tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18509891615468541112024-03-14T05:51:09.691-07:00Dancing our FaithI am a wanderer. I would say that I am a seeker, but sometimes I have no idea what I might be seeking, so I will stick with wanderer. This blog is more a public journal than anything. I don't claim to have life figured out. I simply stumble from mystery to mystery, and share my reflections along the way. Sometimes I feel burdened, and trudge. Sometimes? Well sometimes grace breaks through, and its time to dance.SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.comBlogger3190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-7561059648133626762024-03-14T05:50:00.000-07:002024-03-14T05:50:31.840-07:00No level Ground<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is no level ground<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">At the foot of the cross<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Lady justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is not blind<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is a myth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">that any American has an equal opportunity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">to “pull themselves up” by the bootstraps<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Injustice and inequity live<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice has been bought and sold<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And that ground at the foot of the cross?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That ground is not level or safe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is a restricted territory, guarded by gatekeepers <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who embrace the Kingdom but reject the Kindom<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is a place where grace is denied<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The cries of the oppressed rise<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From the rubble of Gaza where children starve and die<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From the wire-filled waters of the Rio Grande, where hope
is lost<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From the cold streets of America,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Where the homeless are tossed and neglected<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The empty cross stands guarded<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But the risen Christ stands<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Tears flowing, eyes raised, arms outstretched<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With the oppressed, the addicted<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The lost<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The vulnerable<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is what he came for <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To bring the rulers down from their thrones<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To scatter the proud<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To send the rich away empty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To fill the hungry<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And lift up the humble<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And we can stand with Jesus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Our tears mingling with his<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Our feet covered with dust<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Our hearts aching<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We can stand resisting those who abuse power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And neglect the poor<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And refuse to welcome the stranger<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We can stand<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With those who are hated, rejected, and reviled<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or we can linger in the halls of power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We can follow those who preach power and wealth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who seek to become more by making others less<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who chose power over service<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Profit over people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hate over love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Lies over truth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We can stand with Jesus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or we can stand against him<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Crying “Lord, Lord”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As the sand crumbles beneath our feet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-31232471778160233482024-03-07T19:17:00.000-08:002024-03-07T19:17:19.622-08:00Why?<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">I have stood on the edge of a midnight canyon<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And called out my question into silent shadows:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Why suffering?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
pain?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Why the hurt that haunts our lives?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Why the wrong that overwhelms the good?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I get no answer, only an echo.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I will go on asking<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Until the next generation of questions takes my place.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Suffering will not have the last word<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not without challenge.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We may not know the reason<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But we will have the dignity of the question.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Steve
Charleston (Spirit Wheel, p. 26)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">____________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am one of unsettled mind<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And unsettled soul<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And unsettled heart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I walk this world <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As one who is not home<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am eternally homesick<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I long for a place where I can rest<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Where the pain will subside<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And peace will flood my soul<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Where I can sit with Julian<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And say<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“And all will be well”, “all manner of things shall be
well”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Always there is that glimmer of hope<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That heart knowledge that God is love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And God loves me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And that love permeates all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Always there is that whisper<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That God will not abandon us, or this creation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And that resurrection, newness will always come<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I remember that Sacred takes the very instruments of
destruction<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Serpents in the wilderness and cross<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And transforms them, transfigures them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Into healing and life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Surely if Sacred can transform the cross<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Even the foulest and most destructive of systems and
people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Can be transformed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And out of the ashes of hate and fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Authoritarianism and greed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Life can spring<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But still, this world draws me away from such comfort<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And my heart hurts <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And my mind races<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And faith falters<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And thoughts come<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And words too<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That are not redemptive<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not kind<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Ah Lord<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the middle of the questions<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And in the uncertainty of a struggling world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Mute my fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Calm my anger<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Give me enough grace, at least enough<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That I may be kind<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That I may speak words of reconciliation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That I may challenge gently, with a soft front and a
strong back<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That I may ask the questions<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And speak the truth as I see it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But never abandon love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Because Love will never abandon me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-2429409252599277772024-03-06T05:52:00.000-08:002024-03-06T05:52:29.007-08:00It's a good day to live<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is a good day to live…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Let me embrace each dawn as a gift<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Let me walk the hours of day unafraid<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With grace and faith unbounded.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Let evening find me close to those I love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Warming my soul by the fires of their laughter,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Let me sleep believing tomorrow will be a blessing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Steven
Charleston<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Spirit Wheel)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">__________________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am sitting in the dark<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Waiting for the light to come<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is always that moment on long winter nights<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As the snow falls and the wind howls<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When I wonder<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">If the light will once again return<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Will the sun rise over the frozen hills?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Will the clouds break and let<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The brilliance of the sun<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Set the world afire?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Sometimes if feels as if the light will never come<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or if it rises will do so weakly<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Pale light<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Which brings no warmth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">No resolution to the cold bleakness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is hard to have hope these days<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So much of the world lies in the cold darkness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Of human suffering, oppression, inequality<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hate is piled on top of hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Violence begets violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And our eyes have become adjusted to the light<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And daily we trod<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Carefully,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Picking our way through the darkness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Leaving it untouched<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Yet we are called to the light<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To embrace it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And carry it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To be, not candles in the wind<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But angel fire<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">People who set the world aflame<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With hope<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So let us rise<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Let us raise our voices to the heavens<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Declaring<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is a good day to live…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Let embrace this day as a gift<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And walk through this troubled world unafraid<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Full of grace and truth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">May the Spirit burn like a fire<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So that we walk in the light<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And become light in the darkness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And may we join with others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In singing the song of hope and love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Joining our light together<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So that the fire of God’s love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Sets the world aflame<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And our souls are warmed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And hope is birthed <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is a good day to live<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And serve<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>__________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">His Word is a lamp unto my feet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A light upon my way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And I do well to pay it heed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Until the final day<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Until the day dawns<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And the morning star<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Arises in your heart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Take this lamp and light your way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To your eternal home<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>John
Fischer<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-26365647076452557472024-03-05T08:19:00.000-08:002024-03-05T08:19:16.667-08:00Justice<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow’s cause,” (Isaiah 1:17).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the
Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly
with your God?” (Micah 6:8).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent
injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">Elie Wiesel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“In keeping silent about evil, in burying it so deep
within us that no sign of it appears on the surface, we are implanting it, and
it will rise up a thousandfold in the future. When we neither punish nor
reproach evildoers, we are not simply protecting their trivial old age, we are
thereby ripping the foundations of justice from beneath new generations.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn, The
Gulag Archipelago 1918<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Gadugi;">–</span>1956<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">______________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What is justice?