Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…
The Prayer of St. Francis rolls along the beats of a solitary drum. I turn up the volume on my laptop. I invite the words to have their way in my soul, to capture my thoughts and intentions. I close my eyes and breathe deeply. A song rises out of the prayer.
I want to get out of myself, get over myself, get lost in the story of somebody else…
Ah yes, God, help me give this self you’ve given me back to you, and through you to others. I continue in prayer as a clear voice leads:
Eternal God, the Scriptures say that you have blessed us so that we can be a blessing to the world…
God, may that be true of me.
Give us the ability to love without agenda…embody your kingdom…be a voice for the voiceless…
Could I do that? Truly love without agenda?
I have been blessed…now I want to be a blessing…
In that spirit I am led in prayer: for my neighbors, my family, my enemies, our broken and beautiful world.
Bless them, bless them wildly, Lord, and show me how I can be a part of that blessing…
I recite the Lord’s prayer. Then singers return to remind me that our God is love, and love can change the world, and furthermore…
Bridges are more beautiful than bombs are, an open hand is stronger than a fist is…
I love those lines! Bridges and open hands vs. bombs and fists. God, help me pursue the true beauty and strength of peace.
May we never stop this dreaming of a better world…may we never stop believing the impossible…
Those words I play over and over again. God, may I never stop dreaming, never stop believing, never, never.
For it is in giving that we receive…it is in pardoning that we are pardoned…it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Twenty-five minutes have passed since the drum started beating, and I have been led full circle, back to St. Francis. I step away from my computer, better prepared to meet the day.
During the recent Advent season, I was challenged by a paraphrased line from Meister Eckhart, the 13th century Christian mystic: “What good is it to me if Mary gave birth to the son of God fourteen hundred years ago and I do not also give birth to the son of God in my time and in my culture?”
I entered the New Year haunted by that quote, longing to have Christ be born anew in me each day, so that through me his Kingdom might come—in my time and in my culture. That’s a tall order, and I know I am not up to the challenge. So I seek help.
This month I’ve found help in A New Liturgy #2: Blessed to be a Blessing. I’m grateful for the chance to promote this extraordinary CD written, performed and produced by my son-in-law, Aaron Niequist. It’s beautiful, it has repeatedly calmed and grounded me, and I believe it can help many people to quiet themselves in the Presence of God—in their car, their office, anywhere.
I’m so excited about getting this worship experience “out there” that I’ll send a free Blessed to be a Blessing CD to the first 10 people who request it. Just send your name and address to my assistant, Brannon, at banderson@willowcreek.org. The rest of you can download Blessing here. You won’t be sorry.
The give away for the first ten respondents has ended. Thanks so much!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
An Evening With New Palestinian Christian Friends
Last Friday evening over 80 people from my church gathered to learn from the experiences of Palestinian Christians, Yohanna and Dina Katanacho, who live and minister in Nazareth, Israel. Yohanna is an Old Testament professor and the Academic Dean of Bethlehem Bible College (in Bethlehem, West Bank) and Galilee Bible College (in Nazareth, Israel). Dina is the Director of the Arab Israeli Bible Society in Nazareth, whose goal is to make the Scriptures accessible and affordable to Arab Israelis (Palestinians who live in Israel), both Christians and Muslims. Yohanna is a theologian respected throughout the world and Dina is a wise and strong leader with an extraordinary ministry to women and children in a male-dominated culture. It was an honor to sit on the same stage with them and to interview them.
Many attendees on Friday evening asked for further information related to the themes that we discussed as well as the Arab cultural products that decorated the room. I promised to provide that information on my website…so here it is!
For general information about Yohanna and Dina’s respective ministries:
The first concern raised during the Q & A on Friday evening was related to the relationship between Palestinian Christians and Israeli Messianic Jews. The next day I received this note from a ministry in Israel/Palestine that brings together Arab and Jewish followers of Jesus. This is a beautiful update from www.musalaha.org.
Worship Evening Report: “On December 29th of this past year, during the month that Palestinian Christians from the West Bank receive permits to enter Israel in honor of the holidays, Musalaha joined together with the Palestinian Christian Alliance church and the Messianic Jewish Israeli congregation Shemen Sasson to host a second annual night of worship to ring in the New Year. While last year two worship bands separately represented the two congregations and therefore the two communities, this year we combined them to create one unified group with musicians from around the country, performing in both Arabic and Hebrew together. The result could not have been better: around 300 people lifting hands, singing, and dancing in worship with a distinctive spirit of celebration of our unity as brothers in Messiah. The crowd was mainly Palestinian and Israeli believers, with some international Christians and even some non-believing Israeli Jews and Palestinian Muslims. The entirely positive feedback we received blessed our hearts and reminded us of why this organization exists; many people expressed to us that they wished we could conduct the event many times a year. While we do not currently have the resources to handle such a feat, we are already looking forward to next December’s event, when we hope to be able to expand to an even bigger venue, and as always appreciate your prayers and support.”
Many of you admired the beautiful needlework, weavings, jewelry, olive wood carvings, and olive oil products that had been “borrowed” from my home and Beth and Hythem Shadid’s home. If you’d like to join us in supporting the local economy in the West Bank, as well as the Bedouin culture in Israel, you’ll find the following websites interesting—and beautiful! And even if you’re not in a position to purchase items, you’ll be educated and moved by the stories you read.
While we didn’t have much time to discuss this on Friday evening, I have been personally transformed by the peacemakers and advocates for human rights that I have met in the West Bank and in Israel. The following websites provide information and stories about the heroes who are fighting for justice and security for all the people of the Holy Land. I’ve met people associated with each of these groups; they have my deepest respect. Again, you’ll learn so much just by perusing these websites.
• Just Vision—www.justvision.org (publishes stories and films about Israelis and Palestinians committed to freedom, security and human rights for all people in the Holy Land)
• The Bereaved Parents Circle—www.theparentscircle.org (600 Israeli and Palestinians families who have lost children to the conflict; they join together to share grief and work for peace)
• Encounter Point Film—www.justvision.org/encounterpoint (a wonderful film that documents work of The Bereaved Parents Circle)
• B’Tselem, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories—www.btselem.org (heroic Israeli Jews who document violation of Palestinian human rights)
• Holy Land Trust—www.holylandtrust.org (Palestinian organization committed to nonviolence and leadership development in Palestinian society)
• Little Town of Bethlehem—www.littletownofbethlehem.org (a beautiful film that documents the work of three young peace activists—an Israeli Jew, a Palestinian Christian and a Palestinian Muslim—all committed to nonviolence and reconciliation)
Yohanna mentioned the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference in March ’12. He and Dina will both be speaking there. A number of us from Willow will be attending the conference, as well as a large group of Wheaton College Students. Check it out at www.christatthecheckpoint.com.
