Last week, there were no daffodils beginning to grow and no cyclamen flower blooming. I knew they were there … but they had been covered with snow. A lot of snow!
The snow was on the streets, in driveways, in gardens, in parking lots. Over a foot of the white stuff covered the flower beds and I anticipated that the snow had severely injured the plants growing underneath.
But then because of the constant rain, much of the snow has melted and underneath … a little miracle if you will! The plants under the snow had all faced the adversity of a winter storm and yet had survived … the winter cyclamen had blossomed and the daffodils to the left of the cyclamen have begun their journey through the dirt to become a flower.
It is said that “Tenacity is strength in adversity.” When we “hold on” in adversity, whatever the situation, be that Nature’s fury, personal health issues, politics or whatever, we are being tenacious. And tenacity is strength! I like that thought.
Consider these people: Greta Thunberg … Joan of Arc … Rosa Parks … Martin Luther King Jr. … to name just a few.
Consider the people you know: family and friends who have weathered personal storms, Nature’s storms, stormy consequences of political decisions …
Each of us, at one time or another, has “weathered a storm” and demonstrated ‘tenacity in adversity.’ If you doubt that, take a moment and think of a time when you were faced with a situation that was contentious, frightening, anxiety-producing … aka “adversity.”
Then take a moment to reflect on how you got through that time/that moment/that experience – how you’re getting through it now.
Each of those moments was an example of your resilience … your tenacity. You “got through,” in some way. Strength!
My late husband, shortly before dying, whispered “You are stronger than you think you are.” At that moment, and in the moments, days and weeks and months which followed, I didn’t “feel” strong. But he was right. I “got through”: tenacity. Tenacity is strength.
May we each remember and not lose sight of that when adversity enters our lives again. We are stronger than we think we are.
It’s another day of cold darkness with teary-rain weather in many places. It’s another day of darkness and teary-memories as Americans today remember the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But instead of his murder being a sign that things must change – racial slurs, hatred of “the other,” and violence continue.
And God weeps.
Weeping God, how you must ache for your people who face uncertain futures.
How you must ache for those who enter into conversations and political debate with open hearts and minds only to find threats, harassment, and fear leading the discussions and governing decisions.
How you must ache for those whose love of power, love of money and love of self, supersedes commitment to honesty, mercy, compassion, justice and integrity.
Some cry … “How long O Lord, how long?
Some whisper … “Let this cup be taken from us.”
Some try to remember … the presence of the Holy One even “in the valley of the shadow of death.”
Many feel a kaleidoscopic tumbling of emotions and know not what to do, how to pray, what to say. And as they weep, the Creator weeps.
On this Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, his words
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
“I have decided to stick to love…Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
“Faith is taking the first step, even when you can’t see the whole staircase.”
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
“Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.”
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
must light a spark so that … those who weep will never lose hope … those who perpetrate abusive words and actions will be transformed by the power of love … there will not be silence about things that matter … and there will be no cause to refer to Weeping God unless the tears are tears of joy.
May you rest in peace Martin, faithful servant of the Creator and may the people who follow be inspired by your life, your witness, your words.
It never ceases to amaze me how similar, rather than how different, people are. And each year at this time, I’m reminded of that truism because different cultures and religions welcome a similar image – a candle – as a meaningful symbol in their rituals, celebrations, worship, traditions.
In that symbolic image … we share a powerful similarity … those who follow the ancient Celtic tradition of Winter Solstice place a candle in their window as a symbol of light overcoming darkness … the eight day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah is marked by the lighting of an eight-candled Menorah on each day of Hanukkah, often referred to as the Festival of the Lights … the four week Season of Advent before Christmas Day is marked by the lighting of a different candle each Sunday anticipating the hope, peace, love and joy of the Season of Christmas as candles/lights on Christmas trees and wreaths continue the theme of light and focus on the man, Jesus, believed by Christians to be the Light of the World.
Today, December 26th, African culture and history is celebrated in the United States by the seven day festival of Kwanzaa. That’s today! During Kwanzaa (a Swahili word for ‘first’ meaning ‘first fruits’), a special candle holder (a Kinara) holds seven candles: three red ones on the left, three green ones on the right with a black candle in the centre.
The seven Kinara candles represent the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Unity, Self-Determination, Collective work and responsibility, Cooperative economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith). Each night during Kwanzaa a candle is lit … the centre (black) candle is lit first and on each of the subsequent nights of Kwanzaa, the black candle alternates between the red and green candles (stating with the ones on the outside and moving inwards) – which is similar to the lighting of the Shamash candle in the centre of the Menorah which then lights the other lights in the stand for Jewish people in their celebration of Hanukkah.
