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“You are going to feel like hell if you never write the stuff that is tugging on the sleeves of your heart — your stories, visions, memories, visions and songs. Your truth, your version of things, your own voice. That is really all you have to offer us. And that’s also why you were born.”
Anne Lamott

“You are going to feel like hell if you never write the stuff that is tugging on the sleeves of your heart — your stories, visions, memories, visions and songs. Your truth, your version of things, your own voice. That is really all you have to offer us. And that’s also why you were born.”
Anne Lamott

Category: Stake In the Ground

Stakes & Boundaries

George 0 Comments

In a conversation following my blog post A Stake in the Ground, the subject of boundaries came up.It has occurred to me that my ideas about driving stakes could be interpreted as  a rejection of boundaries or, at the very least, some equivalency. That was not my intention, but the subject is worthy of some clarification. 

STAKES

Let me begin with stakes in the ground.My definition of driving a stake in the ground is the occasion when an issue, principle, rule, law , belief is inviolable. There is no room for compromise, much less discussion. Negotiation is out of the question. Hopefully, it is obvious that driving a stake is a  decision of last resort. Although I believe there are circumstances where driving a stake is appropriate, the consequences of choosing that option  are so profound  its application should be exceedingly rare.As I noted in my earlier post, that is not the case in our today’s society. 

At this point, we could discuss underlying causes for the current state of our society, but that is beyond the scope of this post.  In my opinion, the prevailing  attitude for many people today is their belief that  driving stakes in the ground is  the best/only solution to controversy or disagreement. It is a desperate effort to overcome our fear  of losing what  we value most. 

Driving a stake in the ground reveals what is of the highest value for us. If, our reason for driving a stake is a truly preeminent value,  then we  should expect to be praised as courageous and heroic. Unfortunately, most occasions where I choose to drive a stake in the ground, I was not courageous  or heroic, mostly a damned fool. Though it is ultimately of little consolation, I am thankful that my foolishness dims in the light of the idiocy that prevails in a society where our sense of value has been so distorted, that all most any thing is worth driving a stake in the ground. You don’t have to go much further than social media to confirm my assertion.

As I concluded in my previous post, the essential qualities prerequisite to using  this weapon of last resort are wisdom and discernment. Problem solved! (I wish)

BOUNDARIES

Disclaimer : the following is written without  academic  confidence and relies upon my limited understandings and experience.  Proceed at your own risk. ( it just occurred to me I should have probably posted  that disclaimer on the home page of my blog a long time ago. My apologies.)

Boundary- definition:  a real or imagined line that marks the edge or limit of something

Boundaries are essential to our very existence , not to mention the quality of our lives. Without them we would not survive. Boundaries define us as a person, define our property and they establish limits which  serve to  preserve and protect us. Understanding  and properly applying   boundaries is as much a learned skill as it is an inherited trait. One of the most challenging aspects of  living emotionally and physically healthy lives is defining and maintaining boundaries. 

The difference between boundaries and stakes in the ground, as I am referring to them, is that boundaries are permeable, stakes are not. We own and control  and have responsibility for boundaries we establish. We can choose how permeable or  impenetrable we want them to be. 

Choosing between permeable and impenetrable  boundaries requires the same qualities essential to knowing  when and where to drive a stake in the ground, namely, wisdom and discernment. 

When we choose to drive a stake in the ground rather than  establish permeable boundaries, we are choosing a nuclear option. Once that missile is launched we have ceded control.When  others choose the same option the result is mutually assured destruction. Gridlock prevails. Survival of the fittest comes to mind.  To state it another way, driving a stake in the ground is the weaponization of a boundary.

 In summary. The objective of this post is to clarify the relationship of  driving a stake in the ground to establishing boundaries. They are two sides of the same coin. In either case, wisdom and discernment are required in order to successfully navigate our life’s journey. One is an indispensable tool, the other is nitroglycerin, perfect for demolition but must be handled with extreme care.

Succeeding posts will focus on Jesus’ ministry and his teachings on driving stakes in the ground.

A Stake in the Ground

George 0 Comments

A recent conversation settled in on the idea that sometimes we just have to drive a stake in the ground. To put it in other terms: 

“a line in the sand” 

“a red line that is not to be crossed” 

“ I’ve reached my limit”

“I’m at the end of my rope”

“That is a hill I’m willing to die on”

“There is no excuse”

I have no argument that there are circumstances where it is necessary to drive a stake in the ground. The problem, as I see it, is…when or where is it appropriate to do so? 

Driving a stake in the ground will always have consequences, sometimes serious or, perhaps unintended.  I remember as a young teen, confronting a bully who was challenging me unfairly. I essentially drew a line in the sand, which he promptly crossed and punched me in the face. Upon reflection, I was not sure drawing a line in the sand was such a good idea.

However, that experience did not deter me in future life circumstances. The consequences of which have included damaged and/or broken relationships, lost career opportunities and other less, but important, results.

Reasons for driving a stake in the ground can range from the most honorable to the most stupid and irrational. I am reminded of a father who drove a stake in the ground when his adolescent daughter refused his request for her to mow the lawn. She had crossed the line. As a result, he has refused to speak to her for the past 3 + years. It does not take a psychologist to imagine the potential consequences of his decision. 

As I have pondered driving stakes, it seems to me that the default response in our media saturated society is to drive a stake, no matter what the issue. Whether it is abortion or which essential oil to use, there is no room for margin. This is particularly true in the realm of faith/religion, which, of course, is where truth is a most critical issue and the handiest stake. In either case, stake drivers are certain of their truth. 

They most relevant arena for driving stakes at this stage of my life is in my neighborhood and with my neighbors. Thinking about that narrow venue can be instructive in larger contexts. For one example, see my post (http://www.georgeezell.com/2019/05/the-depth-of-my-sin/) 

Another example is a house that is in deplorable condition, an eyesore that reflects badly on the entire neighborhood. My thoughts are.. there is no excuse … something has to be done… complain to the city council… enough is enough… time to put a stake in the ground!

I know a bit about the residents, it’s a rental, and passing by late one recent evening a man who lives there was mowing the knee high grass. Appreciative of the fact that the grass was finally being mowed, what I saw was a man by his appearance had most likely worked hard at a menial job all day. His countenance betrayed his weariness. His circumstances betray the chaos in his life. 

So, my response as one who loves his neighbors, is to file a complaint with the city to get something done about an unacceptable situation? To have an official notification of their violation of codes, rules, norms or whatever? Perhaps they can be fined or evicted. 

I am not exactly sure what I should do, but, I have decided against  those options. At this point, I can predict the thoughts and words of you readers.  …yes but … followed by a whole litany of good reasons and rationalizations for driving a stake and digging in. 

I do know this, if I want my rights and interest protected and I don’t give a damn about what their life and circumstances are or what insurmountable burdens, perceived or otherwise, they may have, I can drive that stake and feel righteous and right and our neighborhood will be lovely.

At this point, my conclusion is that driving stakes is an act of last resort. There is no easy answer to when and under what circumstances we should do so. I am seeking greater clarity to that answer by looking to Jesus for wisdom and understanding. I hope to report on my findings in subsequent posts. I would encourage you to join with me in that quest.