With that said, what prompted this particular blog was an incident that occurred on a social networking site yesterday morning. As usual, I checked in and posted a quote picture that was cryptic in nature, but had tickled my funny bone. In the status directly following mine, someone posted a prayer for God to protect them from the toxins of cynicism. Now this could have been and most likely was a complete coincidence but, it caused me to reflect on how we, as humans; interpret, project and judge the meaning of sound bites that are commonly known as statuses. I try to be balanced and systematic in what I post. I understand that this is a public forum and I work to project myself in the same way I would any other public space. But, even with that intentionality there are risks taken when sending a message out into cyberspace. This experience had me once again ask myself what kind of picture are you painting of yourself. It also had me asking, am I a cynic?
The definition of a cynic is one who
is distrustful of human nature and motives – one who believes that human conduct
is motivated wholly by self-interest. I love people!!! I rarely struggle to
find common ground during interpersonal encounters and like most. My current
profession is the study of human nature and the ways in which it can be served,
helped and healed. Several months ago during a conversation where relational
frustrations were being aired, I shared that I had learned to live in the
tension of having high hopes for people, but low expectations. For those in
their twenties that seems like such an oxymoron, but once you have experienced
enough disappointment in relationship, both facilitated and received; this
paradox can be internally accepted without contradiction or anxiety. Life’s
experience led me to internalize the reality that people are a mixed bag of
dark and light, ambition and laziness, self-destruction and
benevolence….theologically speaking humanity is defined as sin-filled and at
the same time a beautiful reflection of the imago Dei (God’s image).
Actually, I think a dose of cynicism is healthy. Does possessing it preclude having high hopes –absolutely not. Seriously, why choose to enter into the people helping profession if the belief is that people are incapable of change? Nevertheless, change is rare and it often comes about at a snail’s pace. The investment made in another is a blind leap of faith with shifting outcomes rarely seen by those doing the investing. This is why the Scripture reminds its followers not to be weary in well doing. Yes it is true, human beings are self-serving. Even in our benevolence, we want to feel good about assisting others as well as serving God. If we approach helping situations without this understanding; at the very least we will be seen as naïve Pollyanna’s who are easily taken advantage of and/or not to be taken seriously. Or, at the worst hold unrealistic expectation that leads to repeated disappointment, weariness and eventual bitterness when the fruit of our labor is limited.
To the nameless individual who
posted their prayer of protection; I say thank you for initiating another round
of self-reflection leading me to process through these thoughts. I too send up
a prayer - for an understanding that cynicism is not the antithesis to hope;
and in the midst of much needed idealism the knowledge that a healthy dose of
skepticism brings balance to one’s expectations.
To answer the question, am I a cynic? No….but I would say that I am a realist.
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