And before the month of December, there is Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizing the spiritual ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance’ where, in northern India, they celebrate the defeat of their enemy by lighting rows of clay lamps. There are likely others but suffice to say, light is an important symbol for many people, cultures, religions.
To those who put a light in their window each night throughout the ancient tradition of Winter Solstice … to those who light the Menorah on each of the eight days of Hanukkah … to those who light the candles on each of the four weeks of the Season Advent … to those who place lights in wreaths and trees throughout the twelve days of the Season of Christmas, in Solstice, Hanukkah and tonight, a Happy Kwanzaa as they begin their seven nights of lighting the Kinara, thank you for keeping the light going.
May the light shine from within each of us – through each of us – and beyond each of us – so that when we watch the news and become disenchanted, distressed, concerned or fearful by the growing spread of the pandemic, we focus more on what ‘unites’ us than what ‘divides us’ … as President John F. Kennedy reminded us “remember that what unites us is greater than what separates us.”
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Tonight, December 21st, is the longest night of the year. It’s Winter Solstice, in the final week of Advent, just days before Christmas. This is the time of the year when many are expecting to feel joy, be that because of their celebration of a religious festival or winter holiday, or simply connecting with family and friends.
But when people hurt, it’s difficult to feel joy. Many aren’t able to tap into any sense of hope or peace either, because of personal loss of a loved one, problems with finances, employment, housing, health, fear about the future.
Around this time each year, many churches and communities offer “Blue Christmas” services to try and offset the stress that is being felt by busyness, cacophony and expectations of the holiday season.
But, going out in the evening, when it is dark or the roads are impassable because of inclement weather or one is unwell, or when the thought of being with others feels even more draining that the festivities at the time of the year seem to bring, makes attendance at such services difficult.
And so, a thought came to me – create a When Christmas Hurts/Blue Christmas ritual for individuals who are sad/blue. If you are someone for whom peace, hope, joy are elusive at this time of the year, it is my prayer that following along with this liturgy will bring you comfort.
Before you begin, I encourage you to find some candles and a match. You might find a particular coloured candle or a variety of candle colours is helpful. Any four candles can help. I love the colour of royal blue and it “fits” with the Blue Christmas theme and royal blue is the colour of the Season of Advent (the four weeks before Christmas Day) for many.
As each candle is lit (hopefully in a darkened or semi-darkened room to get the effect of the light emanating from the candle), you may want to have some quiet music playing in the background or simply be in silence.Choose a time and place when tv, children, family, friends, loud music, electronic devices will not be a distraction.
Speak out loud or think / pray each phrase slowly, reflectively. There is no need to hurry. This is your time. Take the time to “be” in the moment.
To begin … take a few slow, deep breaths from your abdomen, inhaling a welcome of peace to yourself and exhaling that which brings anxiety. When you find your breathing has slowed down … begin.
LIGHT FIRST CANDLE AND SAY / THINK / PRAY SLOWLY AND QUIETLY
I light this candle to remember those persons who have been loved and lost this past year and in years long ago.
I pause to remember their name(s) … their face(s) … their voice(s). (Give yourself time to do this.)
I give thanks for the memory that binds them to me at this difficult time. (Give yourself time to do this)
May Eternal Love surround them.
[Silent time for reflection]
~~~~~
LIGHT SECOND CANDLE AND SAY, THINK, PRAY SLOWLY AND QUIETLY
I light this second candle to redeem the pain of loss: … the loss of relationships … the loss of employment … the loss of health … the loss of hope … the loss of Christmas … the loss of … (whatever you are experiencing as ‘loss’ at this time)
(Give yourself time to think of those which apply to you.)
As I gather up the pain of the past, I offer it, asking that the gift of peace, shalom, wholeness be placed into my heart, my head, my spirit.
(Give yourself time to do this)
May I be refreshed, restored and renewed.
[Silent time for reflection]
~~~~~~~
LIGHT THIRD CANDLE AND SAY, THINK, PRAY SLOWLY AND QUIETLY I light this third candle to remember myself.
I pause and remember the past weeks, months (years) … the down times … the poignancy of memories … the grief … the sadness … the hurts … the fear … the pain of reflecting on my own mortality … past Christmases
(Give yourself time to do this.)
May I remember that dawn defeats darkness.
May I remember the words written on a wall at Dachau prison — “I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining; I believe in the stars even when I see them not; I believe in God even when I don’t see God.” (or – I believe in Love even when I don’t feel Love.”)
