No Man Is An Island
No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend’s,
Or of thine own were:
Any man’s death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.by: John Donne
Islands have represented many things in literature – an identity of belonging, association and connectivity. It represents a part of the whole — with communion. But it can be a lonely place. By definition, an island, by nature is a place where one feels little comes and no one goes, surrounded by endless bodies of water. On the other hand, we see islands as a picture of life, full of fresh fruit, new beginnings and great adventure. And then, from my generation, the island became home to castaways after a three-hour tour!
Even so, an island is still an island — separate, withdrawn, self-sufficient and self-reliant. When man adopts this identity, he becomes the one for whom all things are determined. It’s an incredibly dangerous place to live and yet, so many, with great debate, live on such a place. I know, I’ve been there!
My island, like everyone’s island, was unique. Constructed to fit the very nature of things and designed to defend the best of presumption. However, most of my life it never appeared as an island to most, with the exception of those close to me. The mirage, (those things untrue) created an illusion to most that my world was connected, sensible and for all intents and purposes – perfect. And when the mirage faded and the tides rose high I retreated, much like a funnel-web spider at the sign of danger. Except for me, my retreat was my kingdom, my fortress, my island at high tide. It was in this place of refuge no one could touch, no one could harm, pride reigned supreme and arrogance was the air in which I breathed.
Like any island, high-tide is expected. With the ebb and flow of the moon, the seas rise and fall. And life mirrors such events. But when the weather creates unusual depths and the storms of life create catastrophes, the house once built on sand stands everything to lose. The kingdom falls, no amount of pride sustains and the air once thick with arrogance becomes drenched with humility.
How grateful I am of God’s bedrock! When the waters retreat, the palace of pride falls and the light of the Son shines the freshness of life — where the streams of living water run — and re-hydrates the once sapped soul with the breath of Life under the shadow of the Cross! Amazing grace!
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait fo the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14