“Autumn is a time of release, of letting go, of noticing what we don’t want to hold onto anymore, what we don’t want to invest our energy in anymore.”
—Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, Writing in Season: An Online Self-Study Retreat
What are you being called to relinquish, that which no longer serves your soul’s purpose and needs?
“What is that inner force that drives us, that provides regeneration and perseverance to speak the truth that desperately needs to be spoken in this moment of history? . . . If I deserve credit for courage, it is not for anything I do here, but for continuing in my daily struggle under occupation on so many fronts, for remaining samideh (steadfast) and, all the while, remaining open to love, to the beauty of the earth, and contributing to its healing when it is violated.”—Jean Zaru, Occupied with Nonviolence: A Palestinian Woman Speaks
Verse of the day
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
– Isaiah 43:19
Voice of the day
Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.
– Robin Wall Kimmerer, “Braiding Sweetgrass” (2013)
Prayer of the day
God who breathes life into all things, cultivate in us a renewed sense of tenderness toward the earth and its relationship to our own healing.
Both the book and the retreat opportunities are excellent. Christine’s deep work with grief has been both a profound inspiration and healing experience for me. 💚☘️
“Anyone who has gone through their own journey of deep and conscious grief knows the way it carves out a deep well of compassion in you for others. When you know the sorrows of your life so profoundly it can’t help but connect you to others in a kinship of mourning.”
—Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, The Love of Thousands: How Angels, Saints, and Ancestors Walk with Us Toward Holiness
When have you experienced a deep well of compassion either in yourself or others?
A self-study retreat with additional resources is available here. Use code LOTH20 to take 20% off through November 30th.
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.”—Albert Einstein
“Baldwin calls the willingness to lose everything a refusal of despair. He is describing divine freedom. He is describing the freedom that is called witness.”
—Jamie McGhee & Adam Hollowell, You Mean It Or You Don’t: James Baldwin’s Radical Challenge Our Lift Every Voice Book Club selection for November & December
What invitation do you receive from this call to divine freedom?
View or listen to our conversation with the one of the authors, Jamie McGhee, here.
Verse of the day
Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise.
– 1 Corinthians 3:18
Voice of the day
Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others.
– Fyodor Dostoevsky, “The Brothers Karamazov” (1880)
Prayer of the day
Lover of truth, keep us aware of our own shortcomings, lest we cast premature stones upon others. fear.
“It is better to teach or live equality and love . . . than to have hatred and prejudice.”—Rosa Parks
Verse of the day
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
– Psalm 46:1
Voice of the day
Lord take my soul, but the struggle continues.
– Ken Saro-Wiwa
Prayer of the day
God, let us affirm your constant presence in our lives and take courage, standing with the oppressed in defiance of fear.
