Fierce and Fiery Wisdom — 16th Street Goddess, Mission District, San Francisco. Photo by Jamie Walters (Use in accordance with Creative Commons – cite credit and link to this post. Merci.)
This is a powerful perspective from Gary ‘Z’ McGee, shared by Laura Bruno.
Gary Z’s article includes some of my own favorite themes and insights, like the fierce-and-fiery wisdom of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King when he spoke of creative nonconformists— or rather creative maladjustment and transformed nonconformists to be specific.
These sorts of insights and inspirations are intimately linked with the Transformation-and-Phoenixing theme in my previous Sophia’s Children post — it’s always helpful to renew our remembrance of just why that whole ashes-to-Phoenix process might be purposeful if it births the fierce-and-fiery wisdom and transformed-nonconformity required of a ‘David’ (or a Davida, as it were!).
Here are a few bits from Gary’s article; read on and you’ll find more:
“The hope of a secure livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists, who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood. The trailblazers in human, academic, scientific, and spiritual freedom have always been nonconformists. It any cause that concerns the progress of mankind, put your faith in the nonconformist.” ~ the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
and …
“It takes courage to stand along, especially when standing against Goliath while also attempting to show others how they are not Goliath. Diane Grant said it best, “It’s better to walk alone, than with a crowd going in the wrong direction.” But it’s even better to point others in the right direction as you go.”
Turning the Table on Unsustainable Systems is Like Playing Rope-A-Dope with Goliath.
“Withdrawal in the face of moral complexity is no answer. Withdrawal in the face of atrocity is no answer. Two hundred species went extinct today. When faced with those committing atrocities, it is incumbent upon you to stop those atrocities using any means necessary. If you were being tortured to death in some basement, and I knew this, would you want me to walk away? Would you accept it if I said, “Oh, here’s an answer, I will walk away.” What would you call me if I did that? What would you call anyone else who did that?” –Derrick Jensen
Jamie is an inspiration partner and lantern-holding guide for her fellow transformation leaders, change catalysts, and creative nonconformists who are living, inspiring, and leading the change in these chaotic times.
She is an author, writer, mentor, and muse who weaves both ancient and contemporary Wisdom into practical action for wellbeing.
She's the creatrix and curator of Sophia's Children; founded the long-running Ivy Sea Communication & Change consultancy (and its award-winning Ivy Sea Online, both 'Sunsetted' over 2015/16).
Jamie is a Berrett-Koehler Publisher author, and has shared the written word through a variety of outlets over the years.
Learn More: http://sophias-children.com
Me too. 🙂 And the real thing is gorgeous; it was just around the corner from a friend’s home and a frequent wandering spot for me, so I made sure to pass it often. Somewhere I have a full photo of it. xoxo Love, Jamie
August 14, 2015 at 3:57 am
I love that photo!
August 14, 2015 at 3:18 pm
Me too. 🙂 And the real thing is gorgeous; it was just around the corner from a friend’s home and a frequent wandering spot for me, so I made sure to pass it often. Somewhere I have a full photo of it. xoxo Love, Jamie