For those of you who’d like to start on a reading plan, I’d recommend:
• Blood Brothers, by Elias Chacour. This book seems to work for everyone as an introduction to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Father Chacour’s story is easy to understand, but his challenge to every reader to be a reconciler is one of the strongest challenges I’ve ever read.
• The Lemon Tree, by Sandy Tolan. This is the gripping true story of two families—one Jewish, one Arab—and their intricately connected histories of tragedy and displacement. This is an important book because it honors the Holy Land narratives of both Jews and Arabs—and it is beautifully written.
• Whose Land? Whose Promise? by Wheaton College professor and frequent Willow teacher, Gary Burge. This book offers a useful blend of history, theology and current daily reality. It’s neither too simplistic to be helpful nor too complex to be overwhelming.
I know that all who attended the event on Friday caught Yohanna’s and Dina’s belief that the Palestinian evangelical church has been placed in a unique position in order to be the light of Christ to both Jews and Muslims. If you registered for last Friday evening’s event, I have your email address and will keep you informed of our progress in determining how best to encourage Palestinian Christians. If any readers of this blog would like to receive email updates related to peace and human rights in the Holy Land, or to the work of Palestinian Christians, please send your email address to my assistant, Brannon, at banderson@willowcreek.org.
Many attendees on Friday evening asked for further information related to the themes that we discussed as well as the Arab cultural products that decorated the room. I promised to provide that information on my website…so here it is!
For general information about Yohanna and Dina’s respective ministries:
- Katanacho Family—www.katanacho.com
- Bethlehem Bible College—www.bethbc.org
- Galilee Bible College—www.gbcollege.org
- Arab Israeli Bible Society—www.aibible.org
The first concern raised during the Q & A on Friday evening was related to the relationship between Palestinian Christians and Israeli Messianic Jews. The next day I received this note from a ministry in Israel/Palestine that brings together Arab and Jewish followers of Jesus. This is a beautiful update from www.musalaha.org.
Worship Evening Report: “On December 29th of this past year, during the month that Palestinian Christians from the West Bank receive permits to enter Israel in honor of the holidays, Musalaha joined together with the Palestinian Christian Alliance church and the Messianic Jewish Israeli congregation Shemen Sasson to host a second annual night of worship to ring in the New Year. While last year two worship bands separately represented the two congregations and therefore the two communities, this year we combined them to create one unified group with musicians from around the country, performing in both Arabic and Hebrew together. The result could not have been better: around 300 people lifting hands, singing, and dancing in worship with a distinctive spirit of celebration of our unity as brothers in Messiah. The crowd was mainly Palestinian and Israeli believers, with some international Christians and even some non-believing Israeli Jews and Palestinian Muslims. The entirely positive feedback we received blessed our hearts and reminded us of why this organization exists; many people expressed to us that they wished we could conduct the event many times a year. While we do not currently have the resources to handle such a feat, we are already looking forward to next December’s event, when we hope to be able to expand to an even bigger venue, and as always appreciate your prayers and support.”
Many of you admired the beautiful needlework, weavings, jewelry, olive wood carvings, and olive oil products that had been “borrowed” from my home and Beth and Hythem Shadid’s home. If you’d like to join us in supporting the local economy in the West Bank, as well as the Bedouin culture in Israel, you’ll find the following websites interesting—and beautiful! And even if you’re not in a position to purchase items, you’ll be educated and moved by the stories you read.
- Lakita Weavings—www.lakiya.org, www.bedouinweaving.com
- Melia Needlework—www.palcraftaid.org, click on “Browse Needlework”
- Canaan Fair Trade—www.canaanfairtrade.com
- Anastas Shop Bethlehem—www.anastas-bethlehem.com
- Bethlehem Bible College Gift Shop—www.bethbc.org/giftshop
While we didn’t have much time to discuss this on Friday evening, I have been personally transformed by the peacemakers and advocates for human rights that I have met in the West Bank and in Israel. The following websites provide information and stories about the heroes who are fighting for justice and security for all the people of the Holy Land. I’ve met people associated with each of these groups; they have my deepest respect. Again, you’ll learn so much just by perusing these websites.
• Just Vision—www.justvision.org (publishes stories and films about Israelis and Palestinians committed to freedom, security and human rights for all people in the Holy Land)
• The Bereaved Parents Circle—www.theparentscircle.org (600 Israeli and Palestinians families who have lost children to the conflict; they join together to share grief and work for peace)
• Encounter Point Film—www.justvision.org/encounterpoint (a wonderful film that documents work of The Bereaved Parents Circle)
• B’Tselem, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories—www.btselem.org (heroic Israeli Jews who document violation of Palestinian human rights)
• Holy Land Trust—www.holylandtrust.org (Palestinian organization committed to nonviolence and leadership development in Palestinian society)
• Little Town of Bethlehem—www.littletownofbethlehem.org (a beautiful film that documents the work of three young peace activists—an Israeli Jew, a Palestinian Christian and a Palestinian Muslim—all committed to nonviolence and reconciliation)
Yohanna mentioned the Christ at the Checkpoint Conference in March ’12. He and Dina will both be speaking there. A number of us from Willow will be attending the conference, as well as a large group of Wheaton College Students. Check it out at www.christatthecheckpoint.com.
For those of you who’d like to start on a reading plan, I’d recommend:
• Blood Brothers, by Elias Chacour. This book seems to work for everyone as an introduction to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Father Chacour’s story is easy to understand, but his challenge to every reader to be a reconciler is one of the strongest challenges I’ve ever read.
• The Lemon Tree, by Sandy Tolan. This is the gripping true story of two families—one Jewish, one Arab—and their intricately connected histories of tragedy and displacement. This is an important book because it honors the Holy Land narratives of both Jews and Arabs—and it is beautifully written.
• Whose Land? Whose Promise? by Wheaton College professor and frequent Willow teacher, Gary Burge. This book offers a useful blend of history, theology and current daily reality. It’s neither too simplistic to be helpful nor too complex to be overwhelming.
