God in the Darkness

My mind is reeling from the news about the Knoxville shooting. Yesterday, I experienced a great deal of sadness and frustration as I read more about the details of that tragic event. It can be so easy to give up what we stand for and simply resign ourselves thinking that this is the way the world is and what are we going to do. For me, it generates a deeper commitment to our work as a ministry and myself as a minister and writer. I just keep wondering how that whole event would have been different if the shooter knew that he was not alone and that he mattered. I know we can't change everyone, that despite our greatest efforts there will always be people who believe only in the darkness and act accordingly. But, I see how the message of love and our spiritual community offers hope and support for people to discover the presence of God in the deepest times of darkness. We all know that human beings are capable of indescribable acts of terror and darkness. At the same time, let us remember that we are equally capable of unprecedented acts of compassion, strength and wisdom. Today, I grieve for everyone involved. I also hold the flame of hope and faith in our inherent goodness and our capacity to create a peaceful, just world for everyone. Know that with me this week as we continue to hold the entire Knoxville community in our hearts.

Free cash for a lifetime

I heard a commercial on the radio for Publisher's Clearing House where they explained that the winner would receive $5,000 every week for the rest of their lives. I thought about that. What would I do with that kind of money? More importantly, how would a steady stream of money change the way I live? Would I quit working as a minister? Could I do things simply for the sake of doing them with no need for financial compensation? I would like to say yes, but I am honestly not sure. Maybe in the beginning, I would spend some time doing nothing, but I would need to have something to do to feel purposeful. I also love what I do. Would I do it simply for the sake of doing it? It really has caused me to look at the meaning of abundance and to look at our reasons for doing things. How much are we motivated by money? I also couldn't think of a single thing that I would want to go get or add to my life right now. I would probably give a good part of away to things I believe it which would bring me great joy.

Peace in our household

Last night we had both dogs and our kitten in bed with us. All three were lying face to face quiet and at peace. It was a far cry from when we first brought Louie home and my boxer thought he was a doggie snack for her. They are forced to live in the same house with each other and somehow they have come to terms with one another. Now I often see them playing together and just hanging with each other. As our world gets smaller and we are all forced to live in this same house of planet Earth, I hope we can come to terms with each other and find peace. That is certainly my dream and belief.

Family

I just returned from spending a week in Wisconsin with my mother. My younger brother and his two little girls were able to come as well. Peter was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer 2 years this September. When he was diagnosed, they had him buried in 6 months and here he is 2 years later busting all statistics. The healing power of the body and the presence of life constantly humbles me. I watch as my brother makes nothing less than life an option. He has every intention of being with his girls when they graduate, when they are married and when they his grandchildren. He is committed to life and it shows. I am continually inspired by his courage and his dedication to life and his family. I am grateful to be able to be his sister this go around. In the meantime, every time I am with him and his family is all the more sweeter with cancer sitting at the table with us uninvited. I don't know what will happen in the future and today I don't need to know, but it has caused me to relish and give thanks for each moment even more.