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Perhaps justice is as simple as a person getting<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">what they “deserve”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">If I eat too much, I gain weight<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That’s justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is justice too, of a sort,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">If I do something risky and foolish and get injured<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But justice is more than consequences<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice is about setting things right<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is why Sacred demands justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love requires justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It requires that if something is not right<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It be corrected<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It requires that if something is out of balance<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That if one person has too much power <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And another not enough<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That be resolved<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That if one person is harming another<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The harm stop<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But more, that repair begin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice is not just punitive <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is restorative<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And justice is for all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The rules don’t change<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Dependent on who you are<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">If there is justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A person who is white, or BIPOC<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A person with power, or a powerless person<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice demands that all be treated the same<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Because in the eyes of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the heart of the Sacred<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All are the same<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Of all the dangers that are out there<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In this angry and torn world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The loss of justice may be the greatest<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The loss of justice may grieve God the most<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Because a loss of justice is a loss of love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice has always been the last defense<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Against hate, racism,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The abuse of power,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Greed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice has often been the one thing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That has saved us, as a nation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As a world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When justice dies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Countries die<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">People die<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hope dies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love dies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When justice dies, evil thrives<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We have seen it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All too often<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And now we see it again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In a country that <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Pledges “liberty and justice for all”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And yet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">An unjust process <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Created a tainted court<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And now justice has died<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And a malignant person of power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is not getting what he deserves<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is not treated “equally”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And we are seeing the foundations of justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Ripped out<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Leaving us with a house built on sand<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And so we must protest<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We may not be able to prevent injustice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We may be powerless to keep our country from becoming<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A place where justice, equity, equality<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And thus love, have died<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But we cannot slide into this abyss<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In silence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As I hear the news<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Watch a deeply flawed and abusive person<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Play games with justice (and with our country)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As I watch a badly tainted (and even corrupt) SCOTUS<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Deny justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">My heart hurts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It weeps for my beloved country<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Because justice will be served <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God’s justice will not be denied<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God has always demanded justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And justice has always meant bringing down the mighty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And lifting up the poor<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not
relent.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They sell the innocent for silver, and the needy for a
pair of sandals.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of
the ground<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and deny justice to the oppressed…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again, deserted in
her own land,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">with no one to lift her up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Amos)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">O Sacred One<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">O Love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We know that you always rebuild<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But you often rebuild only after we have destroyed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">After we have taken the path to devastation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Turn us around Lord<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Wake us up!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Stir the fires of love and justice!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Give us voices to protest<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Give us the resolve to choose wisely (and vote wisely)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">May we choose justice over power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice over profit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice over retribution<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For we would be your people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And walk in your way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Which is to walk humbly, in love and justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With you<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-81760323646444659052024-03-02T05:43:00.000-08:002024-03-02T05:43:35.574-08:00Capitalism and other things<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">The time is coming when people will be insane, and when
they will see someone who is not insane, they will attack that person saying:
‘You are insane because you are not like us.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Abba Anthony<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I want to challenge [Christians] to form a stance on how
one ought to walk the line between the creation of heavenly good and the
formation of earthly goods. Capitalism has been at the forefront of the world’s
largest beneficial leaps and behind the scenes in the perpetration of the world’s
grossest injustices. It has been a force for good and evil.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Grant Dunnavan<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a
needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus, as
quoted in Mark 10<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">____________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It was like a bomb dropped into the midst of the
discussion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The foolish minister suggested that “blessed are the
meek”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">might refer not to weakness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">but to the posture of following the example of Jesus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and humbling<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That it might mean letting go of the need to put oneself
forward,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To promote, protect, and benefit one’s self<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And choosing instead to promote, protect, and benefit the
person in front of us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And then suggested we think of it in terms of the
immigrants on the border<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And the poor coming into the food bank<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And in terms of our economic systems<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And then he said the “C” word<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Capitalism<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Perhaps Capitalism, it was suggests<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">does not line up with the radicality of the Gospel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Boom<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The foolish minister was of course me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And the discussion, actually, was healthy as we talked
about how capitalism <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">has driven a lot of good things (and it has).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world would probably not have seen the
advancements it has seen, in medicine, technology, and more, if not for
capitalism.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But we also had to face the fact that capitalism, for all
of the ways it benefits society, is driven by individual desires to “get
ahead.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This was once pointed out powerfully by the conservative
economist Milton Friedman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was asked by
Phil Donahue, “When you see the greed and the concentration of power, did you
ever have a moment of doubt about capitalism and whether greed’s a good idea to
run on?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Quick as a wink, Friedman responded, “Is there some
society you know that doesn’t run on greed? … What is greed? Of course, none of
us are greedy. It’s only the other fellow who’s greedy. The world runs on
individuals pursuing their separate interests.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I have my issues with capitalism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, if the truth were told, I have issues
with socialism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have trouble with
pretty much every economic system that has been devised because they all, even
the most altruistic, have one flaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are established and run by human creatures.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And it doesn’t generally turn out well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why, in 2021, the top 10 percent of
Americans held nearly 70 percent of US wealth, and the bottom 50 percent held a
mere 2.5 percent of the wealth.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Tickle-down doesn’t work.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When profit is the goal, and growth is the goal, the
tendency is for wealth to flow up.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So we have historic profit margins, and no increase in
the minimum wage.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We have people who have more money than they could ever
possibly spend<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And people who have no home, not enough food<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">People who are barely making it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or not making it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is easy to say it is the fault of the poor (we do this
all of the time)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They make bad choices<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They spend money on frivolous things<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They….<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Shame on them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I know about this<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I have done it <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Mea culpa<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Mea maxima culpa<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But this is where we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In a place where economic ideologies, and ideologies of power all take
us away from the radicality of the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of selling all and giving all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
making sure we all get there together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of picking up our cross and following.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Which means embracing the cost and loss of the following<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And some of that loss may be painful<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A loss of money<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Safety<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Comfort<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Surety<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Instead, we are driven by a need for power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And a need to accumulate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And a need to be in control (be safe)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And we chase after leaders who promise us <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Power, control, domination, wealth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And promise to remove anything, or anyone, who makes us
uncomfortable<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And so those furthest from God, out of touch with God’s
way <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Have great power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And they point at those who are not like them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Those who would welcome the immigrant<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who would take care of the poor<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who would embrace people who are LGBTQI+<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And say<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They are weak.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They are sheep<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They are insane<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They are snowflakes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They are anti-American<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Martin Luther King Jr was accused of being maladjusted<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Because he refused to accept the things the world had
come to accept<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Racism<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Inequity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He responded by saying he was proud to be maladjusted <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Because we cannot become comfortable with<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We cannot adjust our minds and hearts to go along with<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Racism<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Inequity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We need to be maladjusted in a world where people have
become adjusted<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To the wrong things.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I don’t have a solution for greed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or Donald Trump and the cult of retribution (now he is
going to “get” MSNBC”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All enemies are
now targets for annihilation)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I don’t have a solution for the desire for power and
safety<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I just know that the radicality of the Gospel <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Challenges so many of the things I have become adjusted
to, and comfortable with.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And I have to be willing to pick up the cross of change<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The cross of humility<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Even sacrifice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">If I am going to be the kind of presence in this world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That Jesus wants me to be<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-20925394504292770192024-02-28T05:32:00.000-08:002024-02-28T05:32:13.823-08:00Where is God<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Through centuries God’s voice cried in the
wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How skillfully it was
trapped and imprisoned in the temples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How often it was drowned or distorted?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now we behold how it gradually withdraws, abandoning one people after
another, departing from their souls, despising their wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The taste for the good has all but gone from
the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heap spite upon cruelty,
malice upon atrocity… There has never been more reason for human creatures to
be ashamed than now. Silence hovers mercilessly over many dreadful lands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day of the Lord is a day without the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is God?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Abraham
Joshua Heschel, “I Asked for Wonder”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">__________________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Has God gone silent?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Has Jesus left the building?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Has the Sacred decided to depart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is the day of the Lord without the Lord?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Where is God?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is God gone, or have we simply silenced the voice of love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Have we drowned and distorted God’s Word<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Have tried to contain the fire of the Spirit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The wild breath of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In our sanctuaries and our creeds<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We have attempted to trap the wind<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We have slammed shut the windows of our sanctuaries<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hoping to contain that which cannot be contained<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But a wind that cannot move cannot move us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We have attempted to enshrine the Sacred <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We have invoked the name of God's most high<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the high places we have created<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Claiming God in the halls of justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the stifling halls of power <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But God is not there<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The wind of God is blowing <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the wilderness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In poverty stricken cities,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God is tenting with the homeless<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God is digging through the rubble of Gaza<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The voice of God cries out in the wildernesses<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Created by our greed, our hate, our lust for power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As we in the name of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“heap spite upon cruelty, malice upon atrocity”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God shows up<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Among those we would throw away<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Exclude<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Shame<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Diminish<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Where is God?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the rubble of Rafah<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Under a freeway overpass in America<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the waters of the Rio Grande<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In a bombed-out building in Ukraine<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God is<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God is present<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God is love and power mixed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God still speaks, still acts, still loves, still