I know that all who attended the event on Friday caught Yohanna’s and Dina’s belief that the Palestinian evangelical church has been placed in a unique position in order to be the light of Christ to both Jews and Muslims. If you registered for last Friday evening’s event, I have your email address and will keep you informed of our progress in determining how best to encourage Palestinian Christians. If any readers of this blog would like to receive email updates related to peace and human rights in the Holy Land, or to the work of Palestinian Christians, please send your email address to my assistant, Brannon, at banderson@willowcreek.org.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Gratitude for Better Men
A version of this article appears in the January ’12 issue of Sojourners Magazine
Recently I watched I Came To Testify, the first program in a PBS series called Women, War and Peace. The documentary focused on sixteen Bosnian women who were brutally raped by Serbian soldiers during the war in the Balkans in the early 1990s. When the International Court of Justice held a Tribunal to try three of the perpetrators of these “crimes against humanity,” these sixteen women told their stories.
The three men listened to the women without showing one hint of emotion or regret. All were found guilty of hundreds of counts of rape, but their sentences seem light: 26 years for one, 20 years and 12 years for the others. I traveled twice to Bosnia during that war; I met women like the sixteen who testified about the “rape camps.” I am surprised by the light sentences and disheartened to know that most of the perpetrators will never even be brought to trial.
I cannot hear stories like this without being shocked anew by how often women suffer at the hands of men. But something else struck me as I watched this program. The narrator was a man, actor Matt Damon. “As a man raising four daughters, things like this matter to me,” Matt said. “But it would have mattered anyway…It’s important to understand the experience of women.” (from a short video of Matt on the Women, War and Peace PBS website)
As I listened to Matt I thought of Nicholas Kristof, co-author of Half The Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, a book that compellingly highlights the suffering of women. One chapter focused on rape as a weapon of war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where women are victimized at a rate of nearly one every minute.* Two years ago in the Congo I talked and wept and prayed with some of these women. I also talked with local pastors, mentored by a Congolese man named Marcel, who raise money and create care groups to help bring these violated women “back to life”—that’s how the women describe what the pastors and the care groups do for them.
I recently wrote a forward for a book called The Resignation of Eve that examines the role of women in the church and suggests ways to give women the same respect and honor Jesus gave them. Author Jim Henderson believes that women are too often victims of the abuse and misuse of power. “In the spirit of our master who flipped the tables in the Temple on their tops,” Jim wants women to have the freedom, power and influence they’re meant to have.
Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Tomas Perez, who I remember as a football-playing teenager in the youth ministry at Willow. Later Tomas became a youth pastor and church planter, but now—as the father of three young adult daughters—he’s found a new passion and a new mission. After learning that 100,000 minors are forced into prostitution or sexual slavery in the US each year, Tomas knew he had to do something. A year ago he launched EPIK (epikproject.org), hoping to engage 100,000 men in raising awareness and funds to support organizations that rescue exploited kids. “Men created this problem,” says Tomas. “Better men have to solve it.”
Generally in my writing I challenge privileged American women to work on behalf of oppressed women, and I won’t stop doing that. But today I’m feeling gratitude to the men—the better men—who use their power, money and influence on behalf of women. So thank you Matt, Nicholas, Marcel, Jim, Tomas. May an army of better men rise up to join you!
*The American Journal of Public Health, May 2011
Recently I watched I Came To Testify, the first program in a PBS series called Women, War and Peace. The documentary focused on sixteen Bosnian women who were brutally raped by Serbian soldiers during the war in the Balkans in the early 1990s. When the International Court of Justice held a Tribunal to try three of the perpetrators of these “crimes against humanity,” these sixteen women told their stories.
The three men listened to the women without showing one hint of emotion or regret. All were found guilty of hundreds of counts of rape, but their sentences seem light: 26 years for one, 20 years and 12 years for the others. I traveled twice to Bosnia during that war; I met women like the sixteen who testified about the “rape camps.” I am surprised by the light sentences and disheartened to know that most of the perpetrators will never even be brought to trial.
I cannot hear stories like this without being shocked anew by how often women suffer at the hands of men. But something else struck me as I watched this program. The narrator was a man, actor Matt Damon. “As a man raising four daughters, things like this matter to me,” Matt said. “But it would have mattered anyway…It’s important to understand the experience of women.” (from a short video of Matt on the Women, War and Peace PBS website)
As I listened to Matt I thought of Nicholas Kristof, co-author of Half The Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, a book that compellingly highlights the suffering of women. One chapter focused on rape as a weapon of war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where women are victimized at a rate of nearly one every minute.* Two years ago in the Congo I talked and wept and prayed with some of these women. I also talked with local pastors, mentored by a Congolese man named Marcel, who raise money and create care groups to help bring these violated women “back to life”—that’s how the women describe what the pastors and the care groups do for them.
I recently wrote a forward for a book called The Resignation of Eve that examines the role of women in the church and suggests ways to give women the same respect and honor Jesus gave them. Author Jim Henderson believes that women are too often victims of the abuse and misuse of power. “In the spirit of our master who flipped the tables in the Temple on their tops,” Jim wants women to have the freedom, power and influence they’re meant to have.
Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Tomas Perez, who I remember as a football-playing teenager in the youth ministry at Willow. Later Tomas became a youth pastor and church planter, but now—as the father of three young adult daughters—he’s found a new passion and a new mission. After learning that 100,000 minors are forced into prostitution or sexual slavery in the US each year, Tomas knew he had to do something. A year ago he launched EPIK (epikproject.org), hoping to engage 100,000 men in raising awareness and funds to support organizations that rescue exploited kids. “Men created this problem,” says Tomas. “Better men have to solve it.”
Generally in my writing I challenge privileged American women to work on behalf of oppressed women, and I won’t stop doing that. But today I’m feeling gratitude to the men—the better men—who use their power, money and influence on behalf of women. So thank you Matt, Nicholas, Marcel, Jim, Tomas. May an army of better men rise up to join you!
*The American Journal of Public Health, May 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
My Lazy Christmas Wish, take 2
A year ago I wrote a blog called My Lazy Christmas Wish, about how my experience of the month of “joy and peace” has changed over the years, particularly as my perspective on “what matters and what doesn’t matter” has changed. As I reread that blog this morning I realized that everything I believed last year I believe even more deeply this year. Why?
