A New American Dream

Dreams are like powerful myths. Pointing us to truths that seem trustworthy in the awakened world, but are illusory. They exist because we believe in them. As we begin to honor them, we begin to have faith in their potential reality.

They come alive in our daily routine. Creating language and symbols and new stories to support what has become legendary. As more people come to believe in the myth, the legend begins to breath. It lives, it’s alive. Individual unconsciousness becomes shared consciousness.

Like all noble myths, they eventually become corrupted and corroded by our selfish hearts. At its best, the American Dream is about merit, genuine opportunity, perseverance, and self-determination. At its worst, it’s about cronyism, ill-gotten gains, arrogance and callousness towards those less fortunate. The sin of greed poisoning our hearts. Infecting all of God’s good world, including our dreams.

Raised to believe in the American Dream and God, I slowly began to relinquish the reality of God’s unconditional love and grace for me. Confused and alone at twelve years old, I pursued the dishonest god of reputation to protect my secret.

When God freed me from the shame I felt because I’m gay, I pursued my heart’s every desire. Everything became only about me, other people became about serving my satisfactions. Co-opting my childhood visions of the American Dream by worshipping the deceitful idol called only me matters without ever questioning my actions.

I am not alone in my corruption of the American Dream or my rejection of God’s love. I now see everything clearly. My eyes are wide open. Men no longer look like walking trees.

I see the hubris deceit of our ruling class. Uttering empty and disingenuous words of concern for other people when their actions are all about their own self-enrichment. Love of neighbor extends only to them and their family.    

Twisting language to misrepresent truth. Inciting fear to hijack hope. Sowing division to divide us as children of God. Spiritually awake, I no longer dream about America.

My humbled heart now understanding that we are subjects, not objects. Every human created in God’s image. Every individual given the opportunity to create more love in the world.      

Myths and dreams will pass with each new generation. Some sooner than others, but everything will pass including us. Love is all that remains.

Love is neither dream or myth because Love is Truth. Myths and dreams can inspire us, but God’s Love will sustain us no matter what dreams may come. Awake and asleep. Now and forever. Good morning America, how are you?