People. . . .
Our neighbors, families, friends, enemies. . . .
We are
all people.
We are connected
in a spiritual way
And
In a human-to-human way.
As people, we share the same needs for oxygen, water, food, shelter and a sense of belonging.
We share the need for love and for hope.
In sharing these commonalities, we share the opportunity to connect with one another.
Like a blacksmith
who forges strong connections with steel and fire
This takes powerful courage
courageous faith
courageous listening
courageous heart
The extravagant gesture is the very stuff of creation -ANNIE DILLARD
Try this simple but extravagant gesture:
First,
see yourself as lovable
Next,
clear in your mind
a quiet space
For God
Get comfortable.
Know you are loved, worthy and cherished
By God
When you are calm, think of an idea or way of life different from your own
an idea new or unfamiliar to you
For 10 Seconds
Hold space
for you & the new idea
Just think about it for
10 seconds
No judgment
No argument
Just curiosity and integrity
Quietly
No need to fuss or holler or cry or run away in fear or rage
No name calling
Just you being and belonging
With God
You and the new idea
10 seconds is enough
Then breathe 5 or 6 deep, calming breaths
Be grateful for each breath
Let go of the new idea and go about your day, grateful for the gift of peaceful thought
Listen
Hear
“A still small voice...” 1Kings19:11-14
You made an extravagant gesture Just thinking Just listening Just breathing Trusting Believing
AND, BEHOLD, THE LORD PASSED BY, AND A GREAT AND STRONG WIND RENT THE MOUNTAINS, AND BRAKE IN PIECES THE ROCKS BEFORE THE LORD; BUT THE LORD WAS NOT IN THE WIND: AND AFTER THE WIND AN EARTHQUAKE; BUT THE LORD WAS NOT IN THE EARTHQUAKE: AND AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE A FIRE; BUT THE LORD WAS NOT IN THE FIRE: AND AFTER THE FIRE A STILL SMALL VOICE.—1 KINGS 19:11-12.
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