You Have My Permission

Liam felt he was in a bind. He wanted to do things and think things, but some things were frowned upon. It confused Liam because he wasn’t thinking or saying things that were mean. He had used logic and reason mixed with personal experience to come to conclusions. He felt that he was not allowed to think or say certain things. It bothered him deep down.

Why was he not allowed to think or say certain things? Why couldn’t he do things his way if they didn’t hurt others? There was no thinking or logic. The people around him were seeking control and consensus. They appealed to people and said that they were the ones who decided what was fine to say.

Liam was never allowed to challenge them. If he did the people called him stupid. They questioned if he had gone to school or studied for as long as they had. When he pointed out that someone could have schooling, but could still be wrong they insulted him. They ranted and raved and called him every name in the book.

They wanted to shame him. They wanted him to fall in line and stop talking about things. They wanted everyone to say the right things. But Liam said that there were things they had gotten wrong. They didn’t listen and the more Liam spoke the worse things became.

They stopped serving him in stores. They fired him from his job and they refused to hire him anywhere else. They took his home and possessions when he could not pay his bills. They told him that if he said he was wrong they would take him back. He asked if he would have his things back, or if his friends would take him back. They said no and they said he would always be an outsider.

So Liam took only what he needed and left. He could not stay in a place that had such people. Liam walked many days and many miles until he reached a friend of his. Liam was worn down and tired. His shoes were ragged and his stomach was empty. His friend took him in without a second thought and took care of him. His friend asked Liam how he ended up in such a sorry state. Liam told the story and explained all that had happened. His friend looked at him with deep sadness in his eyes.

He told Liam that there is good news. That there are many people who are like Liam. The difference between them is that the others did not have the courage to speak out. That did not make them cowards. It made them wise to know when to speak. Liam understood, but wanted to know why his friend was able to say what he wanted.

His friend explained. He was able to sustain himself outside the normal structure. He was able to speak as he pleased because he relied on no one above him. He also had others beside him and they all supported each other. When you are not alone it is easy to be free and speak truth.

Liam nodded along but asked what he was to do. He relied on people above him who would restrict his speech and thoughts. His friend agreed but said something very important. Liam was willing to sacrifice so much for his beliefs. Liam knew this was true, but wanted to not suffer without cause or reason.

His friend smiled and reassured him. Liam could be someone who did something that really mattered. He could go out and tell others the truth. Through that truth he could show people it was okay to think and say things others didn’t like.

Liam sprung up refreshed by the idea. His friend gave him the supplies and means of travel needed so that he could go where he needed to talk to others. With all that done Liam waved goodbye to his friend and set off. Heading into the world to tell people one thing; you have permission to think and speak how you want.

So I say to you now; You have permission to think and to speak and explore. You have permission to do what you think is right and good. You have permission to not agree with others. You have permission to spread your ideas. You have permission to gather and support and love each other. And you should go out and say things that others do not agree with. Because the truth should be shared.