DREAMING MASONIC DREAMS

The image of Freemasonry has faded with time in the minds of some. Unfairly but not unjustly.  Our history is as much a challenge as it is unique, enough to temper penetrating minds. What if it were different? Instead of plodding along as an ersatz social service club, Masonry expressed its true nature? What if Lodges sponsored public events, solely to promote the arts. If we feel held back by assumptions and our cohort, then we have need to dig deeper.  What if you and I gave more consideration of meritocracy? Tilting at windmills? Idealistic?  What if we exhibited the pleasure of Arts & Sciences as a theme?  WHAT IF  Lodges sponsored a night with the current laureate- Georgette Lablanc?   What if we decided it was beneficial to express our social currency- what about the inequality of misogyny for instance? In many cultures, domestic violence punctuates the experience of women and children. Too much?  Domestic violence is an ugly truth.  Imagine commiting ongoing support of women's shelters .  It would demonstrate something about us- and along with awareness would define Masonry without a word.  As people of conscience, doing what we can to protect children and women is not a choice.  What if Lodges sponsored local competitions in literature or science? Juried art shows? What if we sponsored homes for the care of elderly Masons and their spouses?   You get the picture?  It is too uncomfortable to think we have become a pastiche of what we aspire to be.  It is daunting. If we express notions of universality, how do we demonstrate that commitment? Ideals are the root of inspiration, as varied as the minds of people searching. Beauty is the last and the one pillar of three?Dreaming and being open-minded is not a weakness. Especially where there is a love of the arts and sciences.   Now we show it.