Let’s Be Friends…

In 1973, as a 21-year-old, I was thrust into a world of protocols—written, spoken, and the many unwritten rules that quietly shape how we move through society.

I was trained—programmed, really—to “know my place” in the social strata. The message was clear: if you were rich, powerful, influential, and “known,” you associated with others of the same standing. You can imagine how many silos of separation that created.

Our friend Edgar was a master at dissolving those artificial walls.

Nearly fifty years later, in 2021, I was on the phone with Edgar when I finally recognized the silo I’d been operating from. Gathering my courage, I asked, “Edgar, is it possible that we can be friends?”

I didn’t yet know his sense of humor. He paused, said “Hold on,” and after a moment returned with, “I’ve checked, and I’m just Edgar. Let’s be friends.”

Those three words—let’s be friends—shifted my perspective on who I am and what becomes possible when we meet each other as equals.

Timebanking, Edgar’s great vision, embodies that truth. It levels the playing field for all of humanity.

Let’s be friends…

Peace,

Arnold G. Murray