tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152060382024-03-14T07:11:25.449-04:00J WorldFrom the mind of JayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-13276368589989787322023-05-29T19:15:00.005-04:002023-05-29T19:22:49.880-04:00Three Series Finales in One Week. <p> The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Barry and Succession all had
their series finales this week. I think it is unprecedented for there to be
three series finales in one week. <b>There
will be some spoilers</b>, so I will start with the one that had no surprise
ending.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Marvelous Mrs. Maisel</u></b> – I was late to coming
to this series. The last two seasons had flash forwards so we know how the
story ends before the final show. I found that made the end a bit anti-climactic.
It is the story of a female standup comic coming of age and to stage in the 1950s
on the Upper West Side in NYC. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
supposedly (very) loosely based on the life of Joan Rivers. The story of the
challenges of a female entering a male dominated career were clear. It is also
a reminder of how much has changed in our society since the 1950s. Although
tragic, I liked how the story of Lenny Bruce was woven into the story. The
question of compromising your integrity vs. becoming successful is a fine line.
He knew he would be arrested for his act (words we take for granted today) and
did it anyway. I found the comedy hilarious. The many different aspects of 2<sup>nd</sup>
generation immigrant Jewish families were represented in the show. I found
myself literally laughing out loud numerous times throughout the series
recognizing similar traits of people growing up. The season that was focused on
their time in the Catskills was nostalgic for me as well. I thought the Joel
story line could have been fleshed out a bit more at the end, but that is just
being picky. Joel was a true redemption storyline. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if others who did not grow up Jewish,
or at least culturally Jewish found it as funny or meaningful?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Succession </b>– A show about a wealthy family running a
Fox News type communication company. The opening show of season one, the Father
Logan Roy (played brilliantly by Brian Cox) becomes seriously ill and the question
of who will succeed him in the company is the plot of the entire series. Three
of his four children are vying for the role. Almost every character who is a member
of the family and featured employees of the company are fairly despicable in
one way or another. (with the exception of a couple of minor characters who
were sympathetic, but did nothing) The three children are not competent, but
entitled. The tragedy is for the most part, until the end they believe they were
competent. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a well worn tale of a
parent manipulating their children, but ultimately not preparing them. Before
Logan Roy dies he says to his children, “I love you, but you are not serious
people” In the last show, one of the children realizes the absurdity of it and
says “we are nothing” I liked that the main character Logan Roy dies towards
the beginning of the final season in the middle of a deal to sell the company.
Throughout the four seasons, I took time off from watching it because I have to
say, it was obvious that the children were nothing and it just got boring after
a while watching them posture and flail. Still in the end, I thought it was a
fitting ending for the arc of the show. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did like that Unitarians were represented (even if stereotypically) by Nan
Pierce who was the CEO of a rival company Logan was trying to purchase.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><u>Barry - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></u></b>The series is about Barry, a vet who
comes back from Iraq with PTSD and is manipulated by a father figure to become
an assassin. He decides to take acting classes to help him better understand
himself. I LOVED Henry Winkler as the acting teacher. The rest of the plot is
too hard to describe with many madcap antics and plot twists. There is a lot of
violence. I thought the ending was artistic and well done. There are some key
messages told. All actors are narcissistic. Henry Winkler’s characters strays
from what he knows is right because of fame. And when the son of Sally Reed (Barry’s
love interest) tells her he loves her, she just asks, was the play (she
directed) good. Totally oblivious. The final message of the series is there is
no redemption in this life. Redemption only comes in a sanitized version of our
life that is told after we die. Not sure if I agree, but poignant nevertheless. Although sometimes over the top, overall it was
surprisingly good, even sometimes a fun show for such a dark topic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-4428515340727462812023-04-06T14:01:00.004-04:002023-04-06T14:01:37.179-04:00Audio Book Review - Pachinko<p> I just finished listening to the audio recording of Pachinko
this week. It is just over 18 hours (or 512 pages if you are reading). I saw
Apple TV has a show on this and I wanted to read/listen to the book before I
watched it. </p><p>The book is the story of 4 generations of a Korean family that
emigrated to Japan in the early 1900s after Japan had invaded and taken over
Korea. It started off a little slow for me, but then captivated me. I admit
there was one time I was so enmeshed in the book that at the point when one of
the characters dies, I was absolutely shaken, and had to stop listening for a
bit. That rarely happens to me. It was interesting to see how different
individuals dealt differently with being an unwelcome immigrant. It was also interesting
to learn a bit about how different Japanese characters reacted and interreacted both positively and
negatively with Korean immigrants. After WWII the question of whether to return
to Korea or not was a question and thus the question of how we define home is raised
up. The book depicts how class and professions often identify us in society. It shows how the consequences of actions have repercussions
beyond just ourselves and beyond just our generation. It is easy to see how
actions beyond our control impact us. It raises the question about what is
love, and what is family and how different people come away with different
answers. </p><p>I tend to like sweeping dramas showing cross cultural currents with
history as a backdrop. This book provided all that for me and more.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-16495177330131121262022-09-25T22:15:00.001-04:002022-09-25T22:16:52.231-04:00Belfast – A 9 out of 10 on the JWO scale<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "IBM Plex Serif",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I finally watched Belfast tonight. It is
such a sweet, sad and poignant movie. In an era of superhero movies, I was
moved to tears by the story. I am glad I watched it at home on HBO so I could
put on subtitles. Ironically in the movie one of the characters did not want to
move from Ireland because they felt no one would be able to understand them.
Somewhat true of the movie as well. Although I normally do not like movies without
color, (because the world is in color and we have the technology now) but in
this movie, it lent to the bleakness of the circumstances of their lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "IBM Plex Serif",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">It is the story of a protestant family in
Belfast during the troubles in Northern Ireland in the late 1960s. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have read this is a semi-autobiography of
the writer and directors Kenneth Branagh childhood. Although it was during the
Troubles, the story did not elaborate on any of the causes or reasons for them.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "IBM Plex Serif",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">The movie was about how one family dealt
with being caught up in it, and the question of whether to stay in this tight knit
community where their family and friends had lived, or to leave to get a fresh
start and a better opportunity away from any support system. This is a story
that is universal and relatable. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "IBM Plex Serif",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">The story is told through the eyes of a
young child trying to figure it all out. It really captured what it was like to
be a child trying understand about life in general let alone the challenges his
parents and community faced. The acting was superb all around. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "IBM Plex Serif",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">During the credits at the end there is a
message - “For the ones who stayed,” “For the ones who left,” “And for all the
ones who were lost.”</span> I sort of felt that way about leaving the Bronx.
Although there are not many who stayed in The Bronx, there were too many who
were lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "IBM Plex Serif",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I grew up in a
neighborhood where I did know most of my neighbors and I knew I could always
knock on a door for help or a parent would notify my parents if I did something
wrong. I do not see that environment being replicated in America. It is why we
find our communities in other ways. The movie really made me realize all the
multitude of decisions I have made in my life and how very different my life would
have been. (for better or worse).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "IBM Plex Serif",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, Belfast is a heart tugging, tear jerking movie
about family and love and the hard choices we have to make in life. It is well
worth spending time watching. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-10336092848877448742022-07-30T10:23:00.003-04:002022-07-31T14:51:50.102-04:00Top Ten Movies and Honorable Mentions <p> <span color="var(--primary-text)" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 2.5rem; font-weight: 700;">Top Ten Movies and Honorable Mentions</span></p><div class="ay7djpcl k4urcfbm pwoa4pd7 tr9rh885 bi6gxh9e" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; height: 1px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 16px; width: 700px;"></div><div class="buofh1pr j83agx80 cbu4d94t gs1a9yip k4urcfbm qv66sw1b" style="align-items: stretch; background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px; word-break: break-word;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em mdeji52x a5q79mjw g1cxx5fr b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" dir="auto" style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.1765; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><div class="_8emu" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Its hard to pick just 10 but here they are.</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">10/05/10 - After a long car ride with Kyle which includied </span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">listing every movie we could think of </span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">among other word games </span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I realized I left a few movies off the list (changes/additions in bold)</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 The Razors Edge (Bill Murray version)</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Field of Dreams</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 25th Hour</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 Godfather 2</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 Godfather</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6 Amores Perros</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7 Lion in Winter</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8 Casablanca</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9 </span><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">City of God</span></span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">10 As it is in Heaven</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Honorable Mention</span></span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instinct</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rainmaker</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Barfly</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Boyz in the Hood</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ET</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crimes and Misdemeanors</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tender Mercies</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unforgiven</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Deer Hunter</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dances with Wolves</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Peaceful Warrior</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Phenomenon</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Last Samurai</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Magnificent Seven</span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Requiem for a Dream</span></span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finding Forrester</span></span></p><p class="jlfdnvsn" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.41px; line-height: 1.4118; margin: 16px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Barton Fink</span></span></p></span></div></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-89625693476799392422022-03-07T13:57:00.003-05:002022-07-30T10:10:16.052-04:00Encanto - an 8 out 10 - "Talk About It"<p> I saw the movie Encanto last night. I had heard people
raving about it and talking about the song “We don’t talk about Bruno.” I admit,
I am a big Disney fan in general and am surprised I didn’t see this sooner. It
was a really good movie. I found myself very emotional at the end of the movie.
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is a story about a family that has magical powers, except
for one child. (I did read one person question if the mother could cure people
with food, why did the character have to wear glasses – legit if not a picuyane
question)And those magical powers are fading. It is up to the person without the
magical powers who is determined to save them. It is a great metaphor. We are often asked to choose to act in ways that others expect us to. Or even
in line with what our skills are. Both of these often do not align with what our
heart calls us to do. We each have to make such decisions in our lives. The
message from this story is that magic comes into lives comes from doing what is
meaningful to us not what is expected of us. We are not defined only by what our
skills are or what our responsibilities are, but who we are, and the choices we
make and we need to advocate for what and who we are. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Also the question about not feeling you do not fit in in a
family as well is a common family dynamic that is addressed. Overcoming trauma
as well and how it impacts us ongoing and how it impacts how we interact with
others is also dealt with. Also how community support is reciprocal and
renewing. The music was good enough and enjoyable although not many standouts (this
might just be personal preference for me) except We dont talk about Bruno, no,
no. But we should, we should talk about it. Talk about it all.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One other thing that I really liked about it was that there
was no villain in the movie setting up the good vs. evil. It was just people
dealing with their stuff. It was a fun (and extremely colorful) movie to watch,
for both children and adults. I highly recommend it. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-4756043718066622242021-11-10T16:20:00.004-05:002021-11-10T16:20:53.357-05:00Cultivating Relationships<p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Opening Reading “Fault Line” – Robert Walsh</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Did you ever think there might be a fault line<br /> passing underneath your living room:<br /> A place in which your life is lived <br />in meeting and in separating, <br />Wondering and telling, <br />unaware that just beneath<br /> you is the unseen seam of great plates that strain through time? And that your life, already spilling over the brim, <br />could be invaded, sent off in a new direction, <br />turned aside by forces you were warned about<br /> but not prepared for? <br />Shelves could be spilled out,<br /> the level floor set at an angle in some seconds’ shaking. <br />You would have to take your losses, <br />do whatever must be done next.<br />When the great plates slip and the earth shivers <br />and the flaw is seen to lie in what you trusted most, <br />look not to more solidity, <br />to weighty slabs of concrete poured or strength of cantilevered<br /> beam to save the fractured order. <br />Trust more the tensile strands of love <br />that bend and stretch to hold you <br />in the web of life that’s often torn but always healing. <br />There’s your strength. <br />The shifting plates, the restive earth, your room, your precious life, <br />they all proceed from love, <br />the ground on which we walk together."<div><u><br /></u></div><div><u>Reflection Part 1</u><br /><br />I found the opening reading so moving because it feels like tectonic plates are shifting in our world. <br />Everything seems to be changing. <br />And when everything is changing, what do we have to hold onto. The tensile strands of love, the ground on which we walk together. Although I don’t use the word tensile much in my day to day life, <br />I do think that feeling of flexibility is so important these days. Everybody is stressed and the future is unknown, <br />that it is important to understand what our identity is <br />as Individuals and as a Congregation <div>to better able us to withstand the vicissitudes of life. <br /><br />One question we always ask about identity is how much of identity is past versus present versus envisioned. <br />I am helped in this question by Jewish roots. <br />There has long been a discussion in Judaism and about Judaism, as to whether its identity was as a religion, a culture, or race.</div><div>Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan who was the founder of Recontructionist Judaism believed Judaism was a civilization that was progressively evolving. <br />It had deep roots to the past and traditions of Judaism, <br />but insisted that it be planted in the present to deal with the life as it is, not as it was. <br />Kaplan famously said, Tradition gets “a vote but not a veto”. </div><div> Kaplan also identified religious identity in three ways, <br />Belief, Behavior and Belonging. <br />He posited that Christian Identity focused first on belief, <br />in their case, creedal beliefs about Jesus as the messiah. <br />If you had right beliefs, it would lead you to behave in certain ways and by doing certain rituals <br />and by behaving in certain ways, you belonged to Christiandom. Kaplan felt Judaism’s identity was not belief, but rather primarily “BELONGING. <br />It was a sense of belonging to the Jewish people. <br />Behaviors such as rituals, <br />were just ways to reinforce a sense of being Jewish. <br />As one Rabbi wrote, doing Jewish stuff, we feel Jewish. <br /><br /></div><div>So I tried to think about this question of belief, behavior and belonging from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. <br />First I think just by asking this question it creates a false trichotomy. I think all three are important. <br />They are always in creative tension with each other. <br />I think similar to Judaism there is a strong sense of belonging when it comes to Unitarian Universalism. <br />People who have moved away from this congregation still maintain their membership here. <br />Because we had a great impact on them and are a part of their identity and I think that speaks well of us. <br />People who are no longer formal members of a Congregation still consider themselves Unitarian Universalists. <br />They still at least abstractly identify with us. <br />Which leaves the existential question, can you belong to something you literally do not belong to. <br /><br /></div><div>We do have this sense of belonging though as a group of people who have eschewed traditional religions, but still find meaning in meaning making together in community. <br />There is a sense of belonging to a long tradition of free religious thought and expression, <br />There is a sense of belonging to a history of people who have continued to struggle to grow spiritually and religiously. <br />Belonging to history of people however imperfect worked for improvement of humankind in the world. <br />We belong to a long line of people who without which we would not be here to even ask such questions as we continue this tradition. <br />So I would agree, history has a vote, but not a veto. <br />Famously, when a Universalist minister was asked where he stood on a particular issues, he said, we do not stand, we move. <br />Meaning, we adapt to a changing world, <br />to make meaning in new ways, <br />honoring the past but not bound to it. <br />So belonging to Unitarian Universalism means <br />belonging to and accepting and adapting to change. <br />Due to our pluralistic non creedal nature, <br />we similar to Judaism, would probably not value beliefs as high as belonging or behavior. <br /><br />But I am always drawn to the reading in the our hymnal by religious educator sofia fahs entitled “It matters what we believe” proposing that we should aspire to <br /><br />“beliefs that are expansive and lead the way into wider and deeper sympathies. <br />beliefs that are like sunshine, <br />blessing children with the warmth of happiness. <br />Beliefs that are bonds in a world community, <br />where sincere differences beautify the pattern. <br />Beliefs that are like gateways opening wide vistas for exploration. <br />Beliefs that nurture self-confidence and enrich the feeling of personal worth. <br />Beliefs that are pliable, like the young sapling, <br />ever growing with the upward thrust of life.” <br /><br />It is not the particulars of the belief that we require, <br />rather the question of whether your beliefs <br />make you this Congregation and the world a better place. <br />I often say that due to our theological pluralism, <br />our theology is a relational theology. <br />How we interact with each other is what matters. <br /><br /></div><div>Which brings me to Martin Bubers’ book I-Thou, <br />where he differentiates what he calls I-It relationships <br />in which we see people as objects</div><div>with what he calls I-You relationships or I thou relationships <br />where we see the inherent worth and dignity and wholeness of the other.. <br />In the I-it relationship we experience people only from our perspective. <br />He compares that to I-Thou relationships wherein we understand the interdependence of all things. <br />He uses the example of tones composing a melody, or lines of a statute <br />or words in a poem. <br />You can break apart the multiplicity of all the tones, lines and words, <br />but individually they are only i-it, objects on their own. <br />Only together is the thou created. <br />This is similar for human beings and congregations and societies. We are all a multitude of many many things and experiences, <br />a congregation of many individuals, <br />but we can only known as a whole, in relation to each other. <br /><br />So how are we known, as a spiritually growing justice seeking congregation, or as just a bunch of people gathering and doing their own things. <br />All of the different parts of us make up the wholeness of each individual. <br />All the parts of the congregation make up the wholeness of the Congregation. <br />We can not know ourselves or the congregation only from our own internal perspective, or in the particular, but rather only in relation to everything and everyone else in its fullness. <br />That is the thou relationship. <br />Buber goes on to argue that it is hate, not love, that is blind; <br />hate only knows a portion of the other. <br />Love engages and is open to all parts of the other. <br />Buber writes “Only when we encounter another individual truly as a person, not as an object for use, <br />we become fully human and when two people relate to each other authentically and humanly, that is where God is found. <br /><br />And Buber does not limit this I thou relationship just between humans. <br />He believes this I-thou relationship exists between humans and nature. <br />Only when we see nature in the whole and ourselves as part of it, will we be in an authentic I-thou relationship with it <br /><br />As Buber writes <br />"I consider a tree. <br />I can look on it as a picture: <br />I can classify it in a species and study it as a type in its structure and mode of life. <br />In all this the tree remains my object, occupies space and time, and has its nature and constitution. <br />It can, however, also come about, if I have both will and grace, <br />that in considering the tree I become bound up in relation to it. <br />The tree is now no longer It.