A Status Quo Heretic

"Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not."

George Bernard Shaw is credited as the first person who made that statement.  Robert Kennedy made it famous by quoting the author.  It has been quoted in the context of business, politics, education, world events, etc.

I like it.  I like it a lot.  Because I believe it defines those of us who believe that we are called to live our lives in such a way that the world around us is better for it.  I don't mean this in an egotistical way.  What I'm attempting to say is that if we look around us . . . there is an infinite amount of possibilities to make life more . . .

Interesting . . .
Meaningful . . .
Productive . . .
Safer . . .
Healthier . . .
Enjoyable . . . and on and on and on.

"Some men see things as they are and say 'why' . . . "

But to be honest . . . it is a lot easier to sit back in the comfort of our own familiarity and sigh deeply . . . "that's just the way it is."  We look at the way things are and wish for something different but admit that it is most likely easier to accept the current state of things than actually do anything about it.  The status quo may not be what we like but . . .  let's face it, it is the status quo.

Why rock the boat?
Why challenge the system?
Why upset the apple cart?

The truth is most people like the status quo.  They may not like what the status quo produces . . . but at least it is what they are familiar with.  It is always easier to complain than to actually do something that improves.

Is it fear?
Is it laziness?
Is it complacency?

I'm sure it is different for each person.
But whatever the reason is, we accept what we are given and limp through life wishing things were different.

Just wishing.

". . . I dream things that never were and say why not."

Then there are those who see wishing as a waste of time.  These are the people who challenge the status quo and risk the resistance and the ridicule of those who sit on the sidelines.

They experiment with different solutions while the others say "it can't be done."

They are not afraid to fail while the others laugh at each attempt.

They speak their dreams while the others shake their heads in disbelief.

Maybe those who sit on the sidelines feel exposed for their fear, laziness, or complacency.  Or maybe . . . they just don't understand.  Maybe they really aren't called to be what Walt Disney called  "dreamers and doers."

For those of you . . .
who believe there is ALWAYS a better way;
who KNOW there is more to life than can be seen;
who are CONVINCED the best is yet to come;

For those of you . . . who are CERTAIN that Jesus is "able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us . . ."

 I toast you and say "never stop."

Of course you don't need me to cheer you on because that is not why you do it.

It is WHO you are.
It is WHOSE you are.
It is HOW God works through you.

Because of you and people like you . . .

Who challenge the religion of "the way things are;"
Who refuse to bow at the altar of the average and acceptable;
Who dreams the dream and says "why not" . . .

 . . . I say to you, 'do not be afraid to be the status quo heretic that you were created to be.'

May God bless your efforts.
May He give you continued boldness.

But with this encouragement comes a word of caution:

Do not boast in your own strength . . . but trust only in He who gives you the ability to dream and do.
Do not take pride in yourself as one who challenges others.  That would be foolishness and your gift will not be taken seriously.

Yet a person who walks with God, lives for Christ, and is led by the Holy Spirit will undoubtedly be given visions and dreams for things that never were and will undoubtedly say, "why not?"

Never stop dreaming.  Never stop doing.
You have it in you to be a world changer . . .
. . . a status quo heretic.

Onward and upward . . .

Stephen