So… then there was that time I scrolled through my Facebook newsfeed and saw this: Running after “slaying a dragon,” at all costs, with no relationship to your divine or to the other human beings in the world, will never generate joy . A Hero’s Journey doesn’t suit us. It’s just not going to work. …
I don’t understand it. I am an extrovert and love to process ideas, emotions, and experiences with people. I hold strong opinions about equality, justice, compassion, and ethics. I am willing to be in a crowd of people rallying for causes, to sign a petition, to write letters, to even blog a bit about things …
Let’s imagine together. It is a cold night as you bundle up in a winter coat, or maybe a thick comforter, with layers of socks under your shoes, and mittens on your hands. You may be alone, or you may be with someone else; let’s imagine your favorite person is also bundling up like you …
About twelve years ago, I spent a long January weekend on Topsail Island, North Carolina, at a spiritual retreat. Twelve relative strangers came together in a large beach house to listen, pray, meditate, share, and explore our connections to the Divine. One of our leaders, Donald Engstrom, was a big bear of a guy with …
In the months leading up to Justice GA, congregations throughout the denomination have been talking about and doing something about social justice. It is our call to put our faith into action, to help heal the world. For me, one of the guiding principles for the work of justice is Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms. …
There’s a lot of talk about freedom and liberty these days, and whenever I hear the word freedom, my mind instantly goes to Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms and the beautiful interpretations by Normal Rockwell. In his 1941 state of the union address, FDR proposed people “everywhere in the world” ought to enjoy: Freedom of …
A few weeks ago, the lovely and delightful Alie , one of our congregation’s youth who had just graduated from high school, asked me to sing Joni Mitchell’s “The Circle Game” at her service. She was to talk about growing up in our congregation and heading out to the next phase of her life. Alie …