<br />To effect this it is not necessary for me to give up any of the ways in which I consider the tree. <br />The tree is no impression, no play of my imagination, <br />no value depending on my mood; <br />but it is bodied over against me and has to do with me, as I with it” <br /><br />Let us remember this about nature. Being in relation to it. To realize that our fate is tied up with the fate of nature. That we are interdependent with it. Just as our fate as a congregation is tied up with the fate of each of us together. <br /><br />Although it may seem strange that Unitarian Universalism being so non ritualistic would prioritize behavior, but we do have covenants and policies that spell that out, <br />in contrast where we specifically do not have that about our beliefs. <br />I think mostly of our covenant of right relations which you can see at the entrance of the sanctuary. <br />I do think placement matters. <br />Prior to a couple of years ago, it was hidden behind the white board where no one could see it. <br />Putting at the entrance says, as you enter into this sacred place and time, and as you leave it to go out into the world, <br />take this covenant into account. <br />All the words in the world will mean nothing if we do not live them out in our actions. <br />One of the covenants of right relationship states “Gifts imply responsibility – To the best of our ability we will foster the programs and outreach of this congregation” <br />With that in mind we will now take our offering. <br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Reading - Hafiz </u><br /><br />"Out of a great need <br />we are all holding hands and climbing. <br />Not loving is a letting go. <br />Listen, the terrain around here <br />Is far too dangerous for that."<br /><br /><u>Reflection – Rev. Jay Wolin </u><br /><br />I want to for a moment focus on the word cultivating <br />as part of cultivating relationships. <br />I admit, when I first think of cultivating I think of farming the land. Growing something and nurturing it over time. <br />I admit, I don’t know the first thing about farming, <br />but that is what the internet is for. <br />The funny thing is, upon hearing about cultivating farmland, I found a good metaphor for cultivating I-thou relationships and Cultivating a Congregation. <br />First it is important to Know the type of soil you are cultivating and what type of food grows there, <br />or perhaps what different soil is needed if you want to grow something specific. <br />I think that is true for us as a Congregation. <br />It is why we create a mission and vision and annual vision of ministry. <br />Why the Board thinks about and adapts our strategies for an ever changing landscape. <br />Its important to know what type of Congregation we are, <br />and what type of Congregation we want to be. <br />Similarly it is important to know what type of relationships we have, and what type of relationships we want to have, if we want to have deeper, more meaningful relationships <br /><br /></div><div>Relationships with a diverse group of people that will help us grow, we might recognize that we need a different type of soil, or some new knowledge, or new experiences to help us achieve that. <br />If we want to grow as individuals, we have to participate in the whole. <br />Join with others in meaningful programs that allow you to know others and yourself. A seed does not grow on its own. It needs the proper environment around it to grow. <br /><br />Next in cultivating the land, we must till the soil. <br />This means turning over the soil to aerate it and to clean it out so there is room for growth and so the nutrients that go into the ground can be effective. <br />And often there is a lot of junk in the ground that comes up when we till the soil. <br />Sometimes it takes more then one digging to clean it all out. <br />I think that is true with us as individuals and Congregations as well. <br />When we are in the midst of change, <br />or we talk about new and challenging topics, <br />its going to bring up uncomfortable feelings and thoughts. <br />If you leave them buried, it will prevent growth. <br />We need to provide space for new soil, new ideas, to take root. <br />It may not happen overnight, <br />it may require time to work through it <br />but that working through them is the only way to transcend them. <br /><br />Next is to install fencing to protect what you are cultivating from animals. <br />This sounds harsh, but look outside at our garden we have a fencing around it. <br />Even with that fencing a groundhog dug in from underneath. <br />I heard at last count we have caught 17 groundhogs on our grounds. <br />Now I have nothing personal against groundhogs. <br />They are part of the circle of life. <br />But we would never grow food to provide for those in need if we let the groundhog harm the food that will nourish others. <br />And similarly with a congregation. <br />Although we can certainly respect each others differences of opinions, we have to create certain boundaries, <br />so as not to allow harm to come to each other, <br />and we should strive to be the spiritual nourishment for each other. <br /><br />Lastly we need to cultivate the ability to surrender control. <br />Just as with farming, we cannot always control the things that will affect our crops, the weather, persistent groundhogs, bad seeds, <br />so too in our lives and in the lives of our congregation, <br />we need to set our ego aside, our need to be right, <br />and allow for the creative interchange <br />even as I said before the creative tension of ideas. <br /><br /></div><div>If we can do these things, we can create the environment <br />where I-thou moments and relationships happen. <br />First we must choose to want them. <br />Then we must allow ourselves to become aware of the possibility, and then we have to have the courage to enter them when the possibility exists. <br /><br />What are you cultivating. <br />Let us find the courage to see each other, and to love each other. <br />It is the only hope for us individually, as a congregation and as a planet. May it be so. <br /><br />Closing Words – Excerpt from “Emergent Strategies” Adrienne Marie Brown <br /><br />"When we are engaged in acts of love, <br />we humans are at our best and most resilient. <br />The love in romance that makes us want to be better people, <br />the love of children that makes us change our whole lives to meet their needs, <br />the love of family that makes us drop everything to take care of them, <br />the love of community that makes us work tirelessly with broken hearts… <br />If love were the central practice of a new generation of…leaders, <br />it would have a massive impact… <br />If the goal was to increase the love, <br />rather than winning or dominating a constant opponent, <br />I think we could actually imagine liberation from constant oppression. <br />We would suddenly be seeing everything we do,</div><div>everyone we meet,<br />not through the tactical eyes of war, but through eyes of love. <br />We would see that there’s no such thing as a blank canvas, <br />an empty land or a new idea — <br />but everywhere there is <br />complex, ancient, fertile ground full of potential… <br />We would understand <br />that the strength of our movement is in the strength of our relationships, <br />which could only be measured by their depth.”</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-34858439036312005972021-10-19T15:06:00.000-04:002021-10-19T15:06:23.833-04:00My letter to the Editor printed today - Invest in People, Not Prisons.<span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I was in shock when I read that Scott County was going to use $5.5 million of Covid relief money to help build a new $17 million, 40-bed Juvenile Detention Center. Covid relief was meant to help individuals, businesses, and the community that were negatively impacted by Covid. It is unethical to use these funds to build a detention center. This is a manipulation of the law to continue the school-to-prison pipeline that disproportionately suspends and arrests African American youths.<br /><br />Scott County supervisors even turned down a $500,000 grant to start a youth advisory program to help struggling youth. Let us invest Covid relief money in our community. Let us use it to provide affordable child care and housing and summer youth jobs. Let us invest in community resource centers, such as the Lincoln Center that serve our community. These types of investments are not just an act of prevention to divert juveniles from prison, but rather they are an investment in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.<br /><br />We need to do this because otherwise we are depriving our community of the richness of each person who does not have the opportunity to live up to their potential. I invite our community to have the courage and will to create a better way of living that sustains everyone in the community. Allow all people to reach their potential and we will all be enriched. Let us support our youth and families, not incarcerate them.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-159459907624475012021-09-24T14:51:00.001-04:002021-09-24T14:51:30.810-04:00Possibility <p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Opening Words ; <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Here We Are” Rev. Jay Wolin</span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Here we are in this liminal time <br />We are told, It will never be the same <br />Do not hope for normal <br />There will have to be a new normal. <br />I don’t even know what that means <br />I cant even imagine what that will look like <br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As you are falling you don’t ask yourself <br />I wonder what it will look like at the bottom. <br />We just plummet until we hit some solid ground <br />And then, then we will figure the way forward <br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There is no escape or denying <br />The reality we find ourselves in <br />There is just a going through <br />Step by step <br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Knowing we are not alone <br />As we search, struggle, and stretch <br />To find what is still possible.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Something has to change <br />Something has to give <br />Something has to happen <br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A door open,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">To step through <br />A light shining,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">To guide us <br />A vision awakened</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As we remain open <br />to how we will evolve. <br />And how the world will unfold <br />And as we search together</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us remember <br />Those upon whom our foundation is built <br />Those that are still with us building and <br />Those that are still to come <br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us be a presence</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">To the past, <br />To the present and <br />To whatever the future holds</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Reflection Part 1</div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">There is so much
going on right now. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">We have climate
change ravaging our planet, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">we have Governors
of various states actively working against stopping Covid.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Women’s right to
control their own bodies is being challenged, Voting rights are being
challenged. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">And of course the
normal day to day issues of ongoing poverty, lack of affordable housing and
lack of health care for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whew….It is
hard to hold it all. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">So you have a
choice, To let go or to hold it all. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">To to hold one at
time. For the one day yesterday I let those go. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Yesterday was the
20<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">I did and I do
think it is worth stopping and reflecting on this. Tragedy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">It was and still
is especially haunting for me as the trade centers were in my home town, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">in a building I
entered frequently during my time going to college, and the sadness of lives
lost, and injured, of possibilities lost, two of whom I knew personally. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">I don’t know why
anniversaries that end in 0 are any more important then other anniversaries. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">But my wife Jan
assured me this is true when we celebrated our 40</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> wedding
anniversary this year.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Perhaps this
anniversary of 9-11 is especially poignant as it is juxtaposed with our exit
from the War in Afghanistan. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">I kept hearing on
the news this weekend that for a very short time after the attack in 2001, from
a meta perspective it seemed the country and the world was unified and more
compassionate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">One report made
the ironic connection between people bringing masks to first responders in 2001
gratefully received, and today people refusing masks for covid. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">But of course all
of this kum by yah moment is only partially true. As we saw in the immediate
aftermath of 9-11 there were thousands I mean literally thousands of hate
crimes against American people of color and particularly against americans who
had any resemblance to middle easterners, including Sikhs because they wore
turbans even though they originate from India.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">One young Sikh
college student Valerie Kaur dropped out<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>of college and created a documentary entitled “divided we fall” to show
the impact of violence on this other America, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">this fearful
America this violent and racist side of America. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">She was driven by
her Sikh faith with its teaching of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">Nan dom isnan
which means in order to realize god and yourself, you must act in the here and
now.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">This was a tipping
point for our country. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">There were many
possibilities at that moment.. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">At that time many
individuals became introspective. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Realizing the
fragility of life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Realizing the
consequences of actions, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Realizing in that
moment what our deepest longings were. Religious life increased significantly.
People changed careers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">I was just reading
a story yesterday about New York Jets Head Football Coach Robert Salah the
first Muslim head coach in the NFL by the way, how 9-11 changed his life. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">His brother who
was in a finance training for Morgan Stanley had been in the South tower when
the north tower was hit. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">And despite being
told to stay at his desk, he started walking down the stairs. It was a decision
that saved his life. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">For six hours
Salah did not know if his brother was still alive. An event like this brings
the question of death and and consequently how we spend our time during our
life to the forefront.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Six months later
Salah who had played some college football, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was a credit analyst for an insurance agency,
crunching numbers and he just started crying. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">This was not how
he wanted to spend his life. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">So he quit and
changed his trajectory and followed his dream. Because he realized his time in
this world is precious </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">and he wanted to
spend his time on something he was passionate about, and so he explored his
possibilities. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">He didn’t know
where it would lead, but doing what he loved, led him to his best self.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">As a country
Certainly we had to protect ourselves. Yet it could have been a time for
introspection as to who we were as a country as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">To try to
understand why people would want to kill us? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">It is often in how
we frame a story. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">We framed the
story of people of clashing cultures and how their culture wanted to destroy
our culture. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">We could have told
a different story. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">A story of a
constantly invaded people who were tired of having our troops stationed in
their land. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Both are true and
incomplete stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Instead of
contemplation discernment and compassion we became more nationalistic and
militaristic starting two wars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">With the world’s
sympathy, there were many possibilities at that moment. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">I try to imagine
if we hadn’t given into our fears and worst instincts of revenge </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">what other
possibilities there could have been.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">And so now as we
look forward, looking out 20 years from now, let us recognize that the choices
we make now the stories we tell ourselves now will have a profound impact not
only on our lives, but let us understand that what we do will have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a profound impact on this congregation and
the community at large. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">So I invite us to
move forward with Contemplation, discernment and compassion. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">The opening hymn
Come and go with me to that land also reminds me that this week in the Jewish
Tradition is the days of awe,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the time
between Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement
– the highest holy days for Jewish people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">The torah reading
for this week in the Jewish Scriptures is the Book of Deutoronomy Ch. 31. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">This chapter is
the story of Moses dying at the age of 120, just before they enter the promised
land and Joshua taking leadership of the Jewish People. M</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">oses, had led the
Jewish People out of slavery, led the people through the desert despite many
disagreements and hardships. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">God tells us that
even though they have reached the promised land, there are still going to be
troubles.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">People will forget
their past, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">People will go
astray. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Those who did not
experience the hardships will not understand what it takes to make it through
the desert times of life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">The story is the
ending of one time and the beginning of another. The new leader is told three
times, Be Strong and Courageous. Especially with the new year this passage
holds special meaning. In the Days of Awe before the book of life is closed Wednesdasy
for the upcoming year <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">We are asked to be
strong and courageous in reflecting upon our life this past year, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">to see where we
have not been our best selves, .<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">where we may have
missed the mark, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">where we did not
keep our covenants, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">and then to repent
and ask forgiveness of those we have harmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then secondly, we should be strong and courageous <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">first to believe
that we can change going forward, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">for if we do not
believe we can change we will not. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Once we have the
courage to believe <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">we have to be
strong and courageous to take the steps to actually change. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">This passage feels
very appropriate right now. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">It feels like we
are at the ending of a time at the Congregation. Hopefully coming out of our
wilderness, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">a wilderness of
strife, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">a wilderness of
covid, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">a wilderness when
we have had numerous leaders move away or die these past number of years, just
just like Moses. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Things are going
to be different. We don’t know how. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">But now is the
time just as Joshua stepped in and up, now is the time for different<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>people with different skills to step in and
up to create something new in a new way, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">a way to imagine
and live into the possibilities that are before us. When that inner voice
speaks up , that says, am I really capable of doing this, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Can we really
change in the ways we need to, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">I invite you to
remember the words of Deutoronomy, where God tells Joshua, “I will be with you”.