transforms<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the wild places<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the broken open places <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Of great need<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And great humility<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">If we go to church, it may well be<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">that we do NOT hear the voice of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">but if we go to a person in need<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">if we stand with an LGBTQI+ person<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">if we stand with the oppressed and suppressed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">we might well hear God’s song of love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">echoing in the wilderness<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-81052005597463048032024-02-26T18:54:00.000-08:002024-02-26T18:54:44.034-08:00Wounds at work<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Your wounds are hard at work making their sacred medicine
in the hidden spaces below the scars. With loss, there may be nothing
satisfying for you to reclaim. If a special person has died, or love went away,
what we yearn for most is an impossible return. The sacred task at hand is to
let yourself be reclaimed by something deeper than the immediacy of struggle
and pain. This something need not be identified or fixated upon, but
surrendered to. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pixie
Lighthorse, The Wound Makes the Medicine<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">_____________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What do we do with our pain?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What do we do when we are crushed by a parent’s death?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A lover’s betrayal?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What do we do when cancer comes?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When all the world unravels around us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and the righteous suffer, and the wicked prosper?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What do we do with the fear,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">as hate and racism abound?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As inequity and injustice flourish?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As people worship power, and guns, and violence?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And love seems to lose, again and again, and again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What do we do with the wounds,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">with the broken parts of us?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Do we allow the pain to transform us?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or do we go deep, to where Love dwells,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and allow the pain to be transformed?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is it really that simple?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I do know that sometimes when I am hurt,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">or when I am afraid, the pain transforms me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and makes me less.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It makes me angry, bitter, fearful, protective,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">judgmental, and worse<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I fear the hateful creep of fascism, and I become
hate-filled.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Ugh<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">At other times what I have experienced makes me better,
more.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It makes me more understanding and kinder,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">it gives me the capacity to be “with” people in their
pain,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and to promote healing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It has been said that what doesn’t kill you makes you
stronger.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">People point to wood that has been broken and is now
repaired<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and how a patched section of wood has a new strength.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But is it not the pain <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is not that which broke the wood that has made it
stronger.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is the glue<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is not those things which tear us and erode us that
make us stronger<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is the healing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">created by Sacred Presence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As we allow God to reknit us, reform us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We do become stronger, different<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">New<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We are torn and rent by many things<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Our country, our world too, have been shredded<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">By hate and fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">By malignant leaders who grab power and abuse it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">By war<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">By guns<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">By a love of domination<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">By greed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Those things can destroy us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They can never make us stronger<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God is<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love is<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And when God who is love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is present in our lives<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Healing happens<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And when we are healed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We can be a force for healing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Thanks be to the God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who makes all things new<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-63017968809766593832024-02-21T10:40:00.000-08:002024-02-21T10:40:27.895-08:00prophets needed<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Prophecy is the voice that God has lent to the silent
agony, a voice to the plundered poor, to the profaned riches of the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rabbi
Abraham Joshua Heschel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The world screams<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The not-so-silent cry of a plundered planet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The wild rants of the rich and powerful<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Shrouding silent screams of loneliness and fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The soft sobbing of the abused, cowering<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The whispered fear of children, wondering if today a
shooter will come<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The anguished pleas of the immigrant caught on razor wire<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The desperate and angry words of the person caught in
poverty and injustice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We hear them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The suffering ones<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But we do not hear the silent agony of the soul<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That deep rending pain <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That can only be hinted at<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Dropped into the world half-formed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We too are often left speechless<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We watch as evil people lie and manipulate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Belittle and bully<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We hear fear disguised as patriotism<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and prejudice portrayed as justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We are overwhelmed by the hunger, the empty eyes,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Stunned by the bodies filling the doorways, sidewalks and
underpasses<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Because there is no room in the inn<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But we cannot be silent<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We must speak with<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We must speak for<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We must join our voice with others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And we must be the voice when all others are silent<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We must respond to the silent agony<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hearing the words in the silence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hearing the pain hidden in the hate-filled rants<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The loneliness caught in the throat<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The hopelessness unuttered<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We must be a voice <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Saying “This stops here”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“That is not the truth”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“There is hope”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“You are forgiven”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“You are loved”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Prophets all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We are called to proclaim God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To proclaim love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We are called to speak truth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And we are called to change the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To claim and reclaim<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To restore and transform<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The arc of history may bend toward justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Toward equity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Toward love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But only if we help bend it<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-30298024557564672502024-02-19T15:11:00.000-08:002024-02-19T15:11:27.883-08:00The Promise is Enough<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">It seems as if the “winter of our discontent”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">will never turn into “glorious summer”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">the darkness is so profound<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">late December early January darkness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">that smothers and obliterates<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">leaving us lost and overwhelmed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">this darkness rolls like storm clouds<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">obliterating the light<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">the fear deluges us, the lies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">overwhelmed by pervasive hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and foul greed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evil ones promise shelter <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But merely seed the clouds with more fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">More lies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We stand exposed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And face the storm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Small<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So small<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in these moments, bowed and cowed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I do not want to be small<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I do not want to be a mustard seed, a touch of yeast<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I want to be lightening and thunder<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Earthquake and fire<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I want to be a tsunami <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That roars<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But I am just me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">One person<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">One voice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">One heart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Small<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With my little touch of faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">My little bit of love, and hope, and joy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Those meager resources I can share<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With those whose lives I touch<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But the promise is<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That is enough<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-71222017673029654042024-02-13T12:56:00.000-08:002024-02-13T12:56:21.812-08:00slow to anger, easy to calm<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">There are four kinds of temperament:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Easy to anger, easy to calm – the negative is canceled by
the positive<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hard to anger, hard to calm – the positive is canceled by
the negative<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hard to anger, easy to calm – such people are truly holy.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Easy to anger, hard to calm – such people are truly
wicked <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>V:14
Wisdom of the Jewish Sages (Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">_____________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It rises too quickly<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This anger that eats at my soul<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I like to believe it is righteous<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This indignation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This ferocity that rises when I hear the lies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">See the injustice, the racism<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The fire that burns fiercely when I see suppression and
oppression<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When I watch people misinformed and mislead<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And sucked into the abyss of fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is a place for anger<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For the prognostications of the prophets<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For the fierce burning God places upon the heart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For the agony that comes when we see <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The rich plunder and see the poor abandoned<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When we watch the powerful abuse their power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And see precious souls dehumanized and marginalized by
racism, sexism, fascism <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All the “isms” of the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But we cannot live in anger<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We cannot carry hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Without becoming a force for harm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Even if we are on the side of righteousness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Unchecked anger becomes destructive<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Anger distorts, even blinds<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Anger becomes a powerful energy that leads to excess<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To rigidity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To judgment<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Exclusion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Even violence, a violence that emerges in many ways<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We need calm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We need to find a quieter and gentler place <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We need to find space in our heads, and even more<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In our hearts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Where, as we breathe in and breathe out<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We create room for love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And compassion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Generosity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Even forgiveness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Jesus got angry, but it took a lot<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It took greed camping out in the place of holiness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But Jesus had a peace that passes all understanding<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The calmness of watching betrayal<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Of healing another, while being arrested<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Of forgiving from the cross<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He saw it all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He felt it all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The fire burned<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But it did not consume<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And he found that calm at the center of his soul<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That allowed him to respond to the evil around him<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not with evil, but with love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Lord, this day<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Help me to be slow to anger<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And easy to calm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Help me to be holy<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-54847705275632015872024-02-10T09:07:00.000-08:002024-02-10T09:07:43.063-08:00Finding the words<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">If I can find the words in my mind<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The words could explain, but the words won't come…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And I don't know what to say<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Zombies, Chris White<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">__________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is like a silent scream<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It builds inside me, filling me until I am stretched<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Engorged<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Unable to contain it all and yet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Caught with the unutterable<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All around me, there is pain, anger, fear, distrust, hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There are people trusting the deceitful, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">living a lie<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">living without insight or understanding<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">pushing our world into the abyss<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">of climate change, division, and war<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I pick it up and carry it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The slide into fascism<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The racism<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The inhumanity at the border<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I pick it up and carry it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">the pain of those I listen to and counsel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">those who come to me with their own fear and pain<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">words spill out<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">there are always words<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">but they seem to get lost<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I speak from the pulpit, and the words twist and vanish<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Do they touch hearts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Heal souls? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In counseling, I seek to say words that will unlock