Because Grandson #1 has been joined by Grandson #2; this means I have to spend twice as much time snuggling (thus leaving less time for lesser things). And because my parents are 81 and I know that leisurely phone conversations with my mom are a greater treasure (for both of us) than any gift I could put under a Christmas tree (not that I’ve actually managed to put up a tree). And because I just returned from a region of the world that has suffered decades of conflict, and I’m convinced that a quiet morning spent in prayer for my Middle Eastern friends who are peacemakers trumps just about anything else I could do.
So…one of the ministries at my church asked if Bill and I would open our home to 65 international church leaders for a pizza party—tonight. I agreed as long as all I had to do was get the house presentable (clean and orderly with folding chairs squeezed here and there) and arrange flowers for the tables. I like arranging flowers, so that’s an easy contribution for me to make to the evening. However, real life happens when you’re planning parties, and as it turns out my daughter needs someone to snuggle Baby Mac today while she prepares for a weekend speaking engagement. Hmmm. Choice. Spend the afternoon making the house “presentable and arranging flowers” or “snuggling Baby Mac?” Duh.
I offer apologies ahead of time to all the people who won’t find a place to sit tonight because the folding chairs will still be stacked in a closet and to those who can’t find a dry hand towel in the bathroom because I forgot to put out a fresh stack. And about the flowers…well, I hope I can squeeze in a trip to the florist today, but there’s no guarantee. Merry Christmas anyway.
May you—whoever you are reading this—make a choice today that allows you to experience what matters. And may we all remember that what matters most is to say with our thoughts, our words, and our actions: Come, Lord Jesus. Come into my life today and use me for your purposes.
PS Read last year’s Lazy Christmas Wish here.
Because Grandson #1 has been joined by Grandson #2; this means I have to spend twice as much time snuggling (thus leaving less time for lesser things). And because my parents are 81 and I know that leisurely phone conversations with my mom are a greater treasure (for both of us) than any gift I could put under a Christmas tree (not that I’ve actually managed to put up a tree). And because I just returned from a region of the world that has suffered decades of conflict, and I’m convinced that a quiet morning spent in prayer for my Middle Eastern friends who are peacemakers trumps just about anything else I could do.
So…one of the ministries at my church asked if Bill and I would open our home to 65 international church leaders for a pizza party—tonight. I agreed as long as all I had to do was get the house presentable (clean and orderly with folding chairs squeezed here and there) and arrange flowers for the tables. I like arranging flowers, so that’s an easy contribution for me to make to the evening. However, real life happens when you’re planning parties, and as it turns out my daughter needs someone to snuggle Baby Mac today while she prepares for a weekend speaking engagement. Hmmm. Choice. Spend the afternoon making the house “presentable and arranging flowers” or “snuggling Baby Mac?” Duh.
I offer apologies ahead of time to all the people who won’t find a place to sit tonight because the folding chairs will still be stacked in a closet and to those who can’t find a dry hand towel in the bathroom because I forgot to put out a fresh stack. And about the flowers…well, I hope I can squeeze in a trip to the florist today, but there’s no guarantee. Merry Christmas anyway.
May you—whoever you are reading this—make a choice today that allows you to experience what matters. And may we all remember that what matters most is to say with our thoughts, our words, and our actions: Come, Lord Jesus. Come into my life today and use me for your purposes.
PS Read last year’s Lazy Christmas Wish here.
Monday, November 28, 2011
A Common Friend to Arabs and Jews
Recent news articles have noted my ministry engagement in Israel and Palestine; some have questioned my support for the State of Israel because I don’t espouse the theological position called Christian Zionism. It is true: I am not a Christian Zionist. Nor am I a Christian Palestinianist (though that term has recently been used by journalists to describe me). I am, simply, a Christian, a follower of Jesus. I believe that in Jesus there is neither “male nor female, Greek nor Jew, slave nor free.” I believe that God has granted all human beings the same degree of dignity and that at the foot of the cross we are all equals. I believe we are called to worship God in spirit and in truth, and that when we do, wherever we are becomes sacred space.
I do not hold to a theology asserting that the modern State of Israel represents a divinely mandated return of ancient Israel to the Promised Land, but I do wholeheartedly support its existence as a place where Jews can live in freedom and security. I cannot listen to the deep and legitimate fears of Israeli Jews—as I did just last week in Israel—without joining them in celebrating the existence of the State of Israel. I cannot walk quietly through the halls of Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Memorial) in Jerusalem—as I also did last week—without being horrified by what the Jews experienced in Europe in the 1930s and 40s. I earnestly long for the day when Jews can live in Israel—and anywhere—in security. I believe followers of Jesus ought be outspoken in their support of peace and safety for all Jews, and the right of Israeli civilians to live without being subjected to rocket fire and suicide attacks.
At the same time, I wholeheartedly support justice for the Palestinians. In 2008, at a conference in Amman, Jordan, Arab Christians challenged me to broaden my understanding of the Arab-Israeli conflict, to listen to the stories of Palestinian Arabs forced from their homes and villages during the founding of the State of Israel, and to see for myself the current plight of Palestinian Christians and Muslims living under Israeli military occupation in the West Bank. Since then, I have made repeated trips to Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
I was shocked to see the reality of daily life under military occupation. A shattered economy, land seizures and house demolitions, settlement expansion, Israeli-only roads networking through Palestinian land, and hundreds of military checkpoints on Palestinian roads—all these make daily life difficult and frustrating for Palestinians. Because of delays at checkpoints, produce rots in the back of pickup trucks before farmers can get it to market. Other farmers are permanently separated from their land by the path of the Israeli-built security wall; while the wall was created to protect Israelis from terrorists, in many places it is built not on the internationally recognized border between Israel and Palestine, but deep inside Palestinian territory.
I’ve heard stories of Palestinian women giving birth in their cars because of lengthy checkpoint delays, and of critically sick children being denied health care because they can’t get Israeli-issued permits to travel to the hospital in Jerusalem. I’ve learned that the best and brightest of Palestinian Christians are leaving the Holy Land, not because of tension with Muslims, but because energetic, educated young people see no future for themselves under ongoing military occupation.