So too I remind each of you, You are not alone in this. We are all in this
together, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">supporting,
caring, loving, each other. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Chapter 30 of
Deutoronomy ends with <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">“I have put before
you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>life and death, blessing and curse. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Choose life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and your offspring will live, by loving. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">I invite you to
Choose Life, to Choose Love. For all the time we have. Whether it is another 20
minutes or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>20 or 120 years. Choose love.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><u>Part 2:</u></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">So what is
possible <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">When I was in
business world, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">I remember being
told the following story:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">A shoe factory
sends two marketing scouts to a region of lets say a remote country to study
the prospects for expanding business. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">One sends back a
telegram saying, SITUATION HOPELESS STOP NO ONE WEARS SHOES <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">The other writes
back triumphantly, GLORIOUS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY STOP THEY HAVE NO SHOES<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">You can tell the
story is dated first because are telegrams even a thing anymore? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Despite the
Colonialist Capitalist consumption driven stereotyping narrative of that story,
despite all that, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">There is a kernel
of insight in it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">How we see the
world will determine what possibilities we believe are available to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">And more
importantly what goals we set for ourselves will determine where we end up. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">If we set a goal
to sell sneakers to everyone that is a choice of how we are going to spend our
life. If we set a goal to be excellent foot care then we take in the context of
their culture, their to<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">pography, their
medical care. Not just their footwear. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Our goal and the
context of what we are doing makes a difference. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Sometimes we are
just get busy making a living <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">instead of making
a life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Sort of like the
George Bernard Shaw quote that both John and Robert Kennedy used effectively in
political speechs <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">“There
are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things
that never were, and ask why not?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Similar
to what I spoke of in my first reflection that we tend to get locked into a
story or frame and only live within that frame. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">I
think this is best exemplified by the 9 box 4 line test. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VfXStXEflR0fHdixf98nnEq7PMrYmZs-mYYxYhn5cZSdSmTqin4claSktrUhEEZhBkGU1OaSwYAy2Pq0FJpNBQxpXx2p5BG_VPyI8MIT8K4L-zxcWgBXihsisVNYy17aYK_7YA/s145/9points1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="145" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VfXStXEflR0fHdixf98nnEq7PMrYmZs-mYYxYhn5cZSdSmTqin4claSktrUhEEZhBkGU1OaSwYAy2Pq0FJpNBQxpXx2p5BG_VPyI8MIT8K4L-zxcWgBXihsisVNYy17aYK_7YA/s0/9points1.gif" width="145" /></a></div>In
this example we are asked to connect the 9 dots with 4 lines without our writing
instrument leaving the paper. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Many
struggle figuring how to do this…..because we are stuck in our frame of what is
meant. We create self imposed boundaries on our thinking. </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">Sometimes
you have to think outside the box to figure out a solution. To go beyond the
boundaries of what we believe is possible.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqd9Xykj1dyRGRmwBVqwKb0YBpZEQXl6DpMwE4m6jscUBdKPGcnUnc_-13-SXPI-yMN8KjFPNDllTo-8AeFkZhYVbm07nG0E0v34_uc8y0jE9FkdNMC7jruXRZq2fV976Bh-o6tw/s178/9points3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="178" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqd9Xykj1dyRGRmwBVqwKb0YBpZEQXl6DpMwE4m6jscUBdKPGcnUnc_-13-SXPI-yMN8KjFPNDllTo-8AeFkZhYVbm07nG0E0v34_uc8y0jE9FkdNMC7jruXRZq2fV976Bh-o6tw/s0/9points3.gif" width="178" /></a></div><p></p>
<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">And
even after seeing this, I found other creative solutions. </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">One that used only three lines,
and then one that used only one line if you used a 3 dimensional template.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkh5C7QRzfGVhdLSW0HM23EMDrLWJgPZ1DWToaVzQxH8Dpx9JwsiVHSKwWC-MuaJZwosIAHil2pQ_FM-cPM4SsqNPFtP2N5KEgp-vOfTKQLrXNddHz7z-wkg8Br-1jDuq0eRwOQ/s436/httpatomoreillycomsourceoreillyimages2021644_png_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="436" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkh5C7QRzfGVhdLSW0HM23EMDrLWJgPZ1DWToaVzQxH8Dpx9JwsiVHSKwWC-MuaJZwosIAHil2pQ_FM-cPM4SsqNPFtP2N5KEgp-vOfTKQLrXNddHz7z-wkg8Br-1jDuq0eRwOQ/s320/httpatomoreillycomsourceoreillyimages2021644_png_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5V346dWVMUl8gUJQpzCp7bP9tojznuvv6tAz-Ry4-b9gMZ3X_6AFoLWrFg8ivPbnJombEm9Td4QxhZAr6Rx7eZV73vSc0SzIH6viHYy_NvFm3hpwr9jpXhoP6BcyubKKA3yjVg/s250/9_dots_alternative2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="250" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5V346dWVMUl8gUJQpzCp7bP9tojznuvv6tAz-Ry4-b9gMZ3X_6AFoLWrFg8ivPbnJombEm9Td4QxhZAr6Rx7eZV73vSc0SzIH6viHYy_NvFm3hpwr9jpXhoP6BcyubKKA3yjVg/s0/9_dots_alternative2.gif" width="250" /></a></div><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">I
could have just stopped with the one answer, but creativity begats creativity. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Benjamin
Zander in the Art of Possiblity writes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">“Every problem, every
dilemma, every dead end we find ourselves facing in life, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">only appears
unsolvable inside a particular frame or point of view. Enlarge the box, or
create another frame around the data, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">and problems
vanish, while new opportunities appear.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">And
also as I said before It is important to understand our goal. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Like
the story of the drill bit company that once had an advanced drill but the
competition was catching up. They had to change their thinking from being the
best drill bit company to thinking what the best way was to create a hole.
Because that was the goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to build
drill bits, but to create holes. They went on to become a leader in lasers
drilling. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">So
what does all this mean for us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Honestly
I don’t know and I do think that is a good place to start. To admit we don’t
know. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">To
use a beginners mind as Buddhists would say. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">But
its important to think outside the box. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">To
imagine possibilities that we cannot see. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">To
understanding our past and what laid the foundation, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">to
understand it but to grow from there. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">To
understand that life is not a zero sum game where we struggle merely to
survive. But<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a mystery unfolding. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">To quote Ben Zander again, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">“You are more likely to be successful,
overall, if you participate joyfully with projects and goals and do not think
your life depends on achieving the mark because then you will be better able to
connect to people all around you.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">Don’t connect just to meet the goal,
connect because you are engaging with something that you and others are
passionate about doing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">Let us be passionate about this
Congregation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">Not because we want to meet a pledge
amount, or because we want to reach a certain membership number. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">Rather be passionate about the
congregation because we expand minds and consciousness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">Be passionate about this Congregation
because we raise our children to discern their values not repeat creeds. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">Be passionate about this congregation
because our religious values encourage us to create a more just world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Be passionate about this congregation
because t</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt;">here is a lot going
on in the world and we need each other to help on the journey. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be passionate about this Congregation because
although sometimes we miss the mark, in every moment we do endeavor to live </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt;">with Revolutionary Love and relentless
optimism. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;">If anyone can think outside the box in regard to religion it
should be us. With all of that and with all of you, anything is possible. Nan
dom isnan to realize god and yourself, you must act in the here and now. May it
be so. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><u></u></span></span><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-63008520191281690112021-07-10T15:51:00.001-04:002021-07-10T17:39:23.718-04:00My Journey on Silent Retreat<p> On my day of silent retreat I thought I would take a stroll
around the monastery grounds. When I started out it was raining fairly heavy,
so I decided to read. After reading for two hours I decided to go again. As I
walked out of my hermitage I came upon this statue.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaHR-qUlHlly231FkdBCgulwPv1bnLx5wDprckSJ_Zs756vqzFWc2LSazNt34RPNHLDAzsOmV0ESkMP_Tdn8CRfsDGXfAzKn8hppfYtdDriC6TBJe_RerZ4IjcnuPwJ3HC45aLA/s2048/IMG_3552.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaHR-qUlHlly231FkdBCgulwPv1bnLx5wDprckSJ_Zs756vqzFWc2LSazNt34RPNHLDAzsOmV0ESkMP_Tdn8CRfsDGXfAzKn8hppfYtdDriC6TBJe_RerZ4IjcnuPwJ3HC45aLA/s320/IMG_3552.JPEG" /></a></div><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">I continued to walk along the path in front of me which I
knew led to a lake area. It was a winding path down a hill. There was a nice
breeze blowing, and there were wildflowers all around <o:p></o:p></p>
<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3_p4AVygcJyopz7qRHHkrVj9-cTtEr3YFw_rCOg7Dciafvxo_7-IPgBnrqDoDuybo2aGR-m0oTvu_35IvI4jWr-3yMBiZhl7MLfWPCM58d8FUyWTz_IScX8iInwHBWMdap9rJQ/s2048/IMG_3516.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3_p4AVygcJyopz7qRHHkrVj9-cTtEr3YFw_rCOg7Dciafvxo_7-IPgBnrqDoDuybo2aGR-m0oTvu_35IvI4jWr-3yMBiZhl7MLfWPCM58d8FUyWTz_IScX8iInwHBWMdap9rJQ/s320/IMG_3516.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaP5Tz_9I7-mWhUqTFj4cWyGZuwEH3A0E2l6ywP7CL2pIas8P0uEWEr5YbhbAV8xf6pWBIHKPNmsMWs78iBUtthoyq8wyTve_tEM__qLZsQMGPJFIr8TC_nSNV2xplWpxzo-eawQ/s2048/IMG_3517.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaP5Tz_9I7-mWhUqTFj4cWyGZuwEH3A0E2l6ywP7CL2pIas8P0uEWEr5YbhbAV8xf6pWBIHKPNmsMWs78iBUtthoyq8wyTve_tEM__qLZsQMGPJFIr8TC_nSNV2xplWpxzo-eawQ/s320/IMG_3517.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVR1pFt-D64k9lJC6sFmZ2KnMHqoPgg2o8oQe88E-dJ19btJyhGQfpfR_TX_2BOWnnsvTq_RyRUgpUYf8aE1UmlHMz7BuSi6z6HFSfmP_LlOpdbmutPQNCECy9Kb1FbRZRrRH0g/s2048/IMG_3523.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVR1pFt-D64k9lJC6sFmZ2KnMHqoPgg2o8oQe88E-dJ19btJyhGQfpfR_TX_2BOWnnsvTq_RyRUgpUYf8aE1UmlHMz7BuSi6z6HFSfmP_LlOpdbmutPQNCECy9Kb1FbRZRrRH0g/s320/IMG_3523.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSwbqC4yl7pxUYUifxYXmIvyjTl3NA6OqFVIoHnwKapWgIoEaXMwTrOmcHI1VDXy3VAWY_ZNItmVDqZsRdmSKoDsc_weQkrBT6JywGR4sPMi2rb6cUCMfs5devt7wTSgX-KPZxg/s2048/IMG_3524.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSwbqC4yl7pxUYUifxYXmIvyjTl3NA6OqFVIoHnwKapWgIoEaXMwTrOmcHI1VDXy3VAWY_ZNItmVDqZsRdmSKoDsc_weQkrBT6JywGR4sPMi2rb6cUCMfs5devt7wTSgX-KPZxg/s320/IMG_3524.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimccr5t8azQKojNz9wLhkhyN6gGqurisazVD0omrfHlx-5l1i5Vlvme6g7tsvm4f9uLS1iuNB1UF3cLHJyffyidatKav-nNmHmX22tmmwWH06WFS3yqmFvMBgh9yjFQqdGM8PXAg/s2048/IMG_3525.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimccr5t8azQKojNz9wLhkhyN6gGqurisazVD0omrfHlx-5l1i5Vlvme6g7tsvm4f9uLS1iuNB1UF3cLHJyffyidatKav-nNmHmX22tmmwWH06WFS3yqmFvMBgh9yjFQqdGM8PXAg/s320/IMG_3525.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdmyIP_B_N6KuCsjbKoyZUAQpvuOhiI-2ZKlWcBUclmOoHXkP8osvzjQfsc3bkhk2gXXJJD53NbgEaV5a9P6RidMvT_iqVZF-0wNtClYhaZN42fRumqyCwIvqo1ne-xvOHvt47Q/s2048/IMG_3518.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdmyIP_B_N6KuCsjbKoyZUAQpvuOhiI-2ZKlWcBUclmOoHXkP8osvzjQfsc3bkhk2gXXJJD53NbgEaV5a9P6RidMvT_iqVZF-0wNtClYhaZN42fRumqyCwIvqo1ne-xvOHvt47Q/s320/IMG_3518.JPEG" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I finally reached the lake which had a cement walkway around
it. I walked slowly around the lake and came upon a dock.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bncqc4U7deFH1Zfxo7b79wmDUCMQ9XIUqPHqsjxEzyKyYGeOZU2xE8ltGOAZI6yIo_7fo9AsR2meRODAjB3I_xDhOw4RnNy5o-5ynJWvYsvVP6taWORs25KB_H-lCLSQusYCIg/s2048/IMG_3530.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bncqc4U7deFH1Zfxo7b79wmDUCMQ9XIUqPHqsjxEzyKyYGeOZU2xE8ltGOAZI6yIo_7fo9AsR2meRODAjB3I_xDhOw4RnNy5o-5ynJWvYsvVP6taWORs25KB_H-lCLSQusYCIg/s320/IMG_3530.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div>I wondered if I should sit and ponder the
water, but I thought best to continue the journey. I thought I could always
come back to it on the way back. Let that be the first lesson. Take your
opportunities when they present themselves. They may not be there when you
decide you are ready and you may choose something else later. Sometimes you
have to stop the journey to enjoy the moment in the moment</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8S58-anHPDDPA0k-I3Np-DDHZA6iOLzlmhC33Py5NcBC8LyDMp8bpLdZLF_nD2SFaVzNi06k1iBZJS0ZlNyJBnviY2jevP3M2fnMeV_BsLwX4fILsiW8DkqYFpljgrgj17UmoA/s2048/IMG_3529.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8S58-anHPDDPA0k-I3Np-DDHZA6iOLzlmhC33Py5NcBC8LyDMp8bpLdZLF_nD2SFaVzNi06k1iBZJS0ZlNyJBnviY2jevP3M2fnMeV_BsLwX4fILsiW8DkqYFpljgrgj17UmoA/s320/IMG_3529.JPEG" /></a></div><br />So I continued on. I walked until the
cement path ended about half way around the lake. I thought I might make it all
the way around. But alas that was not to be. I imagined this as my journeys
end, I decided to wait a minute and sit before I headed back to my room. The
journey had seemed a bit like a labyrinth, although it did not have any set
pattern that I knew in advance. After a few moments of watching the lake water
ripple, and listening to the birds chirping, I raised myself and headed back.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes our lack of imagination is what limits us. I
imagined this was the end. Yet it was only the beginning. I just didn’t know it
then. In the regular day to day life it might have and often is. Looking back,
this was a lesson that we should imagine more. Imagine things beyond the proscribed
path. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>The best part of taking time for myself, is that it is
unscripted, and I leave myself open to mystery and adventure if I am willing to
embrace it. And as I winded my way back along the lakes edge I reached the dock
once again. I thought, should I go sit down and ponder the lake from this angle
before I made my way back to my room. At least here I thought I am communing
