as God’s Spirit leads, I’ll follow. I’ll see more plaid than black and white. For it’s in listening to the Spirit that I’ll known right from wrong. And it is talking to the Father that keeps my faith alive and strong. I’ll still ask for your advice, Dad, when life gets really tough. But as for truth, I’ll look to Jesus. His example is enough.”
Joy M. Newcom