I know there are religious Jews and Christians who do not consider Israeli presence in the West Bank as “occupation.” They believe God gave the land to the Jews centuries ago, so the Palestinians are actually the “occupiers.” They feel completely justified in building Jewish “settlements”—or cities—on Palestinian land because, they believe, the land is not really Palestinian land anyway. Though the international community considers the settlements illegal—as do many Israelis I spoke with—the settlers and some Israeli leaders believe they are legal. Some extremist settlers even believe they are justified in using violence to move the Palestinians off the land. Sadly, there has been an upsurge of such violence in recent months.
I respect the perspective of these religious Jews and Christians, but I do not agree with the actions that flow from their theology. I denounce the violence of the extremist settlers, just as I denounce the violence used by Palestinian extremists. I believe the Holy Land can and should be a place where Jews and Arabs can live as neighbors. I’ve talked with Israelis and Palestinians who are committed to mutual understanding and reconciliation. These Christians, Muslims and Jews have begged me “not to take sides.” They have said, “Please, be a common friend to all of us. Either we will learn to live together or we will die together.” I have become convinced that the best way to be a friend to Israel is to also be a friend to the Palestinians, and the best way to be a friend to the Palestinians is to also be a friend to Israel.
Some people have recently accused me of moving from an accurate “Zionist theology” which supports the State of Israel, to a dangerous “Palestinian theology” that delegitimizes Israel. That is not true. I hold the same theology regarding Israel, the land, the church and Jesus that I have held for thirty years. What has changed is my personal engagement with the living people of the Holy Land—both Israelis and Palestinians—who have suffered from the ongoing conflict.
Many people ask why I continue to travel to the Holy Land. I always explain that I go to listen and to learn. I’m a beginner on a journey of understanding what it means to be “a common friend” to Jews and Arabs. What better way to learn than to listen to a wide range of experiences? As I listen to these diverse voices, I pray for discernment. I pray to be able to hear the fear or the longing behind the words. I pray that my heart will break like I believe the heart of God breaks over the pain of all his children.
Most peacemakers on both sides are discouraged as they watch the inability of Israeli, Palestinian and American politicians to move toward peace. I share their sadness about the present and their fears for the future. But I find a call to action in Psalm 34:14 that challenges us to “seek peace and pursue it.” I’ve discovered people on both sides of this conflict who are committed to that calling, and I am committed to partnering with them and lifting up their voices.
I invite all people of faith to join me in praying that the acts of violent people will be thwarted, that people committed to nonviolence will be protected, that reconcilers will be sustained as they seek mutual understanding and friendship, and that politicians will have the maturity and grace to become true moral leaders.
I think of the children I saw last week in Tel Aviv, in Haifa, in Jerusalem, in Ramallah, in Hebron, in Bethlehem—and I am reminded of Jesus’ tenderness toward them. May the good tidings of his love surround them today.
I do not hold to a theology asserting that the modern State of Israel represents a divinely mandated return of ancient Israel to the Promised Land, but I do wholeheartedly support its existence as a place where Jews can live in freedom and security. I cannot listen to the deep and legitimate fears of Israeli Jews—as I did just last week in Israel—without joining them in celebrating the existence of the State of Israel. I cannot walk quietly through the halls of Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Memorial) in Jerusalem—as I also did last week—without being horrified by what the Jews experienced in Europe in the 1930s and 40s. I earnestly long for the day when Jews can live in Israel—and anywhere—in security. I believe followers of Jesus ought be outspoken in their support of peace and safety for all Jews, and the right of Israeli civilians to live without being subjected to rocket fire and suicide attacks.
At the same time, I wholeheartedly support justice for the Palestinians. In 2008, at a conference in Amman, Jordan, Arab Christians challenged me to broaden my understanding of the Arab-Israeli conflict, to listen to the stories of Palestinian Arabs forced from their homes and villages during the founding of the State of Israel, and to see for myself the current plight of Palestinian Christians and Muslims living under Israeli military occupation in the West Bank. Since then, I have made repeated trips to Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
I was shocked to see the reality of daily life under military occupation. A shattered economy, land seizures and house demolitions, settlement expansion, Israeli-only roads networking through Palestinian land, and hundreds of military checkpoints on Palestinian roads—all these make daily life difficult and frustrating for Palestinians. Because of delays at checkpoints, produce rots in the back of pickup trucks before farmers can get it to market. Other farmers are permanently separated from their land by the path of the Israeli-built security wall; while the wall was created to protect Israelis from terrorists, in many places it is built not on the internationally recognized border between Israel and Palestine, but deep inside Palestinian territory.
I’ve heard stories of Palestinian women giving birth in their cars because of lengthy checkpoint delays, and of critically sick children being denied health care because they can’t get Israeli-issued permits to travel to the hospital in Jerusalem. I’ve learned that the best and brightest of Palestinian Christians are leaving the Holy Land, not because of tension with Muslims, but because energetic, educated young people see no future for themselves under ongoing military occupation.
I know there are religious Jews and Christians who do not consider Israeli presence in the West Bank as “occupation.” They believe God gave the land to the Jews centuries ago, so the Palestinians are actually the “occupiers.” They feel completely justified in building Jewish “settlements”—or cities—on Palestinian land because, they believe, the land is not really Palestinian land anyway. Though the international community considers the settlements illegal—as do many Israelis I spoke with—the settlers and some Israeli leaders believe they are legal. Some extremist settlers even believe they are justified in using violence to move the Palestinians off the land. Sadly, there has been an upsurge of such violence in recent months.
I respect the perspective of these religious Jews and Christians, but I do not agree with the actions that flow from their theology. I denounce the violence of the extremist settlers, just as I denounce the violence used by Palestinian extremists. I believe the Holy Land can and should be a place where Jews and Arabs can live as neighbors. I’ve talked with Israelis and Palestinians who are committed to mutual understanding and reconciliation. These Christians, Muslims and Jews have begged me “not to take sides.” They have said, “Please, be a common friend to all of us. Either we will learn to live together or we will die together.” I have become convinced that the best way to be a friend to Israel is to also be a friend to the Palestinians, and the best way to be a friend to the Palestinians is to also be a friend to Israel.
Some people have recently accused me of moving from an accurate “Zionist theology” which supports the State of Israel, to a dangerous “Palestinian theology” that delegitimizes Israel. That is not true. I hold the same theology regarding Israel, the land, the church and Jesus that I have held for thirty years. What has changed is my personal engagement with the living people of the Holy Land—both Israelis and Palestinians—who have suffered from the ongoing conflict.