with nature. And then I looked left. I do not know what compelled me to look
left. Perhaps randomness, or just taking in the sights, but I saw a mowed piece
of grass between the wildflowers</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQAO_eKbZR6CpQ5lfkwUiN14-zBz6p5WZ5wfhItQp4J0_58OlgpzltmU-SrqoESJ6-Y14WptJrTZUuN1kwwEIwpla4xve5lI2ayogqAxPjGbPmz5oHzl9izD5-irmWnIvVH-Qdg/s2048/IMG_3531.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQAO_eKbZR6CpQ5lfkwUiN14-zBz6p5WZ5wfhItQp4J0_58OlgpzltmU-SrqoESJ6-Y14WptJrTZUuN1kwwEIwpla4xve5lI2ayogqAxPjGbPmz5oHzl9izD5-irmWnIvVH-Qdg/s320/IMG_3531.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Now in the picture you can see t here is
a sign “trail”. But when I first saw the path from farther back I did not see
the sign. I thought it was odd that there was this mowed area. Perhaps it led
to a storage shed or to another property. It was not clear from where I was
that it was a trail. Still I moved forward. I had seen what was to be seen on
the proscribed path laid out before me, and although peaceful, it clearly did
not satisfy me, and so I thought what is the worst that will happen. I will go
a distance, and I will have to walk back. So I went off the proscribed path and
lo and behold I saw the sign path. I didn’t look that way coming since I was
focused on the lake. And on the way back, the sign was obscured by bushes from
the direction I was walking. In our lives there are signs. However sometimes we
are too focused on other things that we miss them. Let that be a lesson to us that we should take a broad view of
everything around us that is within our field of vision, (literal but also
metaphorical) Let us intentionally look for the signs that are placed right
before us beckoning us. And so I journeyed into the unknown. And as I was
wondering whether to walk down this path, a large breeze came through and it
seemed to me that the trees were waving at me inviting to enter the woods.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw8y7dWlmSJnecukG9LEeTZ854oqPhZOjEshHQT6FdM1L4ri_tohYW7J2BV36_xxGhLFSogJskEPVk' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">And
so I ventured downward into the path through the woods. It was darker in the
woods. I actually found this peaceful. I walked gently and slowly noticing the
flowers and tree limbs. Some broken off by the storm. As I walked slowly I
listened for the sounds of the woods and I heard a rustling and I looked and
saw a deer leaping away. I thought no need to run, but I imagine, deer have
learned to fear humans and for good reason. So I just watched it bound away and
appreciated its beauty and ability as it went on it way seeking safety. I
noticed butterflies flirting around. Its amazing how much is going on in the
world if you pay attention. And then I came to an old rickety bridge. It didn’t
look too stable, but it was stable enough, and not that far a fall even if it
couldn’t hold me. There I am, always calculating the risks. At times necessary,
but we need to take risks in life if we are to grow. Bridges have great
symbolic meaning of course. Crossing over from one place to another. Not just
physically but metaphorically. Once I cross over, I am in uncharted territory.
A bridge is a signifier of crossing over to new territory. Not good or bad, but
a marker. And also it is just something that prevents us from getting wet or
falling into water. So bridges are protectors as well as borders.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite1sMaBM9xoolyZSSJxT8N9eg-HZreHeEZvKu-U0Gyvs3eRFlzHE3Fv0fQSIQNsNqQw8abLrFYBoqcM-0dvpMtBSpC3hYKMuGM-rwKy6gsZqYkLy5SZQB2evAMY93ztgcxY9_uA/s2048/IMG_3533.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite1sMaBM9xoolyZSSJxT8N9eg-HZreHeEZvKu-U0Gyvs3eRFlzHE3Fv0fQSIQNsNqQw8abLrFYBoqcM-0dvpMtBSpC3hYKMuGM-rwKy6gsZqYkLy5SZQB2evAMY93ztgcxY9_uA/s320/IMG_3533.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">And so I travelled on. Not knowing where it would lead. And
with each step, although logically I knew I could retrace my steps back, each
step plunged me deeper into unknown territory.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh964fQ7Ey3cQy1ubLueggMgNPuI9b9klnxEbXuBZoUc_LmkSa2W6k8-Ry5KKKX2Ezfm0Oxkpn75n3dyPVBuSKn6C231YzOXLtVgFBaKsjuYLe_U4PaURsDb1IX4bPtYUtTFPI4xQ/s2048/IMG_3536.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh964fQ7Ey3cQy1ubLueggMgNPuI9b9klnxEbXuBZoUc_LmkSa2W6k8-Ry5KKKX2Ezfm0Oxkpn75n3dyPVBuSKn6C231YzOXLtVgFBaKsjuYLe_U4PaURsDb1IX4bPtYUtTFPI4xQ/s320/IMG_3536.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Each step seemed to take me deeper into the woods, into the
unknown. How would I get back? Would I be too tired or weakened if I went on.
Would I get lost. What happens if it starts raining while I am out here. But
still I walked on. I think it is like that with our spiritual and religious
lives. We are comfortable where we are, and we wonder why should risk comfort.
Why take risks. But as I kept walking down hill, I just had faith and trust
that the journey would work out. The Robert Frost poem “Stopping by Woods on a
Snowy Evening” came to my mind. Although it is not snowing. It is dark and deep
and quiet. I am aware of how quiet it is lacking normal human noise. I feel
committed to this journey so on I go.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mExE-mKme25LUzE4_w0AfmJlywUmgzqRPsfXelBAanpG1egGxpwwkZPrmttLwk697LcQStKbyLejpX8h4Qmr3eL_FNoaaay1ZtLsJB913vCZeaiD3eqxKs5q0l6WMAOETeJV3Q/s2048/IMG_3537.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mExE-mKme25LUzE4_w0AfmJlywUmgzqRPsfXelBAanpG1egGxpwwkZPrmttLwk697LcQStKbyLejpX8h4Qmr3eL_FNoaaay1ZtLsJB913vCZeaiD3eqxKs5q0l6WMAOETeJV3Q/s320/IMG_3537.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I feel as if my faith has been rewarded as
the path leads back uphill and I see an opening with the sun starting to break
through the clouds. As I reach the top of the hill. There are three paths to
choose from. There is a sign that says Monastery pointing back from where I
came from. So this is another moment of choice. Just when we think we have
reached where we are going, things are not always so clear, and we continue to
have to make choices. I would like to imagine that all three of these paths
circle around, but there is no way of telling. I played a little game in my
head. Left means I have left for good. I wasn’t ready for that. Straight ahead
would seem like I was just following directions, and my life has never been
just a straight march in one direction. So I chose right…maybe for righteous??
Well and also my sense of direction indicated that should be the way back to
the monastery – it was starting to drizzle and as much as I like a good
adventure, I really did not want to get soaked. Another thought crossed my
mind, that perhaps by being deep in the woods covered by woods I was protected
from the rain. So going deep can protect us from the difficulties we face in
life. So I went right. Uncovered now from the torrents of weather and life still
searching to find my way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFwonzT67pcIM880tZMtqaDNWhFn6WJ1vI_8GUoq8t7iD7WTb7qq3LyYxGEgyOpWL6Ud0y-PZcN_uxj92yNsAQ_64McB_PP5NTnp4ev98UXEolcjVax4B2wWVYGtckUKAumrofQ/s2048/IMG_3542.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFwonzT67pcIM880tZMtqaDNWhFn6WJ1vI_8GUoq8t7iD7WTb7qq3LyYxGEgyOpWL6Ud0y-PZcN_uxj92yNsAQ_64McB_PP5NTnp4ev98UXEolcjVax4B2wWVYGtckUKAumrofQ/s320/IMG_3542.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">This path led me down again into some
darker twisting and muddier paths. It was at this point I had wished I packed
my sneakers instead of a pair of loafers. Also a good lesson, we should learn
from our experiences, and maybe better prepare when we are going on a journey,
but when there is nothing to be done to change the situation, regret is
useless. I will have to clean my shoes when I get back. Nothing is ever simple or straightforward on a
unknown journey. There are obstacles along the way, whether that is downed trees
or people telling you, you shouldn’t or couldn’t do something, or worse telling
ourselves that and short circuiting our journey. And sometimes our journey gets
muddy. That is how life is. If we stop every time something goes wrong, we
would never reach our destination. We need to keep moving, one step at a time</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnPAbyrFBshSQA1_bye3tc0MBhKcK9itXBFVz7enpMV9mqC5YQuRKNDspBxyJQ2k6pwE3h0ttHqdcnrUiT0TNc0sy38Ug2NGdszZPzf5hy1ofD4N9Ni7EPejrlADWV17c6Pl4kg/s2048/IMG_3545.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnPAbyrFBshSQA1_bye3tc0MBhKcK9itXBFVz7enpMV9mqC5YQuRKNDspBxyJQ2k6pwE3h0ttHqdcnrUiT0TNc0sy38Ug2NGdszZPzf5hy1ofD4N9Ni7EPejrlADWV17c6Pl4kg/s320/IMG_3545.JPEG" /></a></div><br /> And then the moment of truth. An hour
into my walk I come upon this. Another bridge with a yellow tape across it.
This immediately seems like a symbol to turn back.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What was I to do? I had been walking for close to an hour
now. And although I had no idea if the way forward would bring me closer to my
destination the thought of turning back now seemed daunting to me. Plus I am
not one for following arbitrary rules. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think it is like that with our spiritual and religious
journey as well. We get so far and then we societal conventions or rules tell
us to stop and go no further. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I chose to move forward. I looked carefully and saw there
was a hole in the wood further on the bridge. So I decided to look as the
yellow tape as a warning. Something telling me not to abandon my search, but to
go slowly and be careful. So I gently stepped over the tape and walked gently
over the bridge avoiding the pitfalls that could damage me. A good message that
we do not always have to go full charge ahead. That we should be aware of the
dangers we face on our journey. I was glad that someone had forewarned me to be
careful in this place. How we view things are often shaped by what we believe
and perceive. I saw the yellow tape as stop go back, but it was meant as a way
to help make me aware of danger. We should not stop our journey, but
rather become more mindful of the steps
we take, and learn from those who have walked this path before. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf7fxUUwhtl8hNrQ4Lu1NG9v83B5YmDgYWcyOkrWH0flkhY206iy2x7y-eDr2mEIchje-71v8Dp1LiJQhzeJeW51qYJ796gvLrQQaRyNduzClsmO3qTJBonwAqHR8-oon6_cRGA/s2048/IMG_3547.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf7fxUUwhtl8hNrQ4Lu1NG9v83B5YmDgYWcyOkrWH0flkhY206iy2x7y-eDr2mEIchje-71v8Dp1LiJQhzeJeW51qYJ796gvLrQQaRyNduzClsmO3qTJBonwAqHR8-oon6_cRGA/s320/IMG_3547.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">And not too much farther down the path,
it opened up again to the sight of the monastery I was staying in. This gave me
hope I was in the right direction. Yet there was still not a straight path. I
had to choose right or left. Remembering the mind game I played before and
feeling bad that I connoted left with a negative thought and thinking of all my
friends who are left handed who would condemn that thought, I chose to turn
left and started the steep incline back up the hill to the place I call home
this weekend.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKRne7QQmeWIobC-7ewwVyXj_5rKwr6-DleVQU1GPp4AjIO3fL9m9MfoPxDxTPYR0CbOEPBik_qI43WKq0wVuqli4q3zYNsSiCxzo7i9HQ7jsSP0CsgbBZbBjPRpyt4TtneCFnQ/s2048/IMG_3550.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKRne7QQmeWIobC-7ewwVyXj_5rKwr6-DleVQU1GPp4AjIO3fL9m9MfoPxDxTPYR0CbOEPBik_qI43WKq0wVuqli4q3zYNsSiCxzo7i9HQ7jsSP0CsgbBZbBjPRpyt4TtneCFnQ/s320/IMG_3550.JPEG" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And lo and behold, as I made it to the
top of the path, I found myself next to the path that went down to the lake
(notice the statue in the background) This path was right by my hermitage, but
I had not even seen it. And so I made it back to where I started. I am reminded
of the lines from the T.S. Eliots poem “Four Quartets”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“What we call the beginning is often the end<br />
And to make an end is to make a beginning.<br />
The end is where we start from.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I don’t know where this journey will continue to lead, but I
am clearly still on the path. Yearning for something still unknown. Still
looking for the better in humanity, Still looking for justice. Perhaps we just
need to become more aware and not take the proscribed path and take a walk into
the unknown, if we can awake and see that it is there. Sometimes we have to go
all the way around the block to go next door. If that is what it takes, so be
it. And enjoy the journey along the way. Ok, back to reading. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for journeying with me. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-61212236909229480072021-03-29T18:59:00.002-04:002021-03-29T18:59:41.299-04:00The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears – By Dionaw Mengestu<p class="MsoNormal">A nice, sad, poignant novel, that tells the story of an
immigrant from Ethiopia. I was sorry for it to end, so I must have liked it. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Historic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The title
of the book comes from a quote from Dante Alighieri's, "Inferno"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Historic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“To
get back up to the shining world from there<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Historic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
guide and I went into that hidden tunnel,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Historic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
Following its path, we took no care<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Historic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
rest, but climbed: he first, then I-so far,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Historic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">through
a round aperture I saw appear<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Historic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some
of the beautiful things that Heaven bears,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Historic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where
we came forth, and once more saw the stars.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">The book shares the interior life of immigrant and store
owner Sepha Stephanos who came to America to escape the violent revolution in his home
country. He explores the hopes, dreams others have for him and he has for
himself. The pull of the world and people he knew and always feeling as an
outsider in the new world he inhabits. His relationship with a wealthy white
woman and her daughter in their gentrifying neighborhood, and his store, </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">are interposed and intertwined with the
experience of an African Immigrant in America.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">
</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">What I liked most about the book, is that it touches on the full gamut
of real emotions, whether admitted or not. We see the way his mind works, the
secrets he keeps, and the realization of how we understand events over time to
be different. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Emblematic of their life journey, his friend is writing an
epic poem about Africa that is never finished. Forced out due to violence, with
hopes and dreams and a feeling of obligation, that sometimes makes it seem their life is not their own. The ending
of one of the poems is<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“We have come this far, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">to find we have even further to go <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The last traces of a permanent twilight <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">have faded and given way <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">To what we hope is nothing short of a permanent dawn.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">And eventually that is boiled down to <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Let us stop. Let us begin again. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Let us clean the blood from the rubber fields <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">And do what we promised to do.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The story shows the journey through life and his realization
of his realizations for better and worse. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“We walk away and try not to turn back, or we stand just
outside the gates, terrified to find whats waiting for us now that we’ve returned.
