We’re All In the Dance

I’m a huge Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) fan!  When I was in high school I wanted to be a choreographer, took dance lessons almost every day and was a teacher’s aide in dance.  I also love So You Think You Can Dance, another dance themed show.  Anyway, one of the celebrity dancers this season on DWTS is Michael Sam, the first openly gay football player, who “came out” before the NFL draft last year.  Can I just say that I think it’s sad and weird that he’s somewhat famous for being a gay football player.  I’m sure it took a lot of courage to come out in a highly macho, tough sport, and I hope his “trailblazing” makes it easier for other young gay men and women, but I look forward to the day when someone’s sexual orientation does not dictate whether people judge or label someone.  Can’t he just be a good..or bad…football player?

So last week’s theme for DWTS was “my most memorable year.”  All of the stories and dances were moving, some more emotional than others, but the one that Michael Sam did was breathtaking….not because it was technically perfect, but because he told a moving, sad story, through song & dance (skip to 1:38 on the video),  about telling his dad that he was gay.  His dad turned his back on him.  I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the house.  So powerful, I cried (I seem to be doing more of that lately…last week a book, this week Michael Sam dancing!)  I literally cannot comprehend the thinking that being gay makes you un-lovable & that you would turn your back on your own child.  I don’t care what religion you are… a true, loving God accepts every one for who they are….and I don’t have much tolerance for those that think otherwise. (ugh….that’s a whole other post on religious extremism and intolerance)

I could go on about this subject, especially the whole debacle in Indiana, but I won’t.  There are many interpretations of the phrase “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” but I think that it means “people who live in the bubble of perfection and judgement better hope that no-one or no-thing will shatter their perfect world.”  Who can live up to that expectation?  Who would want to?  We are all different, with our own personal challenges along this journey of life….which is what makes the world such an interesting place to be! Everyone has to dance on this earth together, sometimes leading, sometimes following, but hopefully navigating it together with grace, love and decency.  We’re all in the dance…love this song!

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!