We live in the middle of a profound mystery. The movie was already presented on the silver screen when we found ourselves a character. Quickly we learned that we have a role to play and thus set on our job of discovering what it was to be. Others told us what our part should be…but we were unconvinced. Some of us wanted to be the good gal or the good guy and ride a white horse and save the day. Many found the role of Snidely Whiplash to be their calling as they tied Nell Trueheart to the railroad tracks. Dudely Do Right is a more satisfying performance…however, we are captivated by Snidely Whiplash. How often have we rooted for the Bad Guy With a Heart? Tony Soprano comes to mind. If there is good news to report it is buried toward the back of the newspaper…while bad news is the emblazoned headline…

George Costanza of Seinfeld was attempting to flirt with one of Elaine’s colleagues and Elaine grabbed the young woman away from the conversation and told her that George was a bad seed. Where the young woman had before been uninterested…now her curiosity was perked. George began to play the role of bad boy and then Elaine called and told her that George was a good seed…a very good seed…to George’s vehement protestations.

Life presents us with the quandary of how much we want to do to help others while still being a bit of a Badass… We all have a little mischief in us and that is what gives us our character and zeal to accomplish. Indeed we are a unique mixture of good and bad and we find ourselves in the ‘IN BETWEEN’. Full of ‘Piss and Vinegar’ as Neva J. used to say and yet with a heart of gold. Some of the most compassionate people that I have ever met are those who society has marginalized and forgotten. Often they understand Jesus’ admonition…Love one another as I have loved you…’