In between, we stumble blindly from one place and life to the next. We try to
do the best we can. There are moment like this, however, when we are neither
coming nor going, and all we have to do is sit and look back on the life we have
made”<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">It is a good reminder to focus on what kind of life we are
making. Life is ongoing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-3473099239539484122021-01-08T11:53:00.000-05:002021-01-08T11:53:28.891-05:00The Unthinkable<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the Heart Of The Minister - The Unthinkable:</span></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">In between my five zoom meetings Wednesday, I spent a part of day glued to my phone switching back and forth between my Facebook, Twitter and New York Times Apps. First, I was waiting to hear the final results of the Georgia Senate runoff. Then I was wondering what Pence and the Republican Senators would do in regard to certifying the election. I had no doubt what the outcome would be, but the concerted actions of the President, Vice President and certain Republican Senators to undermine the integrity of the elections still worried me about the future of our Democracy.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Unitarian Universalism believes in the free and responsible search for truth. We should remember the responsible part. There was a responsible search for election mistakes and fraud and there was nothing of significance found. No evidence was ever presented to the courts that indicated anything wrong. If anything we know Republican controlled states tried to suppress democratic voters. Even so Joe Biden won both the popular and electoral college vote by significant amounts. That is the truth.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The ongoing statements by the current President and Republican Senators that there was widespread fraud and he had actually won the election despite having no evidence created an atmosphere that led to yesterday’s coup attempt on the Capitol Building.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">As Unitarian Universalists, “we affirm and promote the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” The attempt to overturn the democratic vote of American citizens and the attempted coup is criminally seditious and immoral and against my religious values.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I do not understand why there was not more protection or a plan of action to defend the Capitol. We had known for weeks that there was going to be a pro Trump rally on that day. President Trump encouraged his followers to attend and even tweeted in advance encouraging people to attend and writing “be there it is going to be wild”. I would be remiss if I did not compare the preparation for this event compared to the preparation for the Black Lives Matter Event in DC this past spring to protest the death of George Floyd. At the spring event there was significant National Guard troop presence. There were aggressive and violent action taken to remove Black Lives Matter protestors, and there were a significant number of arrests. There was none of this on display this week as these insurrectionists took over the Capitol Building. The only logical conclusion I am left with is that the lack of preparedness was due to the issue that was being protested. White Supremacy was being challenged after the death of George Floyd and the government wanted to eliminate that challenge ruthlessly. This pre-coup attempt rally was in support of white supremacy overturning the will of the people and the government didn’t seem to think that was a risk.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The election of a Jewish Man, and a Prophetic African American Minister as Senators in Georgia which gave Democrats control of the Senate was another visible sign of the changing nature of the shift in power in our country away from white dominance. This fear of the loss of control and power exacerbated an already excited crowd at Trump’s rally. In fact, Trump incited the participants saying with the Senate in the Democrats control now, his Presidential Veto was the only line of defense to protect them. He had lost the election and was still trying to convince his followers he had won.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Rudy Giuliani in his speech the day of the insurrection encouraged the crowd that there should be “trial by combat” and in a speech that followed, the President after wishing that the Military and Secret Service could join them, encouraged his followers to walk to the Capitol and said “you’ll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong.” And then the unthinkable happened. Since he had no legal way to overturn the election, at the Presidents urging, his followers attempted a coup of our government.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">So what do we as Unitarian Universalists here in Iowa do about this?</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">First let us be happy that in the end the coup failed and that Democracy is still standing if even tenuously. Let us continue to vociferously reject attacks on our Democracy.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Second, let our actions be guided by our values. Unitarian Universalist values of the democratic process should have us insist on getting the John Lewis voting rights act passed so there will be an end to voter suppression and gerrymandering, and an end to corporate funding of elections so that the will of all the people will be heard. We need to strengthen our democratic processes.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">On a national level and as well on a local level.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Unitarian Universalist principles ask of us to act for peace, liberty and justice for all in a compassionate and equitable way. This requires us to see the overt and systemic racism that is embedded in the events of the last week and the last four and four hundred years. I encourage everyone first to become more educated about these issues and to get involved in our community to work to end the white supremacy culture of violence, power and control that were brazenly on display this week.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">We all have fears. I am fearful of losing our democracy.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I am also fearful because people I know are suffering.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Suffering from COVID 19 or the loss of a loved one from this disease.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Suffering from the lack of empathy of our fellow human beings including governmental leaders who will not even wear a mask in public or distance themselves let alone put in place policies and procedures to mitigate the damage.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Suffering from medical issues without adequate or affordable health care and facing the lack of available medical care including mental health care.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Suffering from loss of work due to COVID and a government that seemingly is unwilling and uncaring to act to help in a significant way.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Suffering living with with food and housing insecurity. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I am sure these people who participated in the coup, were fearful. Violence always stems from fear.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps they are fearful of losing their sense of what they believed about this country, and their position in it. The question is what do we do with our fear? Do we lash out and create harm? Even worse do we let our fear paralyze us and prevent us from acting? I have found the best solution is to face our fear, recognize it, be compassionate towards ourself and then move forward with fear as our companion.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Let us move forward to do the work to change the systems to improve the lives of people who are suffering in whatever small or large way that we can and to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Let us never hesitate to speak up and out about injustice that we see.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Let us be open to hearing the pain of those who are suffering.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Let us wake up each day with hope and a sense of wonder and work to build the world we dream about. That is the only way it will come to be. With us being committed and coming together to do the work that needs to be done. Take a deep breath. Be gentle with yourself.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Remember the words of Unitarian Universalist Minister Wayne B Arnason:</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“Take courage friends.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The way is often hard,</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">the path is never clear,</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">and the stakes are very high.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Take courage.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">For deep down,</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">there is another truth:</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">you are not alone.”</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">With a grateful heart</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Rev. Jay</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-62883361188072055612021-01-01T17:38:00.000-05:002021-01-01T17:38:01.704-05:00Movie Review - Pixar's Soul <p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I have mixed feelings. I liked it, and there are challenging
issues raised.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I will not give details of the movie, so as to spoil it for
those who have not seen it. First I want to say even though this is animated it
is not really a movie for little children. Whereas “Inside Out” dealt with the
inner mind and thoughts of youth adults, and was funny and poignant, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this movie is about the deep existential human
questions about death and how we live our life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Overall it is a good message. The message is we should
appreciate each moment of our lives. And we are fulfilled through building positive relationships with others. There were also some challenging thoughts.
First it definitively suggests an afterlife where we go to the great beyond (go
to the bright light – I’m ok with that) and a before life. This before life though
has a very Calvinistic approach to it. It suggests that we are all born with
certain dispositions and personalities (we are born good or evil). The image was a little too “predestination” for me. (probably for those who do not think
theologically all the time, this brief idea might have not even been a blip on
screen in your viewing the movie but it was for me). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The other challenging idea raised around the idea that a
soul cannot go to earth until it finds its spark. That fits in with the predestination
theme. What WAS interesting and challenging to me was the concept that our
spark is not necessarily related to our purpose in life. In fact the movie raises the
question that we may not have one singular purpose in life. I have spent a lot
of time in my life trying to understand my purpose. I have learned mostly
through my Buddhist practices and teachings to live in the present moment. Still
I like to think of what I am doing as having some purpose even if it is unknown
to me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The movie focuses on people being in the flow when they are
in touch with their spark. However it also indicates “<span style="background: white; color: black;">The zone is enjoyable, but
when that joy becomes an obsession, one becomes disconnected from life.</span>”
It reiterates the focus on being connected with life. It is an interesting question
of balancing greatness (the whole practicing 10,000 hours) which sometimes
requires some obsession. So it is an interesting question about finding balance
between following your passion and finding joy. I don’t know the answer but I
thought it was an interesting question. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">The funniest part of the movie was when 22 (a particular soul
before life) keeps messing with the flow of the New York Knicks players so they
wont be any good. </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I do not like the ongoing negative stereotypical view of
accountants that is portrayed in the film. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I loved the music in the film<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Lastly I think I must mention the issue of race. First <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am glad to see an animated movie that is
full of African American characters which also provided jobs for African
Americans. However this movie does continue a trend of sort in Disney animated movies
that have non white lead characters becomes non human. It just happens too
often to make it a coincidence. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The Princess and the Frog – Disney’s first African American
Princess becomes a frog. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Spies in Disguise – African American Secret Agent becomes a
pigeon. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Brother Bear – An Inuit boy becomes a bear <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Emperor has his new groove – Incan Emperor becomes a Llama <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Now Soul – the African American protagonist becomes an bluish
amorphous ghost like creature and then a cat. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Perhaps I am being too obsessive about this. But perhaps
that is why the movie included a negative about being obsessive about things. Very
subtle if you ask me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Despite this I enjoyed the movie because it was thought provoking
and I love existential questions and I loved the music. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-65525238226786504822020-12-16T12:28:00.004-05:002020-12-16T12:28:33.913-05:00Book Review - Jack" by Marilynne Robinson<p> I just finished reading Jack, the fourth in the series of
Gilead Novels by Marilynne Robinson. Gilead is a story of two families of two
ministers in a small town in Iowa. I have really enjoyed this series. The book “Lila”
in particular was a phenomenal book. In each of the successive books after
Gilead, Robinson focuses on a minor character in the first book Gilead. She
delves deep into their interior thoughts, lives and motivations. The Book Jack focuses on the wayward son
Jack, who has lived a life full of mischief, poor decisions, alcoholism, regret
and I would say a lack of direction. At times Jack may seem to have a rakish
charm, but mostly he is just a self absorbed failure. For most of the book he
seems to accept this about himself. I
would have liked to hear him reflect more about his family of origin. </p><p>The book centers
around his relationship with Della. It is of some interest to see the
challenges added to their relationship due their interracial romance in the 1950s
with miscegenation laws. I would have liked to hear more about Della’s family.
Their cameo appearance in the end was a more interesting part of the book. The underlying
issue the book deals with is grace and whether we feel we deserve it or are
willing to accept it. Still the book is about Jack and all his interior thoughts
for 322 pages. Whereas I found Lila’s life, mind and journey fascinating to
follow, I found Jack’s thoughts about his incessant self pity, whining and self
destructiveness got boring after the first 200 pages. Perhaps that says more about
me then the book. I just found him an uninteresting character. Truthfully he
seemed a more mysterious interesting character in Gilead that I had hoped to know
more of. Perhaps that is the point, that some people are just uninteresting and
even they deserve grace. </p><p>Even after reading the book, there are two questions
that still perplex me. Why did Della love him? Did she just want someone to
save? (I guess I will have to wait for another book by Robinson about Della).
Why didn’t they move to a state that did not have miscegenation laws? Still the
book showed the challenges of how difficult it is to change one’s life and how
the world can crush you. And then sometimes, in a moment, even if just a moment
life can be beautiful and full of possibilities. Unfortunately that is the way
this book felt. Some really beautiful moments, but mostly the look inside the pedantic
mind of Jack Boughton.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-90355537030908198562020-09-07T13:53:00.001-04:002020-12-16T12:22:52.291-05:00Catastrophe or Middle Way<p> I started watching the series Cobra Kai on Netflix this
week. It takes up the story thirty years later of the characters from the
Karate Kid movie. It starts showing us
the defeated bully’s life as full of suffering and bitterness. And it shows
Daniel the youth who overcame the bully as a seemingly happy successful person.
(I look forward to see how this develops). To some this may have seemed like a satisfying
life trajectory of the two protagonists of that movie. It would have been my
hope in seeing Cobra Kai that Johnny the bully would have learned compassion
after losing. He seemed to acknowledge it at the end of the first movie. But
then we would not have had a plot line for the new show Cobra Kai. But it
started me thinking how often we get stuck in our way of being and find it hard
to transform ourselves. How the impact of trauma and early life experiences so
often mold us.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When we are young we just accept as experiences as they are because
that is all we know of our world. And often we live our whole life with that
same mindset of those childhood experiences. I know growing up in the Bronx and
New York City there were potential dangers at every corner. In truth for the
early part of my life, I did not care why the dangers were there, I just wanted
to be protected from them. Being of short stature and little physical ability I
learned that humor, negotiation and allyship helped me survive. Even once I
would have to say that providence intervened via the help of total strangers to
save me.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I got older, I kept looking around corners for dangers. Although
some of that fear is bias conditioned from a young age, some of it is real.
There is real danger in the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
people live their whole life in this protection mindset. If I have enough money
I can move far enough way. I can build a wall around my housing development. I
can be protected by the police from danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This mindset of protection can infect every aspect of peoples lives and
they see every interaction as a battle to protect what they have and they use
lawyers and a sense of shared loyalty to protect themselves from any challenge.
Many people live their whole lives this way. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Somewhere along the line I changed. At some point, I started
asking why is there danger? Why is there poverty? Why are drugs illegal which
caused so much of the violence in my neighborhood (did we learn nothing from prohibition?)
Some of my change was due to my Jewish upbringing which stressed helping the
most vulnerable as we often were throughout history. I was raised with a penchant
for critically thinking and to question everything. Some of my change was due
to my Unitarian Universalist tradition that opened my heart and mind to new
ways of thinking. A<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>large part of my
change was the adoption of my children who are Korean and seeing how they were
treated differently as they grew older. I protected them where I could, but
there are things I could not protect them from. Another large impact on my
thinking was my interaction with people who were different from me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned that their experiences with the
government were not the same as mine and I learned how systemically people were
kept oppressed. But mostly, I would have to say I experienced that love overcomes
fear. So I combined all of this and I learned and I changed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We often shy away from the word evil in this life. But it is
clear people do evil things. Time and awareness has changed my world view as to
what were the evil things being done in the world. For me it is to cause harm
to others for no reason. Those who would accumulate wealth at the expense of their
fellow citizens causes harm for no reason. Not providing adequate health care
even though we can afford it causes harm for no reason. Not providing adequate
housing and education for our citizens (while people are building mansions) causes
harm for no reason. Not providing enough food for those in need even though we
have more then enough causes harm for no reason. Locking up people in jail for
drugs (while we have easy legal access to much stronger pharmaceuticals) causes
harm for no reason. Remember evil spelled backwards is live. I know that is trite
but it gives me hope that things can be turned around. We can choose to live.