Many people ask why I continue to travel to the Holy Land. I always explain that I go to listen and to learn. I’m a beginner on a journey of understanding what it means to be “a common friend” to Jews and Arabs. What better way to learn than to listen to a wide range of experiences? As I listen to these diverse voices, I pray for discernment. I pray to be able to hear the fear or the longing behind the words. I pray that my heart will break like I believe the heart of God breaks over the pain of all his children.
Most peacemakers on both sides are discouraged as they watch the inability of Israeli, Palestinian and American politicians to move toward peace. I share their sadness about the present and their fears for the future. But I find a call to action in Psalm 34:14 that challenges us to “seek peace and pursue it.” I’ve discovered people on both sides of this conflict who are committed to that calling, and I am committed to partnering with them and lifting up their voices.
I invite all people of faith to join me in praying that the acts of violent people will be thwarted, that people committed to nonviolence will be protected, that reconcilers will be sustained as they seek mutual understanding and friendship, and that politicians will have the maturity and grace to become true moral leaders.
I think of the children I saw last week in Tel Aviv, in Haifa, in Jerusalem, in Ramallah, in Hebron, in Bethlehem—and I am reminded of Jesus’ tenderness toward them. May the good tidings of his love surround them today.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
A Different Spin on Black Friday
I just traveled for 10 days in Israel-Palestine with six women who wanted to learn from Israeli and Palestinian human rights activists and peacemakers. I can’t even begin to express what a profound experience that was. In December I’ll be blogging at length about it, but I want to mention just one aspect of the trip today. In two places—a Bedouin village in the Negev desert in Israel, and in Bethlehem in the West Bank—I purchased beautiful traditional weavings and needlework from women who desperately need the income. The women are highly skilled artists and their work is lovely, but since I’m not much of a shopper and I hate dragging excess “stuff” around when I travel, I probably wouldn’t have bought anything—except it truly didn’t feel like “shopping.” It felt more like “investing” in women’s lives, and indeed it was.
In that spirit, I offer the following list of “investment opportunities” for anyone who would like to use Christmas giving to empower hardworking women and men throughout the world. Even if you’re not in a buying mood, simply perusing these websites will educate your mind and open your heart more widely to the world.
One of my favorite organizations is the fair trade company, Trade As One, started by my good friend, Nathan George. I haven’t personally used the apron and napkins below, but all the other items are personal favorites that I use (and give away) regularly.
Small pouch for wallet, phone. People always comment on this little purse, which gives me an opportunity to explain the story behind it.
http://tradeasone.com/shop/purses-bags/wallets-coin-purses/rice-bag-weave-clutch.html
Large Bag. I have this bag in two sizes and use them for everything from shopping to overnight packing. http://tradeasone.com/shop/purses-bags/handbags-purses/large-tote-dark-blue.html
Greeting Cards. These cost no more than ones you’d buy at the grocery store and they’re really cute. I always keep a few on hand.
http://tradeasone.com/shop/stationery/cards/pram-card-blue.html
Bracelet. This simple cuff goes with everything
http://tradeasone.com/shop/jewelry/bracelets/floral-metal-cuff.html
Necklace. This adds color to my mostly-black wardrobe; I wear it often and have given many as gifts.
http://tradeasone.com/shop/jewelry/necklaces/tribal-art-necklace.html
Apron. Super cute for Christmas; would be great with some homemade cookies and a personal recipe.
http://tradeasone.com/shop/house-home/kitchen-dining/apron-vibrant-red.html
Napkins. I always use cloth napkins (no, I don’t iron them). These are on my personal wish list. http://tradeasone.com/shop/house-home/kitchen-dining/napkins-red-turquoise-4-pack.html
Stuffed Animal
http://tradeasone.com/shop/sports-toys/kids/funky-knitted-rabbit.html
To Tie on a Gift.
http://tradeasone.com/shop/sports-toys/kids/ollie-string-doll.html
Clothing
Tom’s Shoes. Tom’s Eyewear
http://www.toms.com/
Forgotten Shirts
Desiring to help create a new global economy bent toward justice and equality, this company creates opportunities for others by producing relevant and notable t-shirts.
http://www.forgottenshirts.com
Jedidiah Clothing
Jedidiah is a humanitarian-based apparel brand aspiring to cultivate change, one garment at a time. Each season, Jedidiah partners with a distinctive and effective non-profit organization to raise money and awareness for life-changing causes. http://www.jedidiahusa.com
Ideas for Business Giving
Flowers. When you order these flowers, 10% goes towards Women for Women International, which serves women in war-torn parts of the world.
http://www.organicbouquet.com/Info.aspx?pid=177
Hungry for Change Gift Subscription, $33 a month. Great for special customers, employees, etc.
http://tradeasone.com/get_involved/hungry_for_change/
International Justice Mission. Provide rescue and justice for victims of human trafficking.
https://secure3.convio.net/ijm/site/SPageNavigator/HGC_Home.html
World Relief: Food Crisis. This would be great partnered with a food product from Trade As One.
https://worldrelief.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=3066
World Vision Micro-Finance
http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2MicroLoan.jsp?lpos=top_drp_WaysToGive_Micro&go=micro&
Organizations Suggested by Friends
Bright Endeavors. Handmade, eco-friendly candles and bath salts and Moda Esperanza products
http://www.brightendeavors.org/Site/Home.html
Evergreen Cards. Beautiful hand-cut cards and bookmarks skillfully made by women and individuals with disabilities in Shanxi Province, China.
http://www.evergreencard.com/cardsite/
Global Bag Project. Reusable shopping bags for sustainable incomes produced by Kenyan widows. (My friend Valerie Bell and her sister Karen Mains started this organization.)
http://www.globalbagproject.com/
Heifer International. Choose a meaningful gift to give a loved one and help children and families around the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant. After your donation, you'll have the opportunity to create a printable gift card or e-card to tell your friends and family that you've honored them with a Heifer gift.
https://secure1.heifer.org/gift-catalog
Re:New Project/Re:Store. A viable way for refugee women to supplement their income by sewing and/or knitting creative and beautiful products.
http://renewproject.org/shop/
Sari Bari. Provides a safe place of employment where women who have been exploited in the sex trade or who are vulnerable to trafficking can experience a new life in the making in Kolkata, India
http://www.saribari.com/
Imani Workshops. Imani Workshops provides income generating opportunities for artisans in Kenya who have suffered hunger, poverty, and other stigma associated with HIV/AIDS
http://imaniworkshops.org/
International Princess Project. Advocating for women enslaved in prostitution.
http://www.intlprincess.org/
Noonday Collections. An organization raising money to provided orphan care and prevention
http://www.noondaycollection.com
Good Shop. Shop online at your favorite store’s website and a percentage of your proceeds will be donated to charity.
http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx
PS: Recently I’ve been reading about the benefits of green tea, so I did a little research on organic, fair trade green tea. This is great for gift-giving—or for taking a relaxing break on a busy day.
