[May 1998 journal entry]
Perhaps the most difficult consequence associated with repositioning one’s self as an ‘outsider’ or ‘guest’ re previous memberships/places in societal spheres (including but not limited to the ‘religious’ sphere) is the diminishment of relationships that had been, as an ‘insider’, central and cherished. The motive for becoming an ‘outsider’ must be critical to one’s integrity in order to pay this heavy price. For this reason, I have disciplined myself against admonishing others to move ‘outside’ their societal spheres. I am willing to counsel and learn from individuals who take the initiative to move ‘outside’ or who, for reasons they did not encourage but cannot deny/avoid, have been forced ‘outside’.
Perhaps the most difficult consequence associated with repositioning one’s self as an ‘outsider’ or ‘guest’ re previous memberships/places in societal spheres (including but not limited to the ‘religious’ sphere) is the diminishment of relationships that had been, as an ‘insider’, central and cherished. The motive for becoming an ‘outsider’ must be critical to one’s integrity in order to pay this heavy price. For this reason, I have disciplined myself against admonishing others to move ‘outside’ their societal spheres. I am willing to counsel and learn from individuals who take the initiative to move ‘outside’ or who, for reasons they did not encourage but cannot deny/avoid, have been forced ‘outside’.