insight, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">help people heal themselves (or their relationships)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">but do I help?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Amid many words, I feel wordless<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">as if the words needed somehow<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">don’t come<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">not the right words<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">not<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">the kinds words<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">the healing words<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">the Spirit Words<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">those, perhaps, are stuck in my throat<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in my heart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">perhaps those Spirit Words are entangled<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in my own inner chaos<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I know I cannot “fix” the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">that it is not my job to heal people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">they have to do that themselves<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am no Jonah, no Isaiah<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who can turn a city, and nation around<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">but I can speak words of love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">of hope<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">of joy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I can speak words that open doors,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">create space<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">raise questions<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For today I will speak to God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I will shout to the skies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I will curse, perhaps<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Lament<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I will cry out for release<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and will<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">try to find the words<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">to say to all I <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I love you<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-79465689274831910362024-02-03T06:06:00.000-08:002024-02-03T06:06:17.055-08:00How Long<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will
you hide your face from me?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after
day have sorrow in my heart?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">How long will my enemy triumph over me?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Psalm 13<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">"Open wide the door of your formless heart and allow
God to God in you."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">Conor McCourt (Whispers from the
Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">___________________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I have heard it said<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">that we have shapeless hearts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">we are creatures unformed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">ready to be shaped and molded<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">it matters, it seems<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">what we take into our souls<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">what we read<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">who we listen to<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">whom we trust<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">we cannot remain empty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">for the world assails us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">we sink deep into the depths and the pressure grows<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">as we watch the machinations of human creatures<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">who have lost their compassion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">who have chosen the way of power and cruelty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">we watch liars adored<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">the rich prosper, the poor suffer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">we see evil people prosper<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and good people die too young<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">we watch as the planet burns<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and humans rain death and destruction on other humans<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">we watch children killed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We see the blood on the floor of American schools<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The shattered bodies of Palestinian, Israeli, Ukrainian
children<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is all too much<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">empty we would implode <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and so we seek to fill ourselves<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">we look for a savior<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">desperately seeking we consume whatever we think<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">will keep us powerful, wealthy, safe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and our shapeless hearts are shaped<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">by whatever we draw into ourselves<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">by whomever we choose to listen to, and follow<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">it is easy in our pain, our fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">to choose poorly<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">to seek power, or wealth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">to choose the path of domination and control<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">to lust for retribution<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">so easy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and thus we let hate-filled leaders <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">fill us with hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">people caught up in greed, seduce us with promises of
wealth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">people filled with resentment fill us with a desire to
hurt and punish<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">our shapeless hearts become hard<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and we respond to pain by creating more pain<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">to violence by creating more violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">to hate by creating more hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">we drop bombs<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">send drones<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">close borders<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">shame and abandon the vulnerable<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">embrace racism<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">pursue power and wealth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is why the wicked prosper<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Open our hearts, O Beloved one<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Open our shapeless hearts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And fill them with your presence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The world is a mess<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The evil do prosper<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice is a joke<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Equity is a distant dream<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Fearmongers on the right<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Fearmongers on the left<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And there we are in the middle<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Crying out “How long!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Shape our hearts O Lord<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So that we may resist the world with love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So that in the midst of our lament, we may still love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So that as everything falls apart around us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We may still love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-17849214405801774132024-02-02T09:24:00.000-08:002024-02-02T09:24:52.231-08:00love alone<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">It was as if <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">all the miseries of human creatures<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">had rained down<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">pain and hate and fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">searing the soil, consuming the fragile buds of the
acacia tree <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">leaving nothing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">but stones<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">there with only a stone for a pillow, he sat<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">this beloved child<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">surrounded by whisperings<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">make this stone bread<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is all yours if you want it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All the power!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grab it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All the fame and fortune!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">You can be king of the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Yes, you can!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is that place where there was only want<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Where there was every excuse to grab power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The Beloved chose another way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He did become exalted, with a name that is above every
name,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He did become one to whom every knee should bow and
tongue confess<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But not by grabbing power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He humbled himself<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He gave it all up<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The power, the glory,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Even life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To love us to God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To show us the way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Power without love becomes cruel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Heartless<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Cruel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Greg Abbott<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Donald Trump<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And so many more<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Some, wanting what is wrong<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Some, perhaps, wanting what is right<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Have heard the whisperings<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And responded<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Have chosen to grab power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To control, to dominate, to coerce, to punish<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is no right relationship possible here<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Just walls<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Just people with power, and people without<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">People with, and people without<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">People winning and people losing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">People turning other people into objects<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To be “acquired, controlled, used and discarded”
(Spellers)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The world has never gotten better<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We have moved no closer to the Kindom of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When the state, the church, and individual Christians<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Have listened to The Whisperer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It has only gotten crueler<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">More deadly<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">More unjust<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">More divided<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We have not learned<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That we can have it all, and have nothing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And we can have nothing and have it all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What good is it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">If we win the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But lose our souls<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is only one path to true power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">One path to the Kindom<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">One path<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Paul said it well<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own
interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Phil 2)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The path of humility<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And servanthood<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Jesus showed us the way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is not an easy way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It seems nonsensical. It seems impossible, weak<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We act as if Jesus was wrong<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But if the cross shows us anything<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It shows us that the power of God shows up most<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When we are humble<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When we cede<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When we serve<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When we love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is a way other than domination<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Maybe we ought to try it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">____________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is no possibility for right relationship if one
powerful group protects and sustains itself over and against all others. From
there, it’s just too easy to construct binaries and hierarchies of human
existence. Our group is good; all of you are bad. Our group belongs on top; we
have to keep you low. Our group owns these resources and knows the best way to
use them; you will only receive what we give you. Other members of the human
family become objects and tools to be acquired, controlled, used, and discarded.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Stephanie
Spellers, The Church Cracked Open: Disruption, Decline, and New <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hope for Beloved Community (New York: Church Publishing,
2021), 39.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love
without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing
the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything
that stands against love.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">Martin Luther King Jr.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice without love is not justice. Love without justice
is not love.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother Teresa<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do
not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom
all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains,
but do not have love, I am nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I
give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may
boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-61252985912258591532024-01-26T16:07:00.000-08:002024-01-26T16:07:35.882-08:00Beyond comfort<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is nothing more confusing to the postmodern
personality, to the millennial sojourner, than to have to exist between the
strange life of dealing with your Blues and Gospel all the time. Madness and
ministry, chaos and Christ. My father heard an elder in Georgia say it this
way. When he asked her, “How are you doing, Mother?” she said, “I’m living
between Oh Lord and Thank you, Jesus.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rev. Dr.
