“Remember Who You Are” – The Journey Home: A Perspective on Integrity Through the Writings of Parker J. Palmer

Abstract

Listening to Bill recount his life story provided me a true moment in time. His desire to invite me into the process of capturing that story became for me an experience of a lifetime. Bill, an accomplished architect, a defensive tackle for Notre Dame back in the day, and a man of deep faith, possessed all the ingredients to create an inspiring narrative. One story line from Bill continues to inspire me: a remembrance he had of himself as a high school kid. Bill’s football team had earned the opportunity to play a championship game in New Orleans. Bill’s father, an accomplished architect as well, chaperoned the team. “Here we were,” Bill said, “all of us young teenagers in New Orleans wanting a night out on the town.” Granting permission to take on the sights and sounds of the infamous “French Quarter,” Bill’s father gently took him aside and said, “you can go and have a good time—but remember who you are.” That experience stayed with Bill the rest of his life. It has stayed with me as well.

“Our deepest calling is to grow into our authentic selfhood.”—Parker J. Palmer