I’m always interested in language – particularly the progress of words and meaning within a language.
I serve as an accountability partner with another man – we use a web based program to assist in this venture together. Up until the last few days, we have been partners in this adventure.
Now I am labelled as an ally. My definition of an ally has been one who joins with another in a common purpose. This has been generally understood as on an equal basis.
Recently I came across an article designed for business leaders. The title related the idea that this article would deal with “words on race and gender and diversity you should know.” (published by www.businessinsider.com)
I appreciate the heads up the article provided – 16 words that are becoming more prominent in our diverse world.
The first word was “allyship”. I remember this being the term “fellowship” in a long ago time and space. But now an ally takes on greater meaning than just being a fellow human (as understood in a past day and age). An ally means “learning from and listening to marginalized groups, empowering them, advocating for them and looking forward to recognizing your own bias and privilege.”
This is not new ground for me. As a pastor I dealt with a multiplicity of backgrounds, seeking to love my neighbour and my enemies.
But, and maybe I am grasping at straws, this definition implies that my privilege (whatever that may be in the situation) is a distinguishing point that creates opportunity to right wrongs done based in my position of privilege and power. The ally must listen to the other. Then take action. Based on acceptance of the other’s truth as valid.
Which brings me to a recurring theme. A friend of mine, almost a half century ago, told me that you can be sincere in what you believe, but you can also be sincerely wrong in what you believe. The important thing is true truth.
God help us!
And yes – God has!