“You should say something about that school shooting!” my internal voice scolded. “It’s horrible and people are hurting!” Ministers often face this kind of situation. Shocked and feeling more numb than in pain, I had no words to say, nothing to write, no wise proclamations, nothing of comfort to offer. The sentences that formed in … Continue reading Hart to Hearts: Broken Hearts
I know this will come as a big shock to most of you, but not everything you read on the internet is true. As I begin the long journey of treatment for cancer, I’m discovering again the level of wild tales that out there. “The TRUTH about CANCER,” an article screams. “What doctors don’t want … Continue reading Hart to Hearts: Miracle Cures
Back in the 1990s when I worked for the Night Ministry, we held an annual Christmas dinner. It took place in the basement of a nearby Presbyterian church, and it was a grand event. Churches donated cooked turkeys, buckets of mashed potatoes and stuffing, gallons of cranberry sauce, and enough pies to stack to the … Continue reading The Work of Christmas
I don’t know about you, but too often lately, I’ve felt a total overload in my nervous system. Some of it has to do with the feeling that pretty much everything around me is in chaos. Our government at the top levels seems to be swinging around mindlessly much of the time. There’s a frightening … Continue reading Keeping Sane in Chaotic Times
Spirit of love and of life, come and rest upon us, within us for these few moments of calm. Quiet my striving and allow me a time for breath, for silence, a time to let go of all longings and desire. May I simply be here without worry or wish In the quiet of our … Continue reading A Prayer for Peace
The rally was going to be held at Chinese Reconciliation Park. I was dressed in black and sporting my bright yellow Standing on the Side of Love stole, so I stood out in the crowd. The organizers I asked if I’d be able to open the rally. “Say a few words to begin,” they invited, … Continue reading Keeping On
This morning, our service was Love Beyond Beliefs, and we made special mention of the events in Charlottesville, VA on Friday night and Saturday. To follow on from that service, I offer the written text of the meditation/prayer I shared, and some opportunities to support the community in Charlottesville. First, the meditation, beginning with words … Continue reading Remembering Charlottesville and Living Our Love
I’ve said more times than I can remember that it’s been a year of trouble and turmoil. Maybe it has something to do with the way social media shapes our lives, the constant blare of the 24 hour news cycle, and the if-it-bleeds-it-leads nature of news reporting. This week or so has seemed especially filled … Continue reading Joy and Woe Are Woven Fine
For nearly three months, I’ve been trying to write something about what’s been happening in the UUA around a new awareness of white supremacy as manifests in our own lives and especially our organizations. If you are unfamiliar with what has been happening, here’s a comprehensive timeline of events and links to social media and … Continue reading Stumbling into the Truth: More Reflections on White Supremacy.
I was delighted when I opened the Soul Matters packet this month and read the words of Barbara Brown Taylor. She really speaks to me and my life-long “issue” of self-loathing my body. Here is what she has to say: I think it is important to pray naked in front of a full-length mirror sometimes, … Continue reading What Does It Mean To Be a Community of Embodiment?
