March: On Death

March 24

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time.

As a young child, my greatest fear was burning in hell for my sins. 

It took me a while before I was able to see through the bars of the prison I found myself in. One of religion, strict rules and laws that didn't make sense to me.

But as I grew older, I began to see the many prisons we can find ourselves in—as Baldwin says, those of totems, taboos, and crosses, of armies, and flags, and nations—all in order to deny the fact of death. 

It’s natural. It’s what we do. It’s comforting and routine and human. But once you recognize it, and next time you enter and shut the door of what can become a prison of choice behind you, just be sure you don’t throw away the key.

• Reflection title: A Promise as a Prison
• Creative inspiration: James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time
• Reflection Question: What prison have I willingly or unknowingly entered? Can I see the way out—do I want to, or should I leave?