[Silent time of reflection]
~~~~~~~ LIGHT FOURTH CANDLE AND SAY, THINK, PRAY SLOWLY AND QUIETLY
I light this fourth candle to remember the gift of hope.
I lean on the Holy One who shares my life … promises a place and time of no more pain and suffering … and who loves unconditionally
(Give yourself time to do this … or substitute any phrasing that will be meaningful for you).
May I not forget the One who shows the way and goes with me into my tomorrows.
[Silent time of reflection]
Amen. So be it. Amen. (“Amen” means “So be it.”)
*****************************************
The “Blue Christmas” individual ritual/liturgy has now come to a close.
You may want to consider spending time in the darkness … looking at the lit candles … listening to quiet music … soaking in a hot bath … sipping a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate.
May you be assured that there are people who care and people who pray for ‘those who think that no one cares for them’.
There they were … perched on a rock, surrounded by twigs and grasses. Seashells. A variety of seashells.
What were they doing there? There was no ocean nearby. No sandy shore. And yet, there they were. Seashells and a little wooden star nestled on a path in the woods.
I almost didn’t see them. It was raining, And I was walking quickly to avoid the puddles and mud.
And then a question deep within surfaced. “What other treasures do I miss because I’m in a hurry … because my thoughts are focused elsewhere?”
And I wondered “what treasured-moments do we all miss because our thoughts are elsewhere … our eyes are elsewhere?”
Whoever placed those little treasures in that place on that rainy morning … thank you.
November, welcome! In this part of the world, you mark the end of the harvest and you mark the beginning of the season of Winter. You bring wind. You bring rain. And politically this year, you bring ongoing devastation of war and great global uncertainty.
Where I live, November has been known to be an opportunity to making time to experience a sense of calm by … slowing down … making and eating comfort foods … becoming more involved in our art/craft/hobby … curling up by the fire … getting lost in a great book … making applesauce … being creative … catching up with friends by phone and mail … be-ing hopeful
Yes, being hopeful. There is always hope. Perhaps not tangible. Perhaps not visible these days. But hope exists.
How is hope here if we are feeling fearful, isolated, uncertain? It’s here, because hope is here in us. We are the hope. We are the hope that after November … there will be a December … and a January … and a February, etc. And that hope is not just for ourselves, but it is for those living in refugee camps, those at borders trying to cross and leave war-torn areas …
We cannot lose hope because if we do, what are the ones who can see no hope (beyond the possibility of a glass of water, a crust of bread, a loved one released from the prison of a building that collapsed), what are they going to do?
May we take each month as it comes. May we take each week as it comes. May we take day as it comes. May we take each moment as it comes and look to this month of November as a month where courage will be found and where hope will prevail.
Fragility … the quality of being broken, damaged, delicate, vulnerable, wounded, weak.
Many want to live in a world that is healthy, durable, safe and strong. Not fragile.
Many want to be perceived and perceive themselves as healthy, durable, strong and resilient. Not fragile.
But life can be fragile. * The pandemic was real: people died and long-haul health issues are on-going. * Wars continue with inexplicable horrors and devastating consequences. * Some leaders ignore the people they serve and serve their personal greed and lust for power instead. * Weather changes result in … breathing difficulties … homes being damaged or razed … people, animals, crops being injured and destroyed * Killing of children is happening … in classrooms … on the streets … in grandparents’ back yards … at concerts … churches … shops … * Unexpected health issues erupt and lives … finances … relationships are disrupted.
Life can be fragile. * People don’t listen. * Feelings are hurt. * Misunderstandings happen. * Relationships end. * Trust is eroded. Fragility.
The voice of reason is silenced by * greed * ambition * desire for personal power * egotism * revenge Fragility.
Democracy begins to fade. Grief causes hearts to break. Fragility.
But … fragility can be seen as * resilience * possibility * hope * strength
Think of the heart. It pumps blood through the body every moment … every single day of life. Hearts are strong and resilient. We are, too.
Think of the eggshell. It can be easily broken. But put a raw egg, in its shell, in the palm of a hand and squeeze. Even under pressure, eggshells are strong. We are, too.
The “I-don’t-know-what-it-is object” (less than one inch in circumference) unexpectedly appeared one day while I was weeding. It was * delicate * strong * tiny * beautiful … like spun-gold. Fragility.
As evidenced by the egg, the heart, and this “spun-like-gold-I-don’t-know-what-it-is” object, may we take comfort and realize that out of fragility, there is hope!
