I'll be Naked

John Mayer wrote a song in which he said, "I'll gladly go down in a flame, if a flame's what it takes to remember my name."

Albert Einstein once wrote, "To punish me for my contempt of authority, Fate has made me an authority myself."

I once walked to the mantra of the first, and couldn't wait for the fulfilment of the second. Now, I sit here 28 years old and think back on those two statements and shake my head at the path those simple phrases lead.

I might be known someday but I most definately don't want to be remembered because I had a sensational crash. Those who are remembered because of their beautiful burn-out upon reentry are a dime a dozen. And I can honestly say that if Fate's reward of contempt is to give authority, then I want no part of it. Why would I want to lead where I couldn't follow?

In 2005, a man I had entrusted my spiritual training to told me, "The way you follow is

the way others will follow you." That stopped me cold and I literally wanted no part of people following like I was. Rebellion is necessary when a revolution is needed - whether it be spiritual or physical. However, submission to authority is also necessary. Especially when you've chosen to place yourself under the wings of another.

I understand the heart of what Einstein was saying, but I cannot find the humor. I have been chosen to lead, but only because I live in the freedom of submission to the Light.

So I will gladly go down in a flame, but only if that's how I'm supposed to go down. I'll gladly look stupid, but only if I am supposed to look stupid.

But I will live free, because I am free. And I will set others free, because I have been chosen to do so. And the only thing that will do down in flames are the things that dare keep those given to me in fear.

So, color me naked, and fly free.

- Shadraq