We can choose to make things in this world better. One thing that is certain is
we will all die. So how we live matters. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And so the question that comes to me now is how to combat People Who Do Evil Things (PHODETS).
I was raised being taught that non violent action to appeal to the conscience of
Americans was the way to achieve change. We saw it used by Gandhi in India. He
had some victories with it, but in truth I believe World War II had more to do
with ending Britain’s occupation of India. We saw it used successfully in the
South to end Jim Crow laws by Martin Luther King Jr. He and many others died
for it anyway. King also had the benefit of having the Black Panthers and Malcom
X as an violent alternative that led White Americans to side with MLK Jr.
History shows us more often then not, dictatorships crush non violent resistance.
There are exceptions of course. Ultimately it comes down to the armed services.
Now we are not a dictatorship in America yet. But the PHODETS keep talking as
if they would not object to America being a dictatorship. So I can not rule out
a violent response completely in the future. It is true fear of violence will put
people in protection mode. But fear of violence can also bring people to an alternative.
A Middle Way. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A Middle Way is not a compromise but rather a better higher
alternative. Imagine the top of a isosceles triangle. In the middle, but higher
then either polarity. I believe most people do not want violence. It is not too
late to avoid this catastrophe that is approaching. We can and MUST VOTE. We
must do whatever we can to make sure this election is legal. We must stand up to
every indignation and malfeasance that PHODETS put forward. Every single one. We
must use what our unique skills are and use them to promote a better way of
being and living to confront Americans with an alternative to the PHODETS. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We must adjust our values in this country. Our values should
not be to have the biggest house and car and every contraption known to
humankind. Our values as a country should be Justice, Equity and Compassion. We
can grow and change. We do not have to suffer catastrophe to transform. We can
choose to learn and be open to change and thus transform. At least that is my
hope. Look around. Learn. Awake. We can reduce physical suffering by generosity
of our spirit and our wealth as a country. We do not have to be bitter and
suffer just because someone else is getting a little help. There is more then enough
of creation for everyone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not have
to live always looking around corners for danger and figuring out ways to
protect ourselves. We can choose to change. We can choose love. We can choose
the Middle Way. The alternative is catastrophe. <o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-86852653856144461182019-12-13T14:37:00.002-05:002019-12-13T14:37:15.434-05:00Book Review. – Lila by Marilynne Robinson. <div class="MsoNormal">
I am not often surprised by a book, but this book surprised
me in a fascinating way and I loved it. Let me explain. Lila is a minor
character from the book Gilead. Gilead was a nice book about a preacher from a
small town in Iowa. Both this book, Lila and the book “Home” are books about
other minor characters in Gilead. Home was about the wayward son of the
preachers friend who was a retired minister and neighbor. Lila, is the story
about the Preacher’s wife. I knew that going in. I was always curious about her
in Gilead. We didn’t learn much about her other then she was much younger then
the Preacher, and not as formally educated, and they had a child together. That
left a voyeuristic curiosity to her backstory Let alone her character even in
Gilead. She was always quiet, in the
background, seemingly stern worried about her husband’s health. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Lila, we learn about her upbringing and how they came to
be together. And it was totally unexpected. Perhaps that says more about me and
my bias towards imagining characters…That is the big question of the book. Why
do things happen the way they do. The book covers deep religious topics such as
grace, redemption, sin and life after death from the perspective of Lila who knew
little of formal religion before meeting the Preacher John Ames. Her asking him
very raw basic questions about religion and faith and God seems to light a
spark in him. It also speaks about his willingness to recognize and risk love at
the same time assuming it would not last. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We meet Lila as a young child as she is being kidnapped by
someone, from what we are led to believe is a dangerous situation. I say we are
led to believe because we really do not know and all Lila knows is what her
rescuer/kidnapper Doll tells her. She lived most of her life living day to day
with a group of people just trying to survive as itinerant workers . Part of
why Doll joins this group is a need to stay under the radar for fear that
people will be after her for taking Lila. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through Lila’s memories, we experience her deepest interior
thoughts and how she developed into the person she is. It tells about their
life on the road, and what happens after the depression hits and their group of
people disband. How that type of life led to a life of loneliness and fear. Yet
it also spoke to the simplicity of life. One year Doll took her off there road
to go to school and when asked what country she lived in she spoke of the
beautiful fields and trees. Because what information do we really need to know
to survive. The story highlighted the fragileness
and harshness of life dependent on seasons and good will of others. There was a
freeness about it, but it was also a reminder of how that kind of freedom
offers limited options and support when things go bad. Being someone who has
moved away from “home” and from a people who have been forced over time to
move, I understand the yearning to be in
a place where people have known your people for generations. It is something I
will never have, but I like the feeling of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When your focus is on surviving day to day, you do live in
the moment, do what you have to, but you have to always be on your guard and
lack the ability to trust others. After the apparent death of Doll (I say
apparent, because the sequence of events would lead us to believe that, but we
don’t really know. Another message from the book is that we really do not know
much. Anyway after Lila is alone it tells of her hard time in St. Louis. It is
interesting that the book portrays St. Louis as a place where sin happens. She escapes her difficult situation. But there is also an interesting
perspective of feeling security for the known, and finding happiness even in
the smallest things when you are suffering even if they are an illusion. And
that leads to complexity of her settling down and marrying John Ames. Imagining
it is an illusion, being on guard always for something bad to happen, or fear
of doing something bad that will upset others. How her experiences in the world
made it hard to trust anything or anyone, even her own thoughts. Fear never
leaves you when it is deep in your bones. The book offer the possibility that if
we can live through the sufferings of our life, a new life can be created that offers
a balm to our suffering, with the patient love of family and community. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m listing some quotes from the book. It is a way to keep some poignant
thoughts in the forefront of my thoughts. :<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Lila “What do you ever tell people in a sermon except that
thing that happen mean something? Some man dies somewhere a long time ago and
that means something. People eat a bit of bread and that means something. Then
why wont you say how you know that? Do you just talk that way because youre a
preacher? This kind of thinking made a change in her loneliness, made it more
tolerable for her. And she knew how dangerous that could be. She had told
herself more than once not to call it loneliness, since it wasn tany different
from one year to the next. It was just how her body felt, like hungry or tired,
except it was always there, always the same”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When folks are down to the one thing that keeps them alive,
that one thing can be meanness. It makes you feel like youre there, youre doing
something”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lila “I don’t trust
nobody”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ames “No wonder you’re
tired”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lila “What isn’t
strange when you think about it.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lila “Existence
can be fierce”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Lila “To put everything else away from her,
because that ache was, first and last where she came from and what waited for
her.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Lila “Im still thinking. Maybe Ill tell you when
Im done”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Ames “But
you might never get done, you know, Thinking is endless”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Lila “How strange it seemed to be at peace”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Lila “You’d think a man as careful as this Job
might have had a storm cellar’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
About going to
the movies<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Lila “The best part was always to sitting
there in the dark, seeing what she had never seen anywhere before, and mostly
believing it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Ames “Joy and loss exists in its own right and
must be recognized for what it is. Sorrow is very real and loss feels very
final to us. Life on earth is difficult and grave, and marvelous. Our
experience is fragmentary. Its parts don’t add up. They don’t even belong in the
same calculation. Sometimes it is hard to believe they re all parts of one
thing. Nothing makes sense until we understand that experience does not
acculuate like money or memory, or like years.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Lila “Near as I can tell you were wanting to reconcile
thing bys saying they cant be reconciled” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Lila <b>“After a while it may have been my
loyalty I was loyal to”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Lila “Ive been tramping around with the
heathens. Theyre just as good an anybody, so far as I can see. They sure don’t deserve
no hellfire”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Lila <b>“The best things that happen I’d never
have thought to pray for. In a million years. The worst things just come like
the weather. You do what you can”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lila That’s
how it is. Lila had borne a child into a world where a wind could rise that would
take him from her arms as if there were no strength in the at all. Pity us,
yes, but we are brave, she thought and wild, more life in us than we can bear,
the fire infolding itself in us. That peace could only be amazement too. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-34509194117421358922019-11-28T22:36:00.001-05:002020-12-31T12:09:34.058-05:00Two Reviews – “Fleabag” – Amazon Prime Video and “The Irishman” – Netflix<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Fleabag</u> – a 9 out of 10 on the jaywo scale<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I first heard of this show after seeing its star Phoebe
Waller-Bridge on Saturday Night Live as host. I thought it was one of the
best openings I had seen in years, and so I decided to watch this show. I have
had Amazon Prime but had never once watched its videos, mostly using it for
free shipping of books. First I have to say this show has very raunchy language
and talks explicitly about sex. If that does not turn you off, (or perhaps that
turns you on) this is a funny poignant quirky series. Phoebe’s character uses
the camera as a fourth wall very effectively. The show centers around the lives
of two sisters. It has had two seasons. Season two comes to a neat conclusion as
it is not guaranteed to return for a third season. The show deals with how the
sisters and their father deal with (or don’t) with the death of their mother
(wife). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also it deals with the death of
the lead characters friend. As I think about it, the lead character is never
addressed by name in the series. That in and of itself is quirky about the
show. I’ll have to think more about that. Clearly it was intentional. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The show deals with how humans deal with
grief, love, loss, family relationships and our search for happiness. It shows
our human frailties, and our ability to recover and rebound. At times particularly
in season two, I found myself laughing out loud and cringing almost at the same
time. The show often focus on Phoebe’s character’s romantic relationships and
particularly in season 2 her attraction to and pursuit of a priest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. I highly recommend it. I binge watched all
of season two on vacation. It is really worth seeing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>“The Irishman” –A <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6 out of 10<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just watched this on vacation. This movie has had a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lot of brouhaha due to its limited theatrical
release (I guess to be eligible for the Oscars) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and then almost direct to Netflix. It was
directed by Scorsese and it has a great cast of actors. Al Pacino overacts (as
usual) as Jimmy Hoffa, and that works for the role as Hoffa was a larger then
life character in real life. Robert Deniro underacts (as usual) as hitman for the
mob whose life this movie is based on. Joe Pesci as well plays a great understated
role as a mob boss. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story is told
from Deniro’s perspective, telling his life story in retrospect from some sort
of retirement home. First I will have to say the movie is long… Almost three and
1/2 hours long. It seemed like a greatest hits of gangster films. It told in a
very methodical fashion the rise and fall of this particular gangster and his
long standing relationship with Hoffa and the union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess my biggest complaint is that it was
too methodical and not dramatic enough. I never get a sense of why he was the
way he was or did the things he did. Its just the way he was, shaped by the
violence of being in combat in war. But many people<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>went to war and did not end up living this kind
of life. It did not romanticize the life, pointing out the violent deaths of
many of the characters. In fact, there are no good characters here. I liked the cinematography and period pieces of the
film. Scorsese always is great at that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
last half hour of the movie made up for more of its tedious moments. As he
looks back on his life, he is talking to a young nurse who did not even know
who Jimmy Hoffa was. It brought about a realization for the character (and thus
for me) about how fleeting life can be. Things we think are important in the
moment are trivialized and forgotten in history. Our motives and decisions
which we believe may be good, really lead to much harm. It also talks about who
we align ourselves with in life. Who we choose to protect and who we choose to
sacrifice. In the end he is alone and he has spent little time building
relationships with those who would love him. Perhaps that is the message. It is
not what we do, but how we love in the world that matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (I'm not saying that is the message of the movie, but the message I choose to take from it) </span>The movie gives answers to who killed Hoffa and
hints at who killed JFK (Both of these are long held belief by those who follow
these stories over the years) if you choose to believe it. It was worth seeing
just to see Pacino and Deniro together in a movie and in general I enjoy
gangster movies. But I do not think it is Oscar worthy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-74835209268977910672019-11-28T12:09:00.000-05:002019-11-28T12:09:03.975-05:00Meanderings while walking on the beach while on vacation during Thanksgiving<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I walked the beach, I thought about the waves rolling in
and out. As the tide goes out it leaves some dead shells, and some that cling
to the tide to head back out to the gulf. It is now illegal to take a live
shell. But for years our family would take live shells and boil them (there is some
sea creature living within it). We would create shell lamps and shell mirrors,
and anything shells. Looking back, I wonder if these creatures suffered. If
shell creatures have shell creature families. So I can rationalize killing a creature
for sustenance for myself, but to kill just to create beauty seems hard to
justify. Now we just scavenge for dead shells. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the incoming and outgoing tide, some shell creatures live, some die, some get
washed away. The more adept shell creatures I imagine hides itself better so as not to be
picked (they dig themselves down in the sand). Such it is in life. We live our
lives. Some are more adept then others. We live for awhile, we die, some people
get swept away by the tides of life. Some dig deep and fight like hell for
life. And although each shell and its existence is unique, the tide coming in
and out, does so like clockwork, every day, it has a pattern that affects the shells
(and I imagine all sea life). Over time the waves have a discernible pattern that
we can determine and predict. I wonder and imagine that sea life can as well and
that helps them exist in their world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But also that pattern of tides<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and gravity tells me of the interdependence
of all things that were created and came to be. Even if there is a scientific explanation
for it all, it is amazing. And if there are amazing things that create patterns
in and of the waves I must wonder if our lives and our universe have similar
patterns. Certainly in my life I have sensed repeating patterns. With more
experience and wisdom over time I have learned to better manage those down
cycles and take advantage of the upcycles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What patterns does the universe show us? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is
true that patterns get disrupted, whether that be by an asteroid crashing, or
climate crisis affecting migratory patterns of birds, (and many other patterns) or lights on beaches
affecting patterns of baby sea turtles. So too in our life we have patterns interrupted
through unexpected tragedies. I do note that I only to point to interrupted
patterns due to the negative, not the positive. But I imagine, a pattern can be
interrupted by an act of courage, an act of kindness or the sight of beauty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If
I noticed anything on the beach, even with the pattern of the waves and the
tide, is that even while that is predictable, everything in every moment is
changing. What shells come in, what <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shells go out. My interaction with the waves and shells
although might not affect the tide, but it affects that wave and those shells I
interact with. (and of course there are things we can do to affect the
direction of water). The weather beyond our control affects the pattern too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I admit it is a little depressing thought that there is a
tide in our life and the universe, a constantly repeating direction that can be
altered, often impacted, but without major intervention cannot be changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand I could be wrong. Or
perhaps we as some scientists speculate are part of a simulation created by
aliens (which would explain patterns), but I do not put much stock in that (because if we become aware of the simulation they will turn it off) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or perhaps it is enough to be the
creature that digs deep and fights for survival to make a difference in the sea
of life, even when it cant change the whole tide. Perhaps if enough creatures
dig deep enough they can change the course of the tide. Perhaps it gives ours lives purpose. You can not count on an asteroid to change the world, so perhaps we should try an act of courage, acts of kindness and/or create something beautiful. You just have to
dig deep and survive and work to change the tide. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what I thought when I took a walk on
the beach this Thanksgiving morning. I am not sure I even make sense of it all,
but it is what I experienced. What did you think about this morning. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-23889434839011316012019-03-25T10:57:00.002-04:002019-03-25T11:01:56.811-04:00Musings after Mueller<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">I have to admit that when the television news came on
last night I had to turn it off. I just could not bring myself to hear the
President crowing about the Mueller report exonerating him, even though it
specifically said it did not exonerate him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">I saw most people online express despair, and
resignation that the power structure protects their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
we haven’t seen the report, I will not comment on that. Clearly there have been
many prosecutions and indictments already, so I think the Mueller investigation
has brought much corruption to light. So I say it was worth every penny. The
Mueller investigation stated irrefutably that Russia influenced our election to
help get Trump elected. So let us make sure as a country that does not happen
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit based on just what is
public I thought there was reason for obstruction charges. Certainly campaign
finance charges. Even if Trump is not charged, I do believe we should highlight
and keep the pressure up about all the corruption of this administration. I do
think that is an important issue. And I believe that will continue. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">But that is
not enough. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people need to speak
about our values and issues and elect people who support our values. The
challenge is there are so many issues. For me, the top issues based on my values
are as follows :<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">Universal Health Care (in whatever form that takes)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">Climate Change<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">Fair Wages<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">Full Funding for education. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">Stop locking up children in cages and separating families.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">Ending the proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">Supporting individuals and families that are most
vulnerable in our country and especially those that have been historically oppressed.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">Free and accessible elections. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">I hear people say progressives are a threat to the
Constitution. Yes, where it is corrupt we are. Progressives were a threat to it when Conservatives
allowed slavery, Progressives were a threat to it when Conservatives would not
allow Blacks to vote. Progressives were threat to it when Conservatives did not
allow Women to vote. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Progressives were a
threat to it when Conservatives did not want people to vote for Senators. Yes Progressives
are a threat because we because we are demanding change and demanding that all people be entitled to their rights. That rights should not be centered only
with White Land Owners (that is what the Constitution originally allowed for). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 107%;">Yesterday in writing about the NCAA tournament I quoted
journalist Daman Runyon who wrote, <strong><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">“The race is not always to the swift, nor the
battle to the strong; but that is the way to bet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I wrote that, I thought of our
political predicament in our country. The truth is the people are stronger. There
are more people in this country who share my values then share the current
administration’s values. Those who are manipulating power today are counting on
the people to be resigned, counting on people to be divided. I should hope they
do not want people to be in despair, for despair leads to desperation. And
desperate people will do desperate things. We do not need to be desperate. We need to be deliberate. We need to be together. We need to organize,
<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">To elect
officials that support our values. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">We need to show up
at school board meetings and city council meetings. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">We need to run
for and support people who support our values. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">Don’t tell me
you are too tired or too busy or your children have an event you have to get
them to. This is the event they need to be at. Learning to be active citizens
of this country. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">Let us not despair.