Cognizant of the fragile reality of life around us, and at the same time mindful that others have lived in difficult and fragile times before us of war, plague, violence, corruption, we can be fragile. And, we can be hopeful … even if only for a moment.
And then – we can be hopeful for another moment … and another … and another.
It’s October. Here in the western hemisphere, we are in the Season of Fall/Autumn – a beautiful time of the year where I live.
After taking this photo, I couldn’t help myself.
I took a break.
I ran down the path, playing with the fallen leaves. If only for a few moments, returning to life-as-a-child, when life was simple, uncomplicated, safe, and secure.
May we all take a break.
May we let our mind drift … far, far away from the political yuck, pandemic, global issues … from the nasty social media, personal stresses and crises … from the anger and fear and bewilderment. And for a few moments, may we let our imagination take us to a place where we scamper down a lane covered with leaves, joyfully toss the leaves up in the air, inhale the smells of this now-upon-us Season, listen to the sounds under our feet and over our head as we play, as birds fly south, as we laugh and breathe … breathe in – the Breath of Life – Ruach – fresh air – holy living.
Signs abound in Nature and within us as we move into and through the Autumn Season of our lives.
There are times when we feel alive and vibrant in body, mind and spirit. There are times when we realize that the withering of skin,
the creaking of bones, the aching of muscles, the forgetfulness that can come with the aging process are simply part of the Autumn Season of life.
Is it wisdom to ignore these signs? Is it wisdom to focus solely on these signs? How can we maintain balance and acknowledge the the cycle of life?
Perhaps trees and leaves can be our teacher. When leaves change colour … the tree is still there. When our face, legs, arms, neck, hands begin to wither … we are still there. When leaves fall … not all fall at the same time. When we rise from a chair or sofa … stiffness doesn’t always remain with us.
Fall/Autumn is here. Winter is coming. And in the meantime, if leaves and trees could talk, perhaps they would remind us to spread our branches, to acknowledge our natural beauty in each season, and to welcome life.
There is something about ‘learning’ that not only touches the soul, but activates it — opening our heart to new experiences, new feelings, new thoughts.
I don’t know how long I looked at this plant on the walk before I took its photo, or how long I looked at its photo in my camera, but there was something quite magical about it all.
The plant took me on a journey of learning about the ‘name’ of the plant and what other indigenous plants in our provincial parks have been used by the First Nation peoples to heal bodies, flavour food, and add colour to fabric.
As I walked in our local Provincial Park, it “called” to me. I’d never seen one before. It was tall and gorgeous … a very large leaf with a tiny flower in the centre. “What are you?” I wondered. After some research, I learned that it is ‘Miner’s Lettuce’ … an indigenous plant common on Vancouver Island.
Its magnificent leaves form a rosette. Inside that rosette, there are tiny pink or white flowers with five petals in the centre, and the outer leaves turn a deep red colour when they dry out as the days get hotter and drier.
Thank you, little plant, for a new opportunity to experience spirituality in yet another way of opening my heart to the blessings around me.
‘Anger and hatred’ … completely different because neither anger nor hatred – leave space for Love – leave space for Hope – leave space for Possibility.
Remember the Story of the Two Wolves? A grandfather of the Cherokee Nation told his grandson that he had a fight going on inside him and it was a terrible fight between two wolves. One wolf was evil – it emerges as anger, hatred, envy, greed, arrogance, resentment, lies, false pride, and more. The other wolf inside is good – it emerges as joy, peace, love, hope, truth, serenity, patience, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, compassion and more.
The child thought for a moment and asked “Which wolf will win?” The wise elder replied: “The wolf who is fed.”
We must be mindful of the wolf we feed … not just politicians or churches or community leaders or media, but … me … you … us.
May we refuse to choose to give power to the wolf whose voice is evil. One wolf was evil – it emerges as anger, hatred, envy, greed, arrogance, resentment, lies, false pride, and more.
May we choose the wolf whose voice is a voice of peaceful protest, peaceful opposition, and ‘good.’ The other wolf inside is good – it emerges as joy, peace, love, hope, truth, serenity, patience, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, compassion and more.
May we not perpetuate evil.
May we work against evil.
In the world.
In the church.
In the community.
In the family.
In ourselves.
May we speak up. May we speak out. And may we support people who will feed the wolf of goodness and change things so that compassion and kindness, humility and hope will emerge …
In the world.
In the church.
In the community.
In the family.
In ourselves.
“Which wolf will win?” “The wolf who is fed.”
My dear friends,
