Fraternity

The dictionary defines this word as “a group of people sharing a common profession or interests” or “the state or feeling of friendship and mutual support within a group.” Dorian understands it like something that affirms your identity - it is the belonging sensation where competition doesn’t exist, but a sense to simply be better everyday. It also considers others with respect and dignity, treats everybody equally and with impartiality. 

Everyone has value in themselves, disassociated from our material possessions, academic achievements, social or economic background, beliefs, etc. Each human being has a value in himself or herself that is intrinsic to his/her existence. Our value comes from God and is reflected in humanity as Genesis 1:26 says: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...”

There is this phrase in Maya (a native language in Mexico) “inlake’ch hala ken” that means: “you are me, I am you, all are one it self”. It seems kind of weird but, in a way it’s right. I have something from God, you have something else from God, we all are because God is. And it’s in this truth, that we can find or build fraternity, when we realize that in the other there are hidden treasures just like the ones that exist inside us. That what others have to share is valuable and worthy as I have value. 

But in order to value each other, how am I valuing myself?, how am I loving myself today? Receiving the healing love of the Father, that makes my self value or self esteem grow, enables me to love others. That’s what makes me forgive or overlook the offense, and on the other hand it pushes me to set clear and healthy boundaries to take care of my heart. 

I consider that it is necessary to make these questions constantly to evaluate ourselves, and be aware: why am I doing what I do? Am I trying to return a favor, trying to like someone, be accepted, belong to someone or to somewhere?

If our hearts are right, if there is God’s love in our hearts (that allow us to love ourselves) everything that we do, small or big, is going to be a blessing to multiply or share this love. On the contrary, whatever we do or give, will be harmful and we’ll end up hurting ourselves and others. 

Listening to Dorian and his testimony, listening to the conversation between him and my roommate Fabi, I just realize: Everyone has their own opinions, background and lifestyle but we all also have this intrinsic value that God puts in our hearts. Let’s learn not to quickly cancel what we immediately perceive as different, let’s learn how to be open with others, to take what is best in every experience and people, to communicate without prejudice, to ask and communicate with integrity. Let’s give what we have, what was given to us so freely and with full hands.