Choice Organics, Green Tea with Peach, 20 bags, $5.99
http://tradeasone.com/shop/food-drink/coffee-tea/green-tea-with-peach.html
Choice, Moroccan Mint Green Tea as part of sampler pack:
http://tradeasone.com/shop/food-drink/coffee-tea/gourmet-tea-sampler.html
Tea with sweetener, a nice card, and a mug would make a great gift.
Mug:
http://tradeasone.com/shop/house-home/kitchen-dining/crackle-glaze-mug.html
Honey:
http://tradeasone.com/shop/food-drink/pantry/honey-bear.html
Sugar:
http://tradeasone.com/shop/food-drink/pantry/organic-sugar.html
Choice Organics, Classic Green Tea, 16 bags, $4.99
http://shop.choiceorganicteas.com/Classic-Green/p/CHO-919139&c=ChoiceOrganicTeas@GreenTeas?gclid=CMuPvZK97asCFdAEQAodeAIFKQ
Traditional Medicinals Golden Green, 6 boxes of 16 bags, $21.90
http://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Organic-Certified-16-Count/dp/B0009F3PI0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318777599&sr=8-1
Choice Organics, Whole Lead Jasmine Green Pyramids, 3 boxes of 15 bags, $15.05
http://www.amazon.com/Choice-Organic-Organics-Pyramids-1-05-Ounce/dp/B0028SWA7S/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1318777599&sr=8-10
Numi, Ginger Sun, Lemon-Decaf Green Tea, 3 boxes of 16 bags, $17.83
http://www.amazon.com/Numi-Organic-Ginger-Lemon-16-Count/dp/B003ULJKAW/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1318777599&sr=8-16
ENJOY!!!
In that spirit, I offer the following list of “investment opportunities” for anyone who would like to use Christmas giving to empower hardworking women and men throughout the world. Even if you’re not in a buying mood, simply perusing these websites will educate your mind and open your heart more widely to the world.
One of my favorite organizations is the fair trade company, Trade As One, started by my good friend, Nathan George. I haven’t personally used the apron and napkins below, but all the other items are personal favorites that I use (and give away) regularly.
Small pouch for wallet, phone. People always comment on this little purse, which gives me an opportunity to explain the story behind it.http://tradeasone.com/shop/purses-bags/wallets-coin-purses/rice-bag-weave-clutch.html
Large Bag. I have this bag in two sizes and use them for everything from shopping to overnight packing. http://tradeasone.com/shop/purses-bags/handbags-purses/large-tote-dark-blue.html
Greeting Cards. These cost no more than ones you’d buy at the grocery store and they’re really cute. I always keep a few on hand.
http://tradeasone.com/shop/stationery/cards/pram-card-blue.html
Bracelet. This simple cuff goes with everything
http://tradeasone.com/shop/jewelry/bracelets/floral-metal-cuff.html
Necklace. This adds color to my mostly-black wardrobe; I wear it often and have given many as gifts.
http://tradeasone.com/shop/jewelry/necklaces/tribal-art-necklace.html
Apron. Super cute for Christmas; would be great with some homemade cookies and a personal recipe.
http://tradeasone.com/shop/house-home/kitchen-dining/apron-vibrant-red.html
Napkins. I always use cloth napkins (no, I don’t iron them). These are on my personal wish list. http://tradeasone.com/shop/house-home/kitchen-dining/napkins-red-turquoise-4-pack.html
Stuffed Animal
http://tradeasone.com/shop/sports-toys/kids/funky-knitted-rabbit.html
To Tie on a Gift.
http://tradeasone.com/shop/sports-toys/kids/ollie-string-doll.html
Clothing
Tom’s Shoes. Tom’s Eyewear
http://www.toms.com/
Forgotten Shirts
Desiring to help create a new global economy bent toward justice and equality, this company creates opportunities for others by producing relevant and notable t-shirts.
http://www.forgottenshirts.com
Jedidiah Clothing
Jedidiah is a humanitarian-based apparel brand aspiring to cultivate change, one garment at a time. Each season, Jedidiah partners with a distinctive and effective non-profit organization to raise money and awareness for life-changing causes. http://www.jedidiahusa.com
Ideas for Business Giving
Flowers. When you order these flowers, 10% goes towards Women for Women International, which serves women in war-torn parts of the world.
http://www.organicbouquet.com/Info.aspx?pid=177
Hungry for Change Gift Subscription, $33 a month. Great for special customers, employees, etc.
http://tradeasone.com/get_involved/hungry_for_change/
International Justice Mission. Provide rescue and justice for victims of human trafficking.
https://secure3.convio.net/ijm/site/SPageNavigator/HGC_Home.html
World Relief: Food Crisis. This would be great partnered with a food product from Trade As One.
https://worldrelief.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=3066
World Vision Micro-Finance
http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2MicroLoan.jsp?lpos=top_drp_WaysToGive_Micro&go=micro&
Organizations Suggested by Friends
Bright Endeavors. Handmade, eco-friendly candles and bath salts and Moda Esperanza products
http://www.brightendeavors.org/Site/Home.html
Evergreen Cards. Beautiful hand-cut cards and bookmarks skillfully made by women and individuals with disabilities in Shanxi Province, China.
http://www.evergreencard.com/cardsite/
Global Bag Project. Reusable shopping bags for sustainable incomes produced by Kenyan widows. (My friend Valerie Bell and her sister Karen Mains started this organization.)
http://www.globalbagproject.com/
Heifer International. Choose a meaningful gift to give a loved one and help children and families around the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant. After your donation, you'll have the opportunity to create a printable gift card or e-card to tell your friends and family that you've honored them with a Heifer gift.
https://secure1.heifer.org/gift-catalog
Re:New Project/Re:Store. A viable way for refugee women to supplement their income by sewing and/or knitting creative and beautiful products.
http://renewproject.org/shop/
Sari Bari. Provides a safe place of employment where women who have been exploited in the sex trade or who are vulnerable to trafficking can experience a new life in the making in Kolkata, India
http://www.saribari.com/
Imani Workshops. Imani Workshops provides income generating opportunities for artisans in Kenya who have suffered hunger, poverty, and other stigma associated with HIV/AIDS
http://imaniworkshops.org/
International Princess Project. Advocating for women enslaved in prostitution.
http://www.intlprincess.org/
Noonday Collections. An organization raising money to provided orphan care and prevention
http://www.noondaycollection.com
Good Shop. Shop online at your favorite store’s website and a percentage of your proceeds will be donated to charity.
http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx
PS: Recently I’ve been reading about the benefits of green tea, so I did a little research on organic, fair trade green tea. This is great for gift-giving—or for taking a relaxing break on a busy day.