Let us take a deep breath. Let us redouble our efforts. </span></strong><strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17.12px; padding: 0in;">We need to use the rights that so many have fought and died for. </span></strong><strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">Let us continue to work
for the good. Together the people can make change. We took congress in 2018. We
can make change. Now is not the time to step back. No one else can save us but
each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us remember why we are
doing this. Because we believe that each of us has inherent worth. Each of us
should be given the opportunity and means to reach our potential. We believe in
truth, and justice on this earth and for this earth.</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you do not
agree me this is not the venue for this, and I will delete your comments. This
is for all those who are struggling today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is to remind you that you are not alone. We are in this together. If
we believe we can make change. If we are willing to sacrifice. Then and only
then will change happen. When we make it happen. And we can. WE CAN. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-28980421474111169392019-02-26T12:37:00.003-05:002019-02-26T12:37:54.386-05:00True Detective Season 3 - Love can transcend suffering if we let it. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My reflection on True Detective Season 3</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">First a short recap of seasons 1 and 2 – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Season One was groundbreaking for its style and that it was
a television series with famous movie stars. (Matthew McConaughey and Woody
Harrelson) I found it more quirky and new for TV, then good, but I enjoyed
Matthew McConaughey’s character philosophical diatribes and the question of
good and evil. (always a favorite topic of mine) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Season 2 starred Vince Vaughn and Collin Ferrell. Critics
generally panned season 2. I liked it. It was less subtle and more over the
top, but it was also more real and relevant in many ways and focused on the
theme of fatherhood and its different meanings, and how it impacts men. It also
has the theme of bad guy trying to change for good and being<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>drawn back into old life. This is also a
favorite theme of mine as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Actually looking at all three seasons here, it is more obvious
that the writers are clearly focused on men and the role of masculinity in society.
Maybe because I am a man, and father of two men, I found this more interesting.
However there is very little focus on women or major roles for women. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Also, whereas Season 2 focused on big city corruption and
challenges, as in Season 1, season 3 brings us a fairly negative view of rural
living. (Isolation, alcoholism, limited opportunities, corruption, back room
deals, etc.) I have no idea of its accuracy, since I have never lived in a rural
community, but it mostly focused on the negative, and not much positive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">Season 3 starred </span><span style="background: white;">Mahershala Ali<span style="color: #222222;"> </span>and Stephen Dorf as Detectives investigating
the disappearance of two children. It uses flash forwards and covers 3 time periods
of time in the life of the detectives and the case. I admit at times it was
hard to determine between the first two time periods and the only way I could was
by the growth of Stephen Dorf’s beard and his balding hair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The show also includes the challenges of the
detective and his family when he starts developing dementia in his old age and
is trying to remember the case and just forgets how or why he is somewhere. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciated this often neglected topic being
an ongoing part of the show. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall I liked the season. The fact that it
moved me to write something about it, is a testament to it.. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything wrapped up very quickly in the
second half of the last episode, with a few twists and turns, and a feel good
ending. It was logical and made sense, but it felt unsatisfying. Sort of here
are the answers to all your questions now. One quip is that again, although the
show did have a strong female character, (her research writing a book about the
case actually helped her husband solve the case). However she was used mostly as
a counterpoint to Mahershala Ali’s character and I didn’t feel she was focused
on enough. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also her death is never
explained and she is not part of the show in the later time period and becomes
invisible and in fact is only seen as a ghost during that time period. Also Ali’s daughter only shows up in the last 5 minutes of the
last episode and it is clear throughout the show they had a strained relationship.
He asked her at the end “Did I lose you?” His son stayed in town and took care
of Ali. Again, women disappear, men stay and take care of things. It is a
terrible message but it is part of a cultural narrative about how men are made to feel they should be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">The show also did have a focus on the
difficulties men have in relationships. How men keep their feelings
internalized, and how that leads to a very lonely life. Even Mahershala Ali’s
character, who we see developing a better understanding of himself through his
interaction with and the deepening relationship with his wife, in the end, at
the end of his life, is alone in the jungle in Vietnam. This metaphor of his
being alone is used throughout the movie. His struggle to share his feelings or
information, in his mind as a way to protect his wife, but really it is
protecting himself from his own pain, or in his mind maybe protecting her from
his pain. But in the end they decide to let go of the past, and start anew, living in a way that is not tied to the past and true to themselves. We see a
glimpse that this happened, but in the end after his wife’s death, he I drawn
back to his memory of this unresolved case. The theme of closing off the memory
of our emotions and the pain it causes is an ongoing theme. The father of the
children, says in the second time frame “Whatever it takes to stop feeling. I
mean, there's no point. Ain't nobody left to feel anything for.</span>” And Stephen
Dorf’s character seems to show only immense feelings for his dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We all suffer in our lives, and the message
here is that if we don’t acknowledge our suffering it will become self
destructive or destructive.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The show also touches on the redemption theme
or in this case lack of redemption. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The detectives
in their pursuit of the truth did a terrible deed. This negatively affected
their relationship for years, until the passing of time, and memory, brought
them back together. Ali’s character, in the end just as he is about to solve
the case, has a bout with his dementia and never realizes he may have solved
it. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The people involved in the disappearance of (and
murder of one of) the children as well suffered. One of them tried to redeem
himself for his actions, but was unsuccessful. He searched to find the truth and
was left unfulfilled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end when
confronted he said, “I cant take it anymore. Kill me or arrest me. I cant live
with it anymore” The detectives let him live with his pain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The silence of keeping secrets destroys us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The lines of the poem read (see poem below) at
the beginning of the last show were haunting for me:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="color: #1d2129;">“What
am i now that I was then</span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Which I shall suffer and act again</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Time is the school in which we learn </span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Time is the fire in which we burn:”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">The story shows that people can transcend their
trauma if they are intentional. It also asks the question and makes the point
that we often fall into the same traps that we make for ourselves. And in some
cases by the time we learn and grow, it is too late to always appreciate the
learning. It was (and as I look back on the series) it is a little depressing, only
because I see some truth in it. it is a reminder to me to be intentional and to
be open about my feelings and to appreciate or at least be present to every single moment of every single
day, because we don’t know when it will end. We don’t every really forget until
we do. So let us use our memories and learn from them. And move forward in our
lives. We sometimes make terrible choices. We cant change them and their
outcomes, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but we can learn to make better choices
going forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never really know the
outcome of our actions before we do them, and as Ali’s character says “You do
your best and you learn to live with the ambiguity”</span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I know this all sounds dark, But the lasting
message is that we can transcend our challenges and that it is Love that helps
us transcend that challenge. I cant say much more without giving spoilers.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The opening of the season 3 finale of True Detective were an excerpt
from the poem </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
“Calmly We Walk Through This April Day” by Delmore Schwartz. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">“What will become of you and me<br />
Beside the photo and the memory</span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">This is the school in which we learn</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">That time is the fire in which we burn </span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">What is the self amid this blaze</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">What am i now that I was then</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Which I shall suffer and act again</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">The children shouting are bright as they run</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">This is the school in which they learn</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">What am I now that I was then</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">May memory restore again and again</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">The smallest color of the smallest day</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Time is the school in which we learn </span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Time is the fire in which we burn”</span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-31410937680817674292019-02-19T11:26:00.000-05:002019-02-19T11:51:07.897-05:00End the dictatorship.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">This is some semblance of what I said at the "National Emergency Protest" Rally</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">I am Rev. Jay Wolin, Minister of the
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, and chair of the Quad Cities Interfaith
Restorative Justice Task Force. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">We have gathered here tonight in response
to the President’s declaring a national emergency. Something we know is not an
emergency, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">something the president has himself said
is not an emergency. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">It is a self indulgent craven political move
to act as a dictator rather then as a President. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">There comes a time in history, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">when we have to call out evil acts for
what they are. There are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not good people
on both sides of this argument. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">On the one side you have The President
unabashed lying and appealing to fear and racism currently being enabled by
Republicans in the Senate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">I call that evil, I call it evil, because
the outcome of that appeal, leads to suffering, to separating families and
imprisoning children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">On the other side are people of good
conscience. People who appeal to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>compassion and love and justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">The question is what are the good people
going to do? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">We come together tonight find support
amongst ourselves, to raise awareness of this injustice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">But if that is all we do, then we are no
better then the Germans who allowed their neighbors to be led to the gas
chambers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">We are no better then the Americans<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who allowed Japanese American neighbors to
have their land stolen and put in camps during WWII, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">and the truth is, we are no better because
today we allow children to be locked in cages on our southern border. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">It is not enough to be kind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">It is not enough to come to a rally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">We have to take action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">We have to organize, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">we have to run for office, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">we have to vote, Go to city council meetings,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">go to school board meetings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">make our voices heard, and if they don’t
listen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">we have to close the city down if
necessary, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">close this country down if necessary <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">until this evil is banished from this
land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">There comes a time when good people must
make a stand and some times it takes a sacrifice on all our parts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Now is such a time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now is the tipping point. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">There is an old saying the most committed
wins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">If we do nothing, evil will win. What will
you do. There are many good organizations sponsoring this event tonight, Quad
Cities Interfaith is having their task force meetings tomorrow night and I
personally invite you to attend, but more so, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">I ask you when you go home tonight to ask
you conscience, to ask whatever God you pray to, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">what are you going to do to end the evil
acts of the Oligarchic Dictatorship that is currently running this country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">The future of our country is at stake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">The future for our children is at stake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Now is the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">If we wait much longer it will be too
late. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Now is the time. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Let me hear you say it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Now is the time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Let us not falter in our duty to ourselves, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">To our families<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">To our community <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 150%;">To our country<span style="font-size: 22pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-77946098152469263952018-12-19T12:39:00.000-05:002018-12-19T12:39:37.768-05:00Thoughts on Rudolph<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">This was a short response to the Children and Youth Program at the Congregation about how the Rudolph song and story did not connect with our Principles:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As
we re-teach the lessons we learned in a new way to our children, we too learn,
we come to notice the how the stories we
hear subtly influence our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I’ll
be honest, I never thought much about the Rudolph story.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I saw it as a quaint coming of age story
where others realized the potential of another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">But
if we are going to create a new world based on our values, where all are
valued, not just for what they offer us, but for who they are we have to change
our stories. People are not disposable, just because they do not benefit us.
All have inherent worth and dignity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">And
I ask you to think about the Rudolph story in another way<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Perhaps
we should rethink our punitive form of punishment for offensives, the whole
naughty or nice question. (PPT) In this cartoon you can see Santa adrift on a
melting iceberg saying <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Perhaps
I should have been giving all the naughty kids solar panels instead of
coal” Although we all need to be
accountable for our actions, if we do not promote healing and reconciliation
amongst each other, retribution leads to long term negative consequences for
all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">And
lastly, when you think of the reindeer, (PPT) what gender do you imagine in
your mind they are. They are often portrayed as male. Yet if you think about
their names,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Dasher, Dancer</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">, <b>Prancer</b>, <b>Vixen</b>, <b>Comet</b>,
<b>Cupid</b>, <b>Donner</b> and <b>Blitzen. </b> For the most part, really non
gendered names. I was really surprised by how much debate there is about this
online. But the scientific proof is that male reindeer tend to lose their
antlers by the end of October, so if Santa’s reindeer are shown with antlers
they are probably female. So I invite
you to shift your perspective about who is pulling Santa’s sled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I ask you to shift
your perspective on what is real and what we have been conditioned to believe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">I ask you to shift
your perspective not just on this holiday but all year long away from
consumption and towards caring and compassion for others and this planet.</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-64199612006239276882018-09-28T12:58:00.001-04:002018-09-28T13:07:59.683-04:00A Sad Day for America. DON'T GIVE UP - Rev. Jay Wolin - Thoughts on the Kavanaugh Hearing<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are days that I hope for a God of Judgement. Until
that time arrives, if it arrives, it is up to us human beings to see the work
of justice be done on this earth. I sat riveted listening to Dr. Ford’s and
Judge Kavanaugh’s testimony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, I
have to say, as a man, I am tentative to speak about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel this is a time to lift up womens’
voices. As a minister though, I feel it is my religious responsibility to use
what ever moral authority I have to shed light on the issue and to raise the
consciousness of whoever will listen. Throughout my life, first just as a
compassionate listener and now as a minister, I have heard women’s stories about
harassment and abuse. Earlier this week at a local rally we heard story after
story of women harassed and abused by men. And yes, I know men are abused as
well, and I do not diminish that, but it is at a much smaller %. And yes, research
has shown that a small % of claims brought forth are found to be false. Over
95% of abuse claims are real and true (and a large majority never reported),
and personal experience confirms that high %. I therefore believe people and
especially women when an accusation is made. And let me assure you that the trauma
of such harassment and abuse is devastating and long lasting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to change the moral bankruptcy of men
in this world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not a court of
law. This is not just for a nomination on the supreme court. This is a court of
moral opinion of how we are going to interact with each other as humans. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Changing the culture will require a shift. Men (and women)
are enculturated into this machismo misogyny. Every movie with Bogart or John
Wayne just grabbing the women and kissing her, makes it seem reasonable to just
grab women and kiss them. How many romantic comedies have men stalking women (I
think of the movie where he is outside her house with a boombox blasting “their”
song) until the women gives in and admits their love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men do not see this as harassment. They see
it just the way things are. When women try to reject these overtures men often
become angry and violent. Time and again when women come forward to authorities
they are excoriated and forced <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to endure
humiliation for coming forward. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Ford’s testimony was credible. And I cringe even writing
that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am someone who has had to give
court depositions, and is interviewed often on television. It is nerve wracking
and pressure-filled and you have to be precise and it is difficult to do under
normal circumstances. I cannot imagine how it must be talking <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>publicly about a personal trauma. So she was
more then credible and believable. She was courageous. She didn’t have to do
this. The Republican Senators used an inquisitor who spoke for them when Dr.