Otis Moss III<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">______________________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I have never been oppressed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I have been treated unfairly, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And accused of things that are not true<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But most of my pain has been of my own making<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And most of the flaws and errors attributed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Have been real<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As a white male<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Raised in relative affluence by decent parents<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As a person with tons of privilege<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A great education<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Degrees and influence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Whatever obstacles I have faced in life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Have been minimal<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I don’t know how it feels to be black, or indigenous<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To deal with systematic oppression<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or with transgenerational trauma<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I have been <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Comfortable<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For lack of a better word<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And then along comes Jesus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not the Jesus I met in the Sunday School classroom<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the basement of the Presbyterian Church in Lakeview,
Oregon.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The Jesus introduced to me by my youth group leaders<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or those ministers who influenced me in college<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not even the one sliced and diced by my seminary
professors at Princeton<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not a Jesus who is a ticket to heaven (get me out of here
God!)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not a Jesus who wants me to pull away from a sinful world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And huddle in fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Nor a Jesus who wants me to grab power and wealth and
control the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">(still out of fear)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not a Jesus who is about exclusion, and piety<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And, if truth were told, retribution not grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The things I was taught about Jesus which no longer seem
true<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Could fill a book<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But along comes Jesus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A Jesus who says (Mark 1)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repent and
believe the good news!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A Jesus who calls me to let go of everything<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To die!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So that I might be raised to newness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A Jesus who is real, powerful, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who fills me with a little bit of everything that is
Sacred<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Joy, hope, peace, kindness, forgiveness,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And yes, pain<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Pain over the pain I see<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Anguish over the injustice and inequity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Over poverty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Racism<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hate <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A Jesus who wants me to change <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To turn from all that is not love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To become the best self I can possibly be<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not to escape wrath<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But to become a person who touches the people around me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With Sacred Love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And works to change the world into the likeness of heaven<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who strives to bring the kindom of God nearer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So here I am<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Living between<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Oh Lord and Thank you, Jesus.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Seeing the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Being stunned by the greed, the hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The lust for power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The lies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The distortion of the Gospel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The malignancy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Seeing myself in the mirror<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Still a mess<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Still so full of confusion and fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Still making mistakes that hurt others, and me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And yet being so thankful<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For Jesus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For resurrection <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For newness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For the power I am given to work for Love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">O Lord, help!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Thank you, Jesus, for all good things<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The time has come<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The kindom is near<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I need to change <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The world needs to change<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am called to change<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am called to participate in creating change<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not by insisting on dominance and control<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But by loving, forgiving, caring, sharing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Oh, Lord!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Help!)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Thank you, Jesus,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-53336343944977436252024-01-19T16:59:00.000-08:002024-01-19T16:59:41.830-08:00I can only believe<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">It haunts me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Lingering in my mind<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Like the foul stench of something dead that I cannot find<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It sticks to my clothes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">My mind, my heart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And I cannot wash it away<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With good thoughts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or good theology<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is the smell of hate, fear, resentment, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And vindictiveness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">My four horsemen of the apocalypse <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We live in a world dominated by malefaction<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">These profane powers eat away<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">At the fabric of decency like a cancer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Until people believe the lies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Support the unsupportable<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Abandon not just truth but compassion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Equity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And all that is love and light<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Seems overwhelmed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Powerless<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Ezekiel like I am looking out on a valley of dry bones<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As 30% of those around me believe a proven lie<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And people of “faith” worship a vile person<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who, fists clenched, face and voice distorted<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Ridicules, dehumanizes, and incites<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We are stripped clean of wisdom and decency <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Can these bones live?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Can these bones live?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I have to believe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I do believe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Lord, help my unbelief<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is what faith is about<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Faith in a God of creativity and love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A God of justice and compassion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A God who cares<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I do not know how<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I do not know when<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I only know<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That this God is turn to<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This God who is as close as my breath<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This God who came, and lived among us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Paradoxically<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Three and one<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Human divine<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Power and humility<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This God can and will<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Bring these bones to life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There has been evil before<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There will always be evil<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Foul souls will always seek and sometimes gain power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Ascendence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But always God is present<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Working<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Working through weakness and humility<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Through kindness and grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Working, working, working <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Until in the driest, most lifeless moments<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">there is “a noise, a rattling sound, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and the bones come together, bone to bone…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and tendons and flesh appear on them and skin covers
them, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and the breath of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">breathes life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and love wins<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in ways small, ways large<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">ways obvious, ways hidden<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I do not know what happens <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To those people of the lie<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To those who hate and destroy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And wallow in resentment and retribution<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I cannot (yet) wish them well<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But I cannot wish the hell<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I can only hope for transformation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For restoration<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For the light to shine in the darkness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I can only believe<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-50020729174486362332024-01-16T17:45:00.000-08:002024-01-16T17:45:06.161-08:00Bless the echthroi<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">The echthroi are those who would separate us from stars
and each other, un-Name, annihilate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
fallen angels are echthroi, and so are disease and famine and hate nad vanity
and a host of other little nasty things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The echthroi would teach us despair, indifference, would have us believe
that unmerited suffering is deliberately inflicted on the creature by an angry
Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The echthroi are forensic. They
are powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But love is greater<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Madeleine
L’Engle <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Oh that you would kill the wicked, O God, and that the
bloodthirsty would depart from me; those who speak of you maliciously, and lift
themselves against you for evil!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not
loathe those who rise against you? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count
them my enemies. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Search ME, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my
thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Psalm 139<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">______________________________________________<span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The world, it seems<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is filled with echthroi<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With those who would separate and divide<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The echthroi are everywhere<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">These fallen angels perhaps<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This fallen humanity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Sometimes, it seems, they are people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We know their names<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Those who stir up hate and enmity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Those who use fear and lies to manipulate and divide<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To create violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Sometimes they are bigger, more pervasive<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Poverty, War, Disease and Dis-ease<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And that lust for power and wealth <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">They can be anything<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Even our own families (Mathew 10)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Anything that becomes more important than Sacred, than
Love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Anything that hardens the heart and blinds us to others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And blinds us to ourselves<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We feel the enmity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It lingers in our souls<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That creeping hate, that foul malignancy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It eats away at us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And it separates us from ourselves<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And it separates us from all that is Sacred<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The stars, the moon, the sun<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The planet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From Love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It feels as if the world is full of these “monsters”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">These Echthroi<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As if we are powerless before them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And so we lash out<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We become violent in our souls <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We become violent with our words<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We become violent<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And we hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We hate the hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We hate the haters<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And in hating we become what we hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But hear the good news of the Gospel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The Echthroni are powerful<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love is more powerful<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Humility is more powerful<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love can say to hate,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“This stops here”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Let’s hear it for “hate interrupted”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For that moment when we stop and breathe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And become open<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When Love stops us in the middle of our rant<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not