Choice Organics, Green Tea with Peach, 20 bags, $5.99
http://tradeasone.com/shop/food-drink/coffee-tea/green-tea-with-peach.html
Choice, Moroccan Mint Green Tea as part of sampler pack:
http://tradeasone.com/shop/food-drink/coffee-tea/gourmet-tea-sampler.html
Tea with sweetener, a nice card, and a mug would make a great gift.
Mug:
http://tradeasone.com/shop/house-home/kitchen-dining/crackle-glaze-mug.html
Honey:
http://tradeasone.com/shop/food-drink/pantry/honey-bear.html
Sugar:
http://tradeasone.com/shop/food-drink/pantry/organic-sugar.html
Choice Organics, Classic Green Tea, 16 bags, $4.99
http://shop.choiceorganicteas.com/Classic-Green/p/CHO-919139&c=ChoiceOrganicTeas@GreenTeas?gclid=CMuPvZK97asCFdAEQAodeAIFKQ
Traditional Medicinals Golden Green, 6 boxes of 16 bags, $21.90
http://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Medicinals-Organic-Certified-16-Count/dp/B0009F3PI0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318777599&sr=8-1
Choice Organics, Whole Lead Jasmine Green Pyramids, 3 boxes of 15 bags, $15.05
http://www.amazon.com/Choice-Organic-Organics-Pyramids-1-05-Ounce/dp/B0028SWA7S/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1318777599&sr=8-10
Numi, Ginger Sun, Lemon-Decaf Green Tea, 3 boxes of 16 bags, $17.83
http://www.amazon.com/Numi-Organic-Ginger-Lemon-16-Count/dp/B003ULJKAW/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1318777599&sr=8-16
ENJOY!!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Intimations of an Astounding Destiny
Meister Eckhart wrote, “As thou art in church or cell, that same frame of mind carry out into the world, into its turmoil and its fitfulness.” Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may continually return. Eternity is at our hearts, pressing upon our time-torn lives, warming us with intimations of an astounding destiny, calling us home unto Itself. Yielding to these persuasions, gladly committing ourselves in body and soul, utterly and completely, to the Light Within, is the beginning of true life. It is a dynamic center, a creative Life that presses to birth within us. It is a Light Within that illumines the face of God and casts new shadows and new glories upon the human face. It is a seed stirring to life if we do not choke it. It is the Shekinah of the soul, the Presence in the midst. Here is the Slumbering Christ, stirring to be awakened, to become the soul we clothe in earthly form and action. And He is within us all.”
With this paragraph Quaker scholar Thomas Kelly opens his profound little book, A Testament of Devotion. I first read this book during a time of deep spiritual emptiness—a crisis of faith, really, during which I had reached the limits of my tolerance for a soulless Christianity. Kelly spoke to my soul and drew me toward the soulful Christ. I return to Kelly during periodic episodes of spiritual weariness, such as I am experiencing now. Life has been good and ministry has been fruitful, but for too long my days have pushed me a bit too much “out there,” leaving little time and internal space for pondering and prayer. I feel disconnected from unseen realities.
So I pick up Kelly again. And other trusted soul-friends. Brother Lawrence and The Practice of the Presence of God. Dallas Willard and The Divine Conspiracy. Scot McKnight and Praying with the Church. Brian McLaren and Naked Spirituality. N.T. Wright and his latest release, Simply Jesus.
After I read, I close my eyes and listen to A New Liturgy: God is Love—described by its producer, Aaron Niequist, as “a moveable, sonic sanctuary.” For the next twenty-five minutes my office, my kitchen or my car becomes a place where my soul is nourished and my mind refreshed. (Check out A New Liturgy at www.anewliturgy.com )
Busy days are on the horizon. An international trip. Writing deadlines. Logistics. Details. Holidays. Out-of-town guests. I will welcome all of that when it comes. But today, and perhaps tomorrow—and hopefully in scattered hours throughout the coming weeks—I welcome those windows of time when I can live slowly, read and reflect, nourish my soul and renew my mind. Ponder and pray.
With this paragraph Quaker scholar Thomas Kelly opens his profound little book, A Testament of Devotion. I first read this book during a time of deep spiritual emptiness—a crisis of faith, really, during which I had reached the limits of my tolerance for a soulless Christianity. Kelly spoke to my soul and drew me toward the soulful Christ. I return to Kelly during periodic episodes of spiritual weariness, such as I am experiencing now. Life has been good and ministry has been fruitful, but for too long my days have pushed me a bit too much “out there,” leaving little time and internal space for pondering and prayer. I feel disconnected from unseen realities.
So I pick up Kelly again. And other trusted soul-friends. Brother Lawrence and The Practice of the Presence of God. Dallas Willard and The Divine Conspiracy. Scot McKnight and Praying with the Church. Brian McLaren and Naked Spirituality. N.T. Wright and his latest release, Simply Jesus.
After I read, I close my eyes and listen to A New Liturgy: God is Love—described by its producer, Aaron Niequist, as “a moveable, sonic sanctuary.” For the next twenty-five minutes my office, my kitchen or my car becomes a place where my soul is nourished and my mind refreshed. (Check out A New Liturgy at www.anewliturgy.com )
Busy days are on the horizon. An international trip. Writing deadlines. Logistics. Details. Holidays. Out-of-town guests. I will welcome all of that when it comes. But today, and perhaps tomorrow—and hopefully in scattered hours throughout the coming weeks—I welcome those windows of time when I can live slowly, read and reflect, nourish my soul and renew my mind. Ponder and pray.
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