Painted Out

Painted Out

 

Over two years ago, my Granddaughter gave me a book entitled, “Tell Me Your Life Story Grandma.” It is a lined, blank book, based on more than 100 pages of questions, and yes, it has taken me over two-years to write. But now it is done.

One of the final questions was:

What do you consider to be your core values in life? What values do you most want to pass on to future generations in your family?

I could probably write multiple pages on that list, but here is what I actually wrote:

Love

Honesty

Integrity

Forthrightness

Compassion

Diversity

Curiosity

Intelligence

Respect

Education

Creativity

Generosity

Loyalty

Diligence

Sensitivity

Responsibility

Self-care

Justice

Hope

Dependability

Listening

Understanding

Faith

This list could go on and on. While many of us share these values, we each have our own take on what they mean and how our values play out in our lives and choices.

And just as I finished my list in my granddaughter’s book, I noticed in the news this picture of a worker painting over values similar to mine, at the FBI training academy in Quantico, VA. Apparently these have been values long held by the FBI, permanent enough to be painted on the wall at some time in the past. Clearly these are not values that the FBI trainees will now receive.  PAINTED OUT!

The administration, which ordered the removal of these stated values, undoubtedly has a very different take on the ideals for a moral life than I have. I am outraged that our government is Painting Out so many of the values I, and many of us, hold dear.

As I’ve pondered this picture and what it means in the larger context, I’ve concluded that my job now is to PAINT IN my values in the every day choices I make and the way I show up in the world and to my grandchildren, who are indeed “the hope of the world.” My value of “Hope” needs to be painted everywhere I go, so I, and none of us, will ever forget it.