The places we are seen and heard are holy places. They remind us of our value as human beings. They give us the strength to go on. Eventually they may even help us transform pain into wisdom.—Rachel Naomi Remen
I received the above quote in a daily email I receive from Pace e Bene (This Nonviolent Life), a Catholic Peace organization. It ties in quite nicely with what I have been doing in my Narrative Theology class which is a part of the Doctor of Ministry program at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (MN).
In the exercise/assignment for the first week of class, each student shared their six-word memoirs with the class via Zoom. Then the student was invited to share some background on that memoir in four minutes or less. Following that, the class sat in silence and held the person and their narrative in our hearts. To learn more about Six-Word Memoirs, follow this link: Six Word Memoirs.
Our professor began the Zoom session with a time of silent contemplation and ended it with a time of silence. Bookended by silence, our memoirs became holy moments of sharing. Each student was literally seen and heard in that sacred space. I truly wonder if that is what is missing from the narrative of today’s often caustic and divisive environment.
Thomas Merton wrote a lot about the need for silence in a person’s life and the fruits of that silence. It is not speaking that breaks our silence, but the anxiety to be heard. The words of the proud man impose silence on all others, so that he alone may be heard. The humble man speaks only in order to be spoken to.― Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude (p. 89)
Perhaps we can work on keeping that holy and sacred place for ourselves and for others. Then in that holy and sacred space we can listen, learn, and grow as individuals and a society. In my own case as a Christ follower.
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Such a beautiful day, Lord
Time spent with my sweetheart
Time spent with her father
Time spent simply being still
For these gifts I thank yiu
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
This quote was delivered to my inbox this morning from the Catholic Peace Organization, “Pace et Bene.”—Walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.—John Lewis
When the drumbeat of nationalism blasts out across this land, may we never forget that it is the joining together of all humankind across racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual expressions that offers true hope. We need to be reminded again and again that “We the People” are a colorful tapestry that represents diversity.
Especially in this season of COVID-19, political absurdity, and rising hatred we must never forget what Congressman John Lewis said in the above quote. As we seek justice and peace for ALL, we must also be guided by another principle that Congressman Lewis used as his own guide in politics and in life: Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Another full day of ministry, Lord
Meetings and introductions galore
We are immersing ourselves in our new community/home
Spirit’s presence and guidance has been wonderful
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Today was a day for studying
It was also a day to somewhat relax
It was also a day of prayer for family and friends
As wildfires ravage the West Coast and the mountains
So many people in the path of the fires
So many animals… in fact all of your creation, Lord
Lifting our prayers to you, we seek your healing presence
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Our first Lord’s Day worship at Carrollton Presbyterian
Breaking bread together virtually
The Spirit brought us together in worship and fellowship
What a wonderful day of new beginnings
This evening my heart turns towards our Colorado Rocky Mountain family
Praying for them and for all in the path of the wildfires across this country
Lord protect those who are fighting the fires
Lord protect those who have had to evacuate
Lord protect those who are packing go-bags in anticipation of evacuation
To you I lift these prayers and the prayers deep within my soul
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
A quick trip to Mobile to be with friends who are family
Blessed are those who mourn
For they shall be comforted
We are so thankful to be this close to be with them
Tomorrow is my first Virtual Worship service at Carrollton Presbyterian Church
The new adventure continues
Thank you Lord for your presence and guidance this week
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Today was a time to remember a dear woman
A sister… a wife… a mother… a grandmother… a great-grandmother… a friend…
For a life well lived
For love extravagantly given
For Cindy’s life and love we thank you, Lord
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
The first day in the new call
Coffee and fellowship with parishioners and friends
Meetings and worship planning to round out the day
A relaxing evening with my sweetheart
For all of these gifts I give you thanks
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
This has been a delightful time with
Especially as we celebrate our Seventh Anniversary
This has also been a day of transition
Emails and a final meeting with Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies
Time spent exploring God’s creation in Carrollton, Georgia
Time spent preparing to buy our new home
Time spent in preparation for this new call
Time spent praying for and loving friends who are grieving
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
