While contemplating the image and the meaning of the wedge blade it occurred to me that the phrase which represents the wedge blade has changed at least twice. I discovered an old PVCC document on which the last phrase ended with “for the sake of all men. This was in the 60’s. It’s no surprise that it was changed to “all people” and eventually amended to say “for the sake of all creation”. Likewise, the image of the wedge blade has taken on different forms as well. Things change as we grow in experience and our perspectives change. Some things shouldn’t change.
What has not changed for me, from the first time I saw the symbol, to the present day, is what it represents. It’s inclusive. Every living thing on the planet between the “no longer and the not yet” is included. It does not have any artificial walls that separate us. The blade’s image represents constant movement into the future. It challenges us to not just talk about justice, what needs to be done, but doing something about it. Those who are leaders, agents for needed change, will at times, find themselves on the point of the wedge blade.
For some, the blade may seem austere; frightening, not inviting. It is austere, but so is life for many people. Ones who find themselves on the point are there to help the ones “in between”.
Few of us can remain on the point indefinitely. Arriving to “the point” involves risk. Sometimes from choices made and sometimes from random happenstance. The next wedge blade article will feature members of PVCC and others in our city who have been on the point.
Phil Dietz