loathe those who rise against you? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count
them my enemies.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And takes us to that new place<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“Search ME, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my
thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">These are troubling times<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is easy to despair<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is easy to slide into the abyss of hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But this I believe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The more we resist the Echthroi with their own weapons<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The more powerful they become<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But the more we open ourselves up to love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To our “better angels”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To hope, and joy, and peace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The less room there is for the Echthroi<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The less power they have<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So bless those I love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Bless those I hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Bless the echthroi<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Let me hold them all out to the love of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is not easy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is not soft, cozy, shallow love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It means stepping into the fear, the hate, the blind
animosity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And holding it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Carrying it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As Jesus carried it all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To the cross<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So bless the bullies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Bless the haters<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Bless them so that they may turn<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From anger, resentment, and violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Into the light of God’s love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">PS<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This I know to
be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not there, yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am trying<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-33556212097824938512024-01-13T05:38:00.000-08:002024-01-13T05:38:47.364-08:00Time to stand<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">The hate is terrifying<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The anger is terrifying<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The lies are terrifying<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Pour out of a person who would lead us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Into the abyss of hate, anger, and lies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">More terrifying still <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is the adoration, the allegiance to the contagious hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">More frightening is the way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We are all affected<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">How some follow and some resist<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But own in all of us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">‘the worst ‘ emerged<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">How such horrible things are drawn out of us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And into the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hate begets hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Violence, violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And lies trap us in a circle of deception<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From which we cannot escape<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is not new<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It has happened over and over again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This slow slide into cruelty and violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Into control and punishment<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Into domination <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In those attempts to oppress, suppress<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Even eradicate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">‘the other’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Jesus came into such a world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And he taught a different way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He gave us the antidote<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love and the fruits of love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But when I look at many of those who claim to follow
Jesus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When I look at many of those who say they are Christian<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I wonder if Jesus would want to be one<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Tony Campolo once said, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“If we were to set out to establish a religion in polar
opposition to the Beatitude Jesus taught, it would look strikingly similar to
the pop Christianity in North America”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When we look at much of Christendom today<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We don’t see much love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We see people who hate gays<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who hate “liberals”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who side with abusive power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Greed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Lies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Manipulation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Coercion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Shane Claibourne suggests<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That what we see is “Christian extremists who have
declared war<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the name of the lamb”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And in this war, they have aligned themselves <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With an ideological movement<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And a person<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That is antithetical to Jesus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We need extremists<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But we need extremists for love and grace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not wealth and power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Our problem is that the way of Jesus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The way of <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love your enemy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Bless those who curse you<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Turn the other cheek<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Walk the second mile<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Give up your life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Seems so defeating<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As if we are being asked to masochistically let others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Walk all over us <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I don’t think we are asked to give in to the terrorists<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Walter Wink suggests that the option is not <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Violence or abject passivity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That it is neither assault nor submission<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But a third way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The way of standing up<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Being present<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Looking the other person in the eye<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is not cowering or running<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is confronting in a way that forces<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The other to see (at some level)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Your humanity (which they try so hard to deny)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We ask them to “see” us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And we attempt to “see” them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Their poverty, in the midst of their wealth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Their fear and weakness, amid their attempts to hold
power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We have two goals<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To resist!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we
must resist<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And to resist in a way that does not mirror, does not
emulate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That which we resist<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Our goal is to neutralize the oppressors<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not destroy them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Our goal is to interrupt the violence and oppression in <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A way that seeks redemption and restoration<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I cannot seek the destruction of Trump<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or I will lose even if I win<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I must somehow seek his restoration and redemption<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Much of me rebels, even as I say that<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For there is a side of me (there is always that side)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That wants retribution<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But I cannot become him<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I cannot devolve into name-calling<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Ridicule<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Threats<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Lies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or I lose<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And the Kindom of God loses<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And in a way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All that is hate and violence wins<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And I cannot go down that path <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">With those who in their fear and pain and emptiness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Follow the way of fear and pain and emptiness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Which looks like domination and exclusion<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We are in terrifying times<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We could lose our country<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We could lose our planet to greed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We could see the end of <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Justice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Equity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Truth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So we have to stand<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As the prophets of old stood<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And with prophetic imagination challenged the people of
Israel<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">(who rarely listened)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As Martin Luther King Jr <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And Gandhi<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And Nelson Mandela<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And Desmond Tutu<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And Dag Hammarskjold <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">stood<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And look hate in the eye<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And say<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This stops here<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We need to become extremists for love<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-66529344257841524372024-01-03T11:35:00.000-08:002024-01-03T11:35:21.237-08:00redemptive love<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Ironically, most violence comes from a deep desire for
justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one likes weeds in their
garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no one likes evil in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all would like to rid the
world of evil, which is probably why all the talk of good and evil so is
attractive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the problem, says Jesus,
is that if we try to pull up the weeds from the garden we will rip the wheat up
too…The big question comes to be what to do with evil. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shane
Claibourne<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What do we do with evil?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It’s complicated!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What is evil?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Everyone has their own idea!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evil are the LGBTQI+ <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evil are the pro-choice people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evil are those liberal (godless) socialists<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evil are<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evil are the authoritarians<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evil are the gun lovers <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evil are the greedy<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evil are<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Evil are “they”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Those people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The fact is, there are a lot of ills in this world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A lot of people do things that harm other people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And damage the planet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And harm themselves<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All up and down the spectrum<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All means all<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is nothing wrong with understanding that this world
is a mess<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That we human creatures are not living out our full
potential<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As Sacred children<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But there is a problem when we affirm our own purity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But labeling the rest of the world as dirty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And decide to weed the garden (Matthew 13)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The problem is when we move to redemptive violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That is not the way God works<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">(even though we have insisted it is for so long)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The birth made it clear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The Beatitudes made it clear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The cross, above all, makes it clear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Redemptive violence is not the way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Dominance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coercion. Punishment<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not the way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Violence doesn’t save; it only destroys in both the short
and long term. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For every Muslim extremist killed, another is birthed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As one peacemaker once noted:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“Drones, creating enemies faster than they can kill them”
(Benjamin Corey)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Gaza is not redemptive violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is just violence, creating another generation of
people with a reason to hate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As Claibourne and others have noted,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Violence begets violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hatred begets hatred<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And love begets love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“Jesus replaced the myth of redemptive violence with the
truth of redemptive suffering. He showed us on the cross how to hold the pain
and let it transform us, rather than pass it on to the others around us.”
