I am not typically one who pays attention to what is socially acceptable. It probably would be fair to say that I have no natural awareness of social convention. I laugh loudly and bang my hands on the table in quiet restaurants. I miss subtle social cues like if someone offers to pay for you should decline first, then when they insist, you can accept. Also in the reverse situation where I offer and they decline, I don't insist. You would think I would be embarrassed a lot, but in my blissful ignorance it is usually family or friends that get embarrassed on my behalf.
Seems to me like a lot of unspoken expectation. So why is it that we do these things? For the sake of keeping up appearances. How we are viewed by other people seems to have found its way to cultural importance. In some instances that is a good thing, we need people in our lives with their finger on our pulse keeping us accountable to our actions. On the other hand, in can be a source of insecurity, withdrawal and shame. We want to be respected and honoured by the people around us, this is in essence what dignity is: to be honoured and respected. However, there are people whose respect you will never gain.
I am always thinking about God's relationship with us; it has no barriers and there is no deception, he sees us for how we truly are. We are completely exposed and vulnerable when we are truly in relationship with God. So that would make me think that dignity is a human invention. What can we hide from a person who knows everything there is to know? What respect could we hope to gain from someone who created the universe?
Dance how you want to dance. Be loud if you want to. Most importantly be yourself, because that is who God created you to be. Unique and unashamed of it. Dignity is for the proud.
