When did this happen? She felt like an overcooked porkchop… Where was her essence, flavor or juiciness for life? Curiosity dried up; just a slave to lists, responsibilities and have to’s. When had she last danced a samba naked, wild pulsating heart matching a sultry bassline? Her heart restless and bones dry, she desired passion and tenderness whether in the forest alone or beneath the covers with her lover. She had read in 1 corinthians 12:21 The eye cannot say... Read more
The following is a sermon I delivered at Church of the Common Table as one of three reflections on the book of Ruth in conversation with the Syrian refugee crisis. To read those, and other brilliant musings, visit our Tumblr. —————————————————————————————————————————————————— Earlier this week, while riffling through the Pandora’s box of chaos that is our Tupperware drawer, I came across an old lunch container. It’s the sort with three separate compartments divided by plastic containment walls. Walls, designed to keep one... Read more
An ongoing discussion I keep stumbling into is how people are dealing with changes in their faith. Whether through a church transition, personal challenge, or a change in the direction of life, faith is continually growing and transitioning. These transitions are challenging because things that seemed secure are now more fluid. There are periods of calm, where it feels more settled, and moments where the foundations are shaking and we’re not sure which way to go. This can be a... Read more
Recently, someone asked me a question about the participation of white people in the Black Lives Matter movement: Is it cultural appropriation? Thank you for asking, friend. White people have a call to heed when it comes to Black Lives Matter, but it is worthwhile to examine exactly what that means. It means being willing to start at a place of being supportive of Black leadership without having to set an agenda and take charge. Specifically, showing up for Black... Read more
Expansive listening is something good singers come to understand and practice. In this type of listening something important can be discerned, namely a common timbre, the “inscrutable sacred thread.” It’s not a tone created by or around any individual voice. Far from that. Each voice must find it, surrender to it, and conform to it simultaneously. This, to me is one of the most exquisitely beautiful practices human beings can undertake. It is submission and humility; it is yielding self to the current and tone and melody that only becomes possible when we sing, or act, in concert with one another. Read more
An Open Love Letter to White Unitarian Universalists Struggling With Their Commitment to Black Lives Matter By Chris Crass Our commitment to living the values of our faith is being tested. We are standing in the storm of reaction against the Black Lives Matter movement. Now is the time when we must ask ourselves, “do we become even more out and proud for racial justice or do we shrink down in retreat?” With FOX news leading a media frenzy denouncing... Read more
***Before I even get started, here’s a plea: Donate to Syrian refugees through UNHCR here. Do it. I won’t guilt you, but I’m giving you my best mom glare, so you had better or you shall INCUR MY WRATH.*** Part One: The Broken Heart A few days ago, this image came to my attention. (WARNING: The following image is graphic. You should still look at it and take in the full meaning of it, but you should prepare yourself.) Now, until... Read more
Today is September 11th, 2015. It’s been 14 years since we all stood still. Perhaps we need to stand still every day. Today we stand still for survivors and victims, and in remembrance, but also for the continued pain and suffering that infects our world each day. Take a breath and slowly ask yourself the questions below: What pain moves me? What injustices call to me? Where is me heart burdened? Imagine if we had 1,000... Read more
“No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16-16 NRSV] I’ve learned to be someone who’s trustworthy enough to listen deeply without judgment, to make connections with other people at a soul-deep level, and to reflect back... Read more
Seriously. Thank-you Donald Trump and your ‘realityshowesque’ and ‘plainspoken’ Presidential campaign. Let me quickly explain myself. My recently found gratitude for the GOP front runner is not some form of liberal campaign rubbernecking — my slowing down the car just so I can gawk at the aftermath of an inevitable accident in the other lane. Trump’s campaign has regularly inspired glee among liberals and pundits (cf. John Stewart a year ago when confronted with a potential Trump run impishly begging... Read more
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