(Richard Rohr)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When we seek to destroy all that is not pure in the
world,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We end up destroying everything and evil flourishes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is only when we seek to love our enemies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That evil will diminish<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It seems illogical<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And everything in our system screams against it!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Yes, but…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Yes, but…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But what if liberals instead of demonizing conservatives <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Had sought to love them and listen to them?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What if those who prize fetuses sought to love the women
carrying them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And listened to their fear and pain?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What if?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I know<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I know<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is complicated.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am not saying I could do what Jesus did<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Accept the injustice and cruelty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Look hate in the eye and say<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“God forgive them”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am not saying I know what to do with <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The racists<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Those who believe violence is the answer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Authoritarians who would destroy everything for their
egos<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am not saying I know what to do with those <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who lie, hate, horde, promote violence,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Those who harm<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The pedophiles, the murders, the sexual predators<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But I know that I am challenged to see them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The way Jesus sees them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To see that a spark of the Sacred still remains<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And to enter into their fear and pain<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And try<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Try<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">As best I can to love them<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hoping to help them into newness even as I see newness
for myself<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">One of my favorite groups is the Dollyrots!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Yep<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And they did a cover of Auld Lang Syne<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In which they ask everyone to do two things every day in
the coming year<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">First, get up every morning and do something that makes
one’s self feel better<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And then, second, do something for someone else that
makes them feel better<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not a bad way of living<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Methinks<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Then love self (in a healthy way)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Then love others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That is how redemption happens<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-17006103590750594762024-01-01T06:02:00.000-08:002024-01-01T06:02:27.180-08:00New Years<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal">Come to Me/ Goo Goo Dolls<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Come to me my sweetest friend<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Can you feel my heart again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I'll take you back where you belong<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And this will be our favorite song<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Come to me with secrets bare<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I'll love you more so don't be scared<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When we're old and near the end<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We'll go home and start again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Start again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2023 comes whimpering to an end<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It has been a year<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I come to this place tired, dealing with pain<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Angry, at times<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sad, at times<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I also come to this place understanding in a way I never
have before<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Impermanence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Which is perhaps the same as saying we are dust<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But is mostly a way to remind ourselves<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That we are constantly connecting with life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And with the Sacred in such a way<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That we constantly let go<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And hand in hand with Love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Start again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And again, and again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">New Years is a pale shadow<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of a reality we are to live each moment of our lives<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Letting go of what was<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dying, so to speak<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And being born again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Into whatever is next<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are many “whatever is next” moments in our lives<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And in those moments we feel fragmented and vulnerable<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tumbled about<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But there is a next<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And if we let the Sacred ‘feel our hearts’ again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then that next can be transformation<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A starting over, and over and over<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is not just change<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Change of itself just happens; <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">spiritual transformation is an active process of letting go,
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">living in the confusing dark space for a while, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and allowing yourself to be spit up on a new and unexpected
shore.” (Rohr)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So on this last day of 2023 join me in looking back, but
only briefly<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Look back, as much as is possible with gratitude<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then let of the anger and guilt, disappointment and
frustration<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let go even of the comfortable, if there was any<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is a time to celebrate endings<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And yes, there are endings<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And yes, perhaps every thing shall come to an end at some
point<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Your life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This country (that seems like a real possibility)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But each ending is a beginning<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And faith is trust<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is trusting Love enough to let go of the past<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And with eyes wide open, move into newness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">whatever it might turn out to be.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So take that Kierkegaardian leap of faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Take the hand of the sacred<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And step into what is new<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Start again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And again<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-45756230445422932862023-12-27T15:57:00.000-08:002023-12-27T15:57:11.437-08:00This King is Weird<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Lord, we come to worship the savior you sent us...<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And we marvel at the manner of the sending.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the midst of political upheaval, we hoped for a king.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the midst of wars and rumors of wars, we hoped for a
general.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the midst of religious tumult and controversy, we
hoped for a high priest.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But you send us a baby.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">[pause for bewildered reflection]<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Interesting choice, God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">-Lawrence Lee<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">O King of our desire whom we despise,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">King of the nations never on the throne,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Unfound foundation, cast-off cornerstone,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Rejected joiner, making many one,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">You have no form or beauty for our eyes,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A King who comes to give away his crown,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A King within our rags of flesh and bone.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We pierce the flesh that pierces our disguise,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For we ourselves are found in you alone.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Come to us now and find in us your throne,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">O King within the child within the clay,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">O hidden King who shapes us in the play<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Of all creation. Shape us for the day<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Your coming Kingdom comes into its own.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Malcolm
Guite<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It echoes from pulpits<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Praise bands sing it out, loud<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Across the world in churches large and small<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">People raise their hands and voices and proclaim<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The King is Born<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The King has come<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The King rules<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Unto you this day is born<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Let’s hear it for the King!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But Christendom<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We have a problem<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The King so many expect <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The King so many want<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The King so many have created, and now present to the
world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is not the King who came<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Jesus came to be a ruler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of that there is no doubt<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is why, in Matthew, after the child is born<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">King Herod is no longer king<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He is only Herod<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But how Jesus rules is a mystery<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">May we all find ourselves in the mystery<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">May we all lose ourselves in the mystery<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">May we understand that Christ the King<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Will not be found by those seeking to dominate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To win<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To control<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To subdue and punish<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This King will not be found hanging out in the White
House<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In the halls of congress<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">At the Supreme Court<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This King will not rule through military might<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or a “well regulated militia” with guns<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or through coercive and controlling laws that benefit
some and harm others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Through legislation that seek to control and sometimes
eradicate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This King does not oppress, minimize, or marginalize<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This King is weird<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We should have picked that up at his birth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A baby, lying in straw, the child of common parents<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Born on the bottom floor of a common home<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Surrounded by common people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In a small rural town<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We should have gotten the clue from the way he lived<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From that life of compassion, welcome, and kindness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From the fact that he invited people to follow, but never
demanded<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From the sketchy crew who followed him<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And from the type of people, the rich and the powerful,
who rejected him<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We should have understood from his refusal, from the very
beginning <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">to the very end, to be a king like other kings<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“Jesus laying down his life out of love rather than using
all cosmic and political power to force the world to obey him is the eternal
critique of any kind of Christianity that seeks to secure power in order to
force others to conform to its will.” (Ben Cremer)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This King can only be found<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in the one sleeping in a doorway on the street<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in the hungry child<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in the addict who has no hope<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in the immigrant, denied entrance<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in the person demonized because of where they are on the
gender spectrum<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in the older person, wondering how long they can stay in
their home<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">how long their money will last<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This king can only be found in the rubble of Gaza<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In a bombed-out refugee center<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Scaling the wall on America’s southern border<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In homeless shelters<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and in the poorest of neighborhoods<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">where empty store fronts echo with the sound of violence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This king is weird<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But this King, if we let him touch our hearts with love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and fill our souls with love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">can change our lives<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">can bend the world toward justice and equity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">through us<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-61950231832018626522023-12-25T14:31:00.000-08:002023-12-25T14:31:01.700-08:00Christmas<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Christmas is not a reminder
that the world is really quite a nice old place. It reminds us that the world
is a shockingly bad old place, where wickedness flourishes unchecked, where
children are murdered, where civilized countries make a lot of money by selling
weapons to uncivilized ones so they can blow each other apart. Christmas is God
lighting a candle, and you don't light a candle in a room that's already full
of sunlight. You light a candle in a room that's so murky that the candle, when
lit, reveals just how bad things really are. The light shines in the darkness,
says St. John, and the darkness has not overcome it.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>N.T.
Wright, For All God's Worth<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What happened to those
shepherds<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">who heard the angels sing?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who saw the darkness
dispelled by light and heard good news for all<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What happened to those
foolish ones who haphazardly left their flocks<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And stumbled through the
darkness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To where the baby lay?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did they dream wild new
dreams?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Were their lives transformed?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Or did they merely wander
back into the hills<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pick up their staffs, and sit
once again in the cold stillness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The ardor of the moment
cooling<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The light fading?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And watch sheep?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What happened to those odd
assorted souls who happened<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">by the scene<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">and awkwardly watched the
sight of a motley crew<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">of socially sketchy folk<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">gathered around a mother and
child?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Were they too touched by
angel fire?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did they too wander
aimlessly, pondering these things that had come to pass?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The good news of great joy?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Or did they shrug and scurry
on unchanged.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What happened to the cousins
and aunts,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">the family gathered upstairs
in that warmer cleaner space?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Were they oblivious to the
wonder underneath their feet?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Or did grace rise and touch
the room in which they ate<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And argued as families do?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What happened to merchants
and kings<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And magi from afar<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As they heard the experts
opine about that star<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Out of you Bethlehem… out of
you shall come a ruler.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What happened?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did that star, those
prophetic words mean something?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Or nothing<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did the signs and wonders
invoke hope, or fear?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did they stay trapped in
their old beliefs and systems?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Did their stomachs clinch and
the bile rise?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Or did they catch a glimmer
of something new?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Surely the only stories are
not those <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Of mad kings plotting infant
deaths<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Of magi fleeing in the dark,
another way<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Surely stories of refugee
flights in the darkness <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">and violent oppression are
not all we have <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Surely someone became kinder <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Someone loved<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Someone forgave<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Someone felt moved to
generosity<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Surely someone felt hope<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And someone gazed into the
