Dear Friends,
As we build the Beloved Community, we pray for you every day that you might continue to bring it about in your little corner of the world.
Today's Meditation offers a photo meditation by Jan Phillips of a Gathering of Indigenous Elders,
a pairing of two photos, one of a woman in nature and one of nature itself--When the Mother speaks--and finally a poem "An Invitation" which is "your chance to climb into Nature's lap and lay down yur burdens...you are not alone here, every bird is singing, announcing your coming."
We invite you to join us as we commit
ourselves to working tirelessly to end systemic and structural racism in our society, in the church, in healthcare, in the workplace--wherever it shows up so that everyone may come to have more abundant life. May this meditation nourish our contemplative-active hearts and sustain all of us in action.
In the spirit of our philosophy of co-creating community and our awareness that the Spirit speaks through each of us, we invite you to share your meditations with us as well. We truly believe that it is God's economy of abundance: when we share our blessings, our thoughts, our feelings, we are all made richer.
We hope and pray that you find peace, healing, hope and the infusion of joy in your life!
With our love and care,
Ron and Jean
MEDITATION:
Hi and Happy 4th! Sending some images from the beautiful Aniwa Gathering of Indigenous Elders that was held at Big Bear here in June. It was a stunning experience to be in the presence of so many leaders dedicated to the sacredness of Earth. Also was a great complement to my own creative project these days--an exhibition of photographs designed to evoke awe and action for the benefit of the Mother. I'm creating pairings of 2 photos, one of a woman in nature and one of nature itself that organically seem to connect as a more perfect whole. It's a bit mystical, and will have some short text accompanying some of them. Just finished the pairings, now am looking for exhibit space. I'll share a few at the end of this Museletter.
Livingkindness News
Last fall when I was back in Syracuse I had a chance to teach and preach at the truly affirming and all-welcoming All Saints Church.They have a huge number of Congolese parishioners, many of whom sing their native songs in the choir during certain masses. I asked the leader what was his heart's desire for the choir and he answered immediately, "They need robes." When I got home, i sent a check from Livingkindness to cover the cost and the word went out. They were made in the Congo, shipped to Texas, then transported to Syracuse. Last Sunday, I had the joy of seeing them when I went to mass at All Saints. What a joy!
I also had a chance to present a scholarship check to June Millington and Ann Hackler, founders of the amazing Institute for the Musical Arts in Goshen, MA.
No matter what our attempts to inform, it is our ability to inspire that will turn the tides.
from Marry Your Muse
A few of my pairings for When the Mother Speaks exhibition...
An Invitation
When the bridge beckons,
when the leaves lean in
and rustle your name:
do not think this is not for you.
Do not let fear keep you
from the Mysteries lining up in your favor.
This is your Mother calling—your chance
to climb into Nature’s lap
and lay down your burdens.
This here, this bridge—
made from the teeming wonders of Earth:
wood from the pine trees, nails from ore
a billion years old.
This is a threshold.
Nothing is as it seems.
Place your foot upon the plank. Hold to the railing.
Remember every scary step you took
that ended in joy and some new knowing.
You are not alone here.
Every bird is singing,
announcing your coming.
Love to you all. Hope to see you somewhere this summer! Jan