The Color of Passion

“I want to know what passion is.

I want to feel something strongly.” 

(Aldous Huxley, Brave New World)

I have a grudging respect for the adherents of ISIS. It is not their actions that impress me, nor their ideology, for both birth great hurt into our world. Rather, it is the raw passion of the movement that inspires my appreciation. Merriam Webster defines passion as, "a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something." Theologically, passion is that power which opens the heart to hurt-with, as in the passion of Christ. The men and women of ISIS definitely have a strong feeling about their beliefs, and they hurt with the purpose of their cause, be it ever so misdirected.

It is no wonder that young people from around the world have been drawn to ISIS. Our youth and young adults are attracted to the energy of passion - moths to the fire as it were. The brutality of ISIS may be overlooked when it is hidden behind the raging fires of an ignited passion. For some it is more desirable to burn intensely for the wrong reason than to not burn at all.

“The saddest people I've ever met in life

are the ones who don't care deeply about anything at all.

Passion and satisfaction go hand in hand,

and without them, any happiness is only temporary,

because there's nothing to make it last.” 

(Nicholas Sparks, Dear John)

What passions are we demonstrating for the upcoming generation? A love of big houses and jacked-up trucks? Political infighting and partisan arguing? Have we demonstrated a bone-deep desire to give our lives for a cause that could actually change our world for the better?

According to the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians, the fruits of the Spirit are Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. These are the qualities humanity expresses when we are open to Love working through us. What would happen if we were as passionate about living out these ideals as ISIS is about living out theirs? Perhaps the youth of ISIS would be seeking us out...

“As if you were on fire from within.

The moon lives in the lining of your skin.” 

(Pablo Neruda)

I have met many impassioned people - men and women who shine a brilliant light, who inspire, who would die to bring an ounce of healing to the hungry. Regardless of creed or color there are those who burn so hotly that all who come near are inflamed by their passion. This is what we are built for - this heat, this raging fire that would spend our incarnation in an instant if it would burn away the world's ills. 

What inspires you? For what is your passion ignited? Does your heart smolder, all smoke and no heat, or do you blaze? The Divine within you would kindle an unquenchable heat if only fanned by Love's desire. Let us, all together, shine so brightly for the good things, for healing, and new life, that the dim fire of ISIS sputters in comparison. Let us be the light that draws our youth back to us.

I leave the last word to Paul, whose passion was for unity of Spirit:

"Complete my joy by being of the same mind,

having the same love,

being in full accord and of one mind."

(Philippians 2:2)

The color of passion...

purifying fire.

A spark

on dry tinder

enflames

a forest

when

fanned

to

life

be

someone's

spark

Breathe

Pray

Laugh

To Ponder Further:

- From the Bible: "My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God." (Psalm 84.2)
- From African Traditional Religion: "One who stays in the shade does not know the sun's heat." (Igala Proverb, Nigeria)

- From Islam: The believer who participates in human life, exposing himself to its torments and suffering, is worth more than the one who distances himself from its suffering.
(Hadith of Ibn Majah)