now silent skies, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And remembered the angels
singing<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For all that happened<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And all that did not happen<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The world slouches on its way<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Still Christmas comes and
goes, and comes and goes again<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Still the air is filled with
the sound of singing<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And lights twinkle as the
stars<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Still people gather <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And make much of a baby’s
birth<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And celebrate<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And still when all is said
and done<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The world returns to its ways<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Still the powerful plot and
the poor suffer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Still fear and hate lead to
violence<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Is this all that we have?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">An empty celebration that
when all is said and done<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Leaves the world the same
dark place<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it isn’t<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Yes, the world is indeed “a
shockingly bad old place, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">where wickedness flourishes
unchecked, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And yet at Christmas the
light came into the world<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A light in the darkness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A light to show us the way<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A light that at times may
seem fragile and weak,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">flickering<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But never goes out<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The light of hope, and peace,
and joy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The light of love<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">which is kindled and flames
in our hearts<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">so that sometimes we are
kinder <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">and sometimes we love<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">and forgive <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">and give<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And sometimes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Even as the light shines in a
world murky with darkness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We gaze into the now silent
skies, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And remember<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And hope<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Gadugi",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And love</span><o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-38609152574854563122023-12-23T17:00:00.000-08:002023-12-23T17:00:23.447-08:00Now you<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">“Into this world, this demented inn<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in which there is absolutely no room for him at all,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Christ comes uninvited.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Thomas
Merton<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">_________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There is so little room<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For Jesus in this world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So little room for Love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is so crowded with noise<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Coming from everywhere<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Confusing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Contradictory<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">False<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Scary<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is so twisted and tortured<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">By hate and fear<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We can be a demented race, we humans<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">So unable to grab hold of our divine image<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">so challenged by the very idea<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">of love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">so afraid of vulnerability, compassion, and generosity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">stuck in fight, flight or freeze<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">yet into this place<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">into the ooze and slime and old decay (CS Lewis)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Christ advents<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Insistent<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Demanding <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">intrusve<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Bringing only himself<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Which is enough<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Bringing only himself<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Unconditional love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Revealing his way to a recalcitrant world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Coming in love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Living love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Dying love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Rising love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And saying gently<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Now<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">You<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-32355303159053861052023-12-21T05:24:00.000-08:002023-12-21T05:24:08.915-08:00One question only<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">The CEOs sit in their offices high<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Peering out over a world they own and manipulate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The politicians sit in their offices<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The judges in their chambers<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The preachers in their studies too<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Pondering power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Plotting and planning<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">About how to make and remake the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Their speculations are based on statistics and polls<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And success is measured in dollars<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Or perhaps<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Influence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Power and wealth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Those are the standards by which they measure everything<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is not new<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From Adam and Eve and the desire to “be like God”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To Cain and Able<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And those who would build a tower reaching as far as
heaven<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Control<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Profit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Empire<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It was into this world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The world of Rome<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That Jesus came<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Coming with a power that did not look like power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Coming with a wealth that did not look like wealth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Coming as a poor child<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The progeny of common people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Oppressed people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Coming to do one thing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Illustrate the Love of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And what that looks like when one is filled with that
love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Jesus tested his behavior against one standard<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The love of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That was the beginning and the end<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The Alpha and the Omega<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A love that did not expect value in people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But created it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A love that looked like<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Compassion, welcome, acceptance<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Service, generosity<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Sacrifice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A giving of self to and for others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not a using of others for self<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">God’s love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Agape<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That is everything<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That is the answer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love coming down<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love dwelling in us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love oozing from us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There will be this day a thousand chances to choose<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">To do the next right thing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And there is one question we must ask<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">One question only<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">What reflects God’s love?<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-46951991006061709332023-12-19T06:20:00.000-08:002023-12-19T06:20:38.219-08:00Always new<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">“The world for which you have been so carefully
prepared is being taken away from you,' he said, 'by the grace of God.' (Walter
Brueggemann)”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">― Barbara Brown Taylor, Leaving Church: A Memoir
of Faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">_________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">I tried so hard<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">to plan my life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">my days and weeks<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">and years<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">unfolded according to plans<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">thought out<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">documented <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">codified on calendars<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">carved into my brain<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">and into my heart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">and then<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">it all unraveled<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">life is full of surprises<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">life changes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">shit happens<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">by the grace of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">not that God orchestrates what happens – oh no<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">God does not need my help in that regard!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">it is all too often my own foolishness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">or the foolishness of others<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">that creates the chaos<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">but the Sacred Presence I carry within<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Spirit (with capital S)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">It is that which creates<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">(as it always has)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">new worlds out of my worlds<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">that is how this story goes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">the advent of Jesus was a point of change<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">a glimmer of hope in the darkness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">and Christ advents again and again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">each day<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">in each heart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">ready or not<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">open or not<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">where there is room or not<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">new beginnings <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">galore<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">by the grace of God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">__________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Some historical notes:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">I was a “hot shot” Presbyterian Pastor<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">big church and everything<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">successful outside I was a mess inside, and<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">I screwed up<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">God created a new direction with Northwest Medical
Teams<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">one of the richest experiences of my life<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">helping the poorest of the poor<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">people hammered by disaster<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">I left NWMTI to go to a program that was a
disaster (and will remain unnamed)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">only to land, because of contacts made there<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">with Oregon Health Science University<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">and the amazing Department of Family Medicine<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">another Godwink<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">then<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">surprise, a decision<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">made while on a trip to Baku, Azerbaijan<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">(OHSU gave me such great opportunities)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">to head to Wallowa County<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">where I got a job in a field I knew little about<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">another degree, and 13 years of developing a great
progressive program<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Then my side gig became my main gig<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Temporary supply pastor (I have now been there 16
years)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Then Stated Clerk, and the Executive Presbyter of
a Presbytery<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">What’s next?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who knows (even at 72)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Blessings my friends<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Never give up<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">Never quit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">There is a new world coming<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850989161546854111.post-27277041779494111332023-12-16T14:33:00.000-08:002023-12-16T14:33:35.530-08:00In a time like this<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/pcusa/">Presbyterian Bloggers</a></div><a href="http://www.ringsurf.com">Powered By Ringsurf</a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Into the Darkest Hour<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">by Madeleine L’Engle<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It was a time like this,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">War & tumult of war,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">a horror in the air.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Hungry yawned the abyss —<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and yet there came the star<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and the child most wonderfully there.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It was time like this<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">of fear & lust for power,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">license & greed and blight —<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">and yet the Prince of bliss<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">came into the darkest hour<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in quiet & silent light.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And in a time like this<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">how celebrate his birth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">when all things fall apart?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Ah! Wonderful it is<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">with no room on the earth<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">the stable is our heart.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">___________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">In a time like this<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Our hearts hurt<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Our stomachs roil<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And our legs tremble<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I times like we one peers through the gathering gloom<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Desperately looking for a way forward<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Through the debris of war, the detritus of lies <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The smog of hate and fear lingers<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Fouling the air<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And leaving us short of breath<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We look for glimmers<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For small moments that spark joy or peace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We gasp for breath and seek to rest<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But then the light is overwhelmed again<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And it seems darker than before<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Sometimes it seems worse<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This darkness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">After flickers of light<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When hope grows, and is almost grasped<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And then slips away<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Like a jewel dropped into rancid waters <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is the season of waiting<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Of longing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">When love merely flickers and tantalizes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And leaves us wanting<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And yet <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“Into this world, this demented inn<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">in which there is absolutely no room for him at all,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Christ comes uninvited.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love comes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Out of place, insistent <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Looking for a place to be born<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Banished from the halls of power<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">From the pulpits<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Rejected as weak and inconvenient<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Love searches<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Amongst those who do not belong<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Who are not valued<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">“those who are discredited,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">who are denied status of persons,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">who are tortured, bombed and exterminated” 1<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And there love is born <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">And stays<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For it is in the desperate hearts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The excluded hearts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The broken hearts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That there is room when there is no room<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">There love is born and grows<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Light in the darkness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A glimmer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Of hope<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">_______________________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Gadugi; mso-fareast-font-family: Gadugi;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Thomas Merton<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“No Room at the Inn”<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>SPKliewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15900233151722175515noreply@blogger.com0