Rooted in Hope

May you never become cynical

May you never become jaded

May you never lose heart

May you never let the bastards get you down

May you never lose faith

May you see light and good in everyone

May you remain open to wonder and mystery

May you stand firm in the assault of the powers

(shielded with the armor of God

and a good sense of humor)

May you stay rooted in hope

AMEN.

                                                          (by Neil Paynter)

_____________________________________________

who will win

the battle for my soul (or true self, call it what you will)?

there are two worlds out there

one is dark and terrifying

with all of its hate and prejudice,

and talking heads twisted and distorted

with its violence, and oppression

but

there are beautiful things out there too!

mountains

and skies so blue you think the Sacred is playing with her

color filters again

there are beautiful animals

and playful ones too

there are children who laugh

and people who bake you pies

“just because’

which world wins?

it seems it all depends on my inner world

and where I decide to put my energy

it depends on who I listen to

and what I look for

when all is said and done

I create the world I live in

(yes, I know that is not totally true,

 but it is still very true)

so I will seek the Sacred

I will nurture my relationship

with The Beloved

I will look for good

and be open to beauty

I will grab love when I can

And I will stay rooted in hope

_______________________________________________

(Thanks to Neil Paynter, whom I do not know,

  but whose words were so impactful

  and to Diana Butler Bass who first shared this beautiful benediction)