Holy Fool - Birdlife by michael leunig
We've been writing quite a bit this past month about Autism and, particularly, the more typical Kanner's type of autistic we see in youngest son, Ben. I've thought often just today about the image of the "Holy Fool" and was reminded of this writing from St. Paul:
“Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise.” (1Cor.3:18, NRSV)
We've written here about the five autistic men who communicated letter by painstaking letter, via facilitated communication, a book titled "QIM Tunes." These men introduced us to their brand concept of Brotherhood and need for authentic masculinity or just plain authentic humanity in our World and their World. The concept of the "Holy Fool" comes up in regard to some autistic individuals. Tink found this blog site that has some interesting conceptuals regarding the "Holy Fool." While this blog takes a Catholic/Christ focus ... there is some good work here. I liked this passage in regard to how I've sometimes viewed my own son, as well as others like him.
From MYSTICAL ALCHEMY:
"They challenge the elusive wisdom of the world. They are thorns in the side of an institution that has become soft and compromising with the liberating message of the gospel. They are a voice that can disturb the comforts of life."
"...It is a love of extremes, a love of immenseness, taking in the whole world and everything that is in it. They love without limits or expectations. Sometimes their strange behavior and unusual response to things seem overdone and out of place for the particular situation. But that is the way of folly; it does not comply with static social or institutional demands. It seeks to draw people to a renewed awareness of what it means to be filled with God. I believe that we need more people like this. We have become too safe with mystery, with the things of the Spirit."
And finally this:
“For as I see it, God has exhibited us apostles as the last of all, like peoplesentenced to death, since we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels andhuman beings alike. We are fools on Christ’s account, but you are wise inChrist; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we indisrepute. To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clad androughly treated, we wander about homeless and we toil, working with our hands.When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we respond gently.
We have become like the world’s rubbish, the scum of all, to this very moment.”
(1 Cor. 4:9ff.)
I'd like to share the following exchange between a 15-year-old autistic boy "J.B." and my then 6-year-old son, Ben. When I think of hope and salvation for our World ... for our very souls, I think of the rare exchanges that have occurred between the two. "J.B." is a young man who began communicating his thoughts and feelings via FC. He now is able to type mostly independently and is very busy preparing for Honors Level high school work. "J.B." treads a tentative balance between remaining constant to his soul work where he needs to be deeply autistic at times ... and wanting to be more present in this Earthly world in order to teach others about external appearances versus what is inside. We appreciate the tremendous effort he and his family have made to travel the country mostly at their own expense to teach the "teachers" and "institutitionalized medical community" about FC.
"J.B." .. much like Ben .. minces no words and conserves his on line writing & wisdom to share with very few individuals. We have been honored on a number of occasions to be thought of as friend to "J.B." When I watch and study autism lists and those who write on the groups ... I have always watched carefully who guys like "J.B." and my own son have taken the time to respond to. They don't waste time or energy on frivolity and always seem to get a bead on whose hearts and minds are in the right place. Or at least those who try real hard! lol
Here are two of their interactions:
Ben pointed out a quote one day: "I gave my life to become the person I am right now - Was it worth it?"
A number of responses were brought forth.
Then "J.B." wrote while typing with one finger:
"...im here just recovering from dasterdly exams. the anxiety is a fundamentalmonster in this autism we wear. to become a person of the fine example weare always hearing about from our parents, i think i look to the heart ofthe person doling out the advice. if i feel its worthy and true i take fromthjem hopeful feelings that will cushion my ride on this coaster. if theypresent themselves as full of destructive thoughts and weak mind i throwthem off as much as an uncomffortable pair of shoes. surely the judgement weforce on each other is a heavy load to bear if the superconscuiousness ofhumankind can unite and elevate the positive energy, would we not be soaringmy friend? your friend in life,"J.B."
Then, Ben sent J.B. a song about the first prom J.B. had ever attended. The song was from
Peter Framptom Live! "Do You Feel Like I Do!"
J.B. wrote in response:
Hi Tink and Ben: yes the prom was a night of joyous dancing and the leaving life of autism back on the hanger in my closet. i think music is the souls expansion of the conscious thought not spoken. ben you communicate well. life shall be so all mostly in tune within your vibration. all the kids were having fun and so i did my part to be of the whole. in life i think opprtunities come for us as we need them and i needed to feel this. mostly the feeling of going was nervewracking . but as i understood the right things to do it was wonderful. the girls were so lovely i was enticed to dance with them without fear and the time flew as eagles wings over the mountain top. thhank ben for my messege. the tune relays my pleasing
thoiughts. your friend in life, "J.B."
Just a couple small examples from those "retarded" autistics. ;o)
Top O' The World, Mom! [ben on Kangaroo Therapy Ball] 2006
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