Ford was on the stand. The Republicans admitted themselves they could not
control themselves from saying stupid things. That in and of itself shows their
moral bankruptcy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The inquisitor focused
her time asking questions that were clearly trying to trip up the witness and
show that this was a bigger conspiracy rather then uncover the truth. Dr. Ford
did not fall for the bait, from either Republican or Democratic lawmakers (as
they tried to get her to expand her story). She told her truth and should be
believed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Judge Kavanaugh’s uncontrolled (or crafted) emotional
outbursts, his refusal to answer some questions, his obfuscation of other questions,
and his partisan attacks shows me a number of things. One he is denying the mistakes
of his youth, but worse, he has not learned from them. He thinks he can just
bully people and thinks that is acceptable attitude. Second, his temperament and
partisanship should be a disqualifier. The fact that he has lied several times
and his papers are being hidden, tells me he is not a trustworthy person. He
has no empathy for others, as shown by his unwillingness to even shake the hand
of the parent of a child killedd by gun violence at the hearings. He doesn’t see
that the things he does are harassment. He yelled at and attacked the woman Senator
who asked him a difficult question about whether he ever blacked out. He thinks
it is ok to yell at senators who are questioning you for a job. Yell, attack
and then cry when you are challenged. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is the misogynist way. He particularly twitched and was evasive when Sen. Kamala
Harris questioned him (A woman of color). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When people are in power, or have power over
others, it is rare that they give it up willingly. And they fight every time
when that power is challenged. The anger we saw from Kavanaugh yesterday and
the anger we saw from Republican lawmakers (who finally found their voice to
speak to Kavanaugh – I guess it is ok to say stupid stuff amongst men) was this
rejection that someone would reject their power over them. In the 19<sup>th</sup>
century we had to have a civil war about this. Instead of looking for truth,
instead of showing compassion, they condemned, and by so doing they have fallen
short. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The committee will approve Kavanaugh. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeff Flake is the one who has fallen the farthest
from God. The other Republicans are unabashed misogynists. Jeff Flake tries to
pretend that he is compassionate and reasonable, but in the end Flake votes for
Kavanaugh’s approval. He votes for cutting taxes, he votes to cut social
programs that will help those who are suffering. He has fallen the furthest
because of his duplicity and thus he will end up in the lower levels of hell
(if there is a hell or else he will be in long term remediation class in heaven
or reincarnated as a mosquito.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
a President who has been on tape bragging about sexually abusing women. He and the
people he appoints are hostile to women’s health issues. They are not arbiters
of good morality. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The question is what are we going to do about it. If the law
will not protect women, how can women protect themselves. How can we support
them. It is the question people of color and poor people have to answer every
day as well. Yes, I was riveted by the testimonies yesterday. It was like
watching a car wreck. It was horrible and I couldn’t take my eyes off it. But unlike
car accidents this was not an accident, it is an avoidable and changeable tragedy.
For me It is important to witness the tragedy, and it is important to speak
about the tragedy, so that we can find a new way. Create a new way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Women, all harassment and abuse survivors, I hear you. I
know you are in pain. And I commit to lift up your voices, I commit to work to
end the patriarchy that destroys so many lives, and limits so many souls from
flourishing, and ends love. I have to work hard not to let love die in my soul,
when these events happens. I am human. I have my own failings. I get discouraged,
I have had my own tragedies. I take time to look within myself and see what can
I do or not do to help make things better. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ending the patriarchy is not being anti-man. It
is to end men’s control over women. That can be freeing for men as well, but
certainly and mostly it is about justice for women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a religious leader, it is my role to speak the truth and to
espouse a vision of a better way to be in community even if those in power do
not agree. I also know it my role to lift up hope and the possibility of a world
based on compassion and love. One of the greatest gifts Unitarian Universalism
has given me is that it opened my mind, and then my heart to hearing other people’s
stories and perspectives by being in relationship with them in a covenanted
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to let go of old
ways of thinking. But since I had covenanted to be in right relationship with
people I learned to listen and to change and grow. I believe it can happen for
others and the world. It is why I became a minister. To share that message that
love, compassion, hope and change is possible. It may not be today, it may not
be in my lifetime, but I will do my share in my time to bring that about, in
every small and large way I can in the here and now, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I ask you to do so as well. Do not give
up. DO NOT GIVE UP. Do not sit back. The old ways are dieing, but they are not
going quietly or peaceably as we saw on display at the Kavanaugh hearings. And
the patriarchy seems intent on taking everyone down with them before they
change. All good people need to join together and listen and believe and act
together. I hear you, I believe you. How can I help you change the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-8386409591744159312018-08-03T19:18:00.000-04:002018-08-03T19:20:44.936-04:00Shabbat Service Reflection at 2018 General Assembly <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="corashititle"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Torah portion for today is such a challenging reading as well as a telling one
for us as individuals as well as congregations and as an association. The book
of numbers tells the story of the Jewish people<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>wandering in the wilderness after achieving their freedom from slavery
in Egypt. They were searching for their homeland continuing the story from the
book of exodus. Throughout the journey in the wilderness there is a constant
what the Bible calls murmuring, we might say complaining. There was an
insurrection that was violently put down, and at one point even Aaron and
Miriam challenged Moses for leadership. Even after Moses learned to delegate
authority, people struggled with any form of hardship, even proposing going
back to Egypt. It is natural to fear the unknown, Some people prefer the
harshness but certain existence of how things were, but we if we are to be who
we were meant to be we have risk a little uncertainty. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="corashititle"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Different
then the book of exodus when God was very forgiving to the people when they
murmured, In Numbers God was willing to wipe out the people due to their
complaining . The only thing that saved the people from God’s wrath was Moses
holding fast to the hope for the people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even Moses (just like ministers
occasionally) gets frustrated, with the people complaining and strikes the rock
instead of talking to it to provide the water to save the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this Moses is banned from ever entering
Israel. Lets give Moses a break ok, He was working 70 hours a week, preaching
and teaching and probably even creating a newsletter on tablets for the people.
Now we can look at this story as how a large group of nomadic people learned to
govern themselves, that is probably some truth to that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="corashititle"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
I see</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
a beautiful story of overcoming insurmountable obstacles it is the story of
sticking with it, it is the story of despite doubt and hardship continuing to
move forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have to admit, growing up Jewish in the Bronx in NYC, I did not have a lot of
experience with the physical wilderness. I hate to perpetuate stereotypes but My
idea of wilderness was going to the Bronx Zoo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now my wife Jan on the other hand grew up camping her entire life. So
after we dated a while she suggested we try camping for a weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And being the willing suitor that I was I
agreed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we had procured all the
proper equipment for tent and fire building and the mandatory marshmallows, we
headed out on the highway to unknown territory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then
it started to rain….and then it started to rain harder. I’m talking Noah and
the flood kind of rain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I saw
this as a sign of impending doom, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">but
I hung in there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finally make it to
the campground and check in and as I get back into the car to drive to the
campsite, mind you it still pouring down rain, our car is stuck in the mud. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
I remained calm, and I still hung in there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
said to myself, I’ve seen something like this on tv.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
can handle this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will impress
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I start rocking the car back
and forth and then I tell jan to hit the gas and you guessed it, as the car
lurches out of the mud all the mud just flies all over me head to toe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">At
that point, I swallowed whatever little pride I had left and said we are going
to a hotel tonight. But I washed myself off, hung in there and came back the
next day and put up the tent in the rain and Jan created a fire in the rain which
really impressed me.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I spent the rest of
the weekend communing with nature and had a wonderful time. Maybe not the land
of milk and honey, but it was nice</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes
doing new things, learning new things, can be difficult or messy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
takes us a while to figure out how things work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We often though when doing new things find a reservoir of skill and
determination that we never previously knew we had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now for many years thereafter and later on
with our children, we went camping often, and things got easier over time, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">but
it never would have happened it I first hadn’t agreed to go along on the trip into
the great unknown and if I hadn’t stuck in there, despite the setbacks, despite
the rain, despite the mud. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes
we just have to stick with it and believe that it will get easier and live into
that future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So
the wilderness can be seen as a place we need to travel through on the way to
our destination, as a test, as a place to receive revelation, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">as a
place to find enlightenment,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The wilderness
does not have to be a physical place but can also be a state of mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
people do not want to leave the comfort of the status quo, but to find
transformation we have to journey into the unknown Its hard, muddy work. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
have to risk getting dirty and being uncomfortable. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">But
this story of Moses and Hebrew people tells us, if we are ever to reach our
destination, we need to stick together, even when we sometimes don’t agree with
the direction. It may take us longer, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">but
if we are ever going to fulfill our destiny as a religion we have to stick
together, and have faith in each other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">At<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the end of this story, Moses, Aaron, and
Miriam all die before the community reaches their destination. This message tells
me that eventually old ideas and ways have to die if we are going to make room
for new ideas, and new ways and new people. That is the hardest thing I think,
to leave behind the skills that got us to where we are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So
I encourage you to be open to change, because another truth is the things we
need to get us out of slavery, the things we need in the wilderness through the
hard times, are not always the same skills we need to create something new.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
our journey bring us wisdom, may it bring us peace, may it bring us healing. I
would rather die free in the wilderness with you than be a slave in and to the
past. Let us go and find those who are fleeing, let us all gather and let us
walk together into an uncertain future, a future where we can build the world
we dream about. Let us all find our way home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-90895285664783494752018-07-19T18:14:00.000-04:002018-07-19T18:14:40.717-04:00Theology is Boring - (or is it?) thoughts on study leave as I try to distract myself from reading. <br />
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I know, I know, I am a minister. Theology is the foundation
of my vocation. I am not that type of minister I say. People look strangely at
me and wonder, as if their world had tilted off its axis. It is not that I don’t
like theology, but most who write about it feel the need to prove how educated
they are with multisyllabic words<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(see what
I did there <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span>). I read book after book. In reality it is
more like slogging through it. Certainly some of it is my ongoing contemplation
and argument with every line that I read. That can be exhausting. Why? How did
you come to that conclusion? What does that mean? I debate myself in my own
mind before I go<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on to the next sentence.
It makes reading a book a journey. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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In
truth everything is theology. Every walk, every movie, every conversation, every
event I attend is a view of the world from a theological perspective. What is
the purpose of this or that. What meaning can be derived from the experience.
What mystery of the universe can be unlocked from every observation. What is
the metaphor of every interaction. It is exhausting and beautiful and just how my
radio waves are tuned in. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But reading one more book of the erudition of Spinoza’s
ethics, (which is really just a way for him to hide his atheism) and Augustine’s
Confessions (really next time keep it to yourself – its done so much damage
just because you had to justify leaving the woman you loved and your son at
your mother’s insistence to marry for position and power and that led to
ongoing misogyny within the church) or even new challenging perspectives on the
Scriptures (How long has it been and we still have not figured out “thou shall
not kill” – its pretty simple) will make me catatonic. </div>
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No I want to read a
simple poem, see a beautiful flower, pet my cat (I really need to get a dog),
roll on the floor with my grandchild, watch the sunset and hopefully rise the
next day. This is my theology – Life and living it. (and of course writing and
talking about it). Thanks for reading and listening to me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15206038.post-65658896805106200992018-07-01T12:20:00.000-04:002018-07-20T11:30:37.577-04:00My Speech at Families Belong Together Rally June 30th<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEOrwH_NqBHCxVoeglCHErqvRcrNwJElIRyiBtn3szoYtoSdCIWcMNxdheSNxuH4TmxXMuga7JTYi_mZxDFG7_J3HG-5RMR-GhRDdLZlDywLyna2mbskKi76_QgSSlWE2DJ54xg/s1600/36482602_10156320515309774_2092637143263346688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEOrwH_NqBHCxVoeglCHErqvRcrNwJElIRyiBtn3szoYtoSdCIWcMNxdheSNxuH4TmxXMuga7JTYi_mZxDFG7_J3HG-5RMR-GhRDdLZlDywLyna2mbskKi76_QgSSlWE2DJ54xg/s1600/36482602_10156320515309774_2092637143263346688_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My friends I think sometimes our country has lost its moral way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then I see you, and I hear these stories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let us remember that we determine our fate, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">the actions we take or the lack of action is a choice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I ask you to choose action to side with our immigrant and refugee
siblings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I invite you to side with children and families, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I invite you to side with love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It seems incredulous, that I have to say we need to take action to side
with children and families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am thankful that the very first article in this country’s bill or
rights states “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Congress shall pass no law </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">abridging the freedom of speech, or of the
press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
Government for a redress of grievances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well
I have a few grievances with the government.<span style="background: #fff9f0; color: #22221a;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Friends it is time to
fight for our moral and ethical values. These are my demands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One, We need to end the<b> inhumane practice of this government’s
policies of Family separation and Reunite families now</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plain and simple. This is inhumane, immoral,
and the fact that we even have to teach this baseline morality to government
officials shows our country has fallen into the moral and ethical abyss. Can we
never learn from our past. We separated children from our indigenous siblings,
we separated children from our African American siblings when we enslaved them,
and now we are separating children from refugee families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let us support children, not abandon them, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let us love children, not traumatize them, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let us side with children, Let us side with love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Second, We need to end this inhumane practice of family detention</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The fifth article of the bill of rights
says no person, not no citizen, no person shall be deprived of life, liberty,
or property, without due process of law; <span style="background: #fff9f0; color: #22221a;">C</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">hildren and families
deserve due process, not indefinite imprisonment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Children do not belong in cages and internment-like camps. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Family incarceration is not the solution to family separation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It seems the practice of continuing to imprison and destroy
families of color from slavery, to jim crow to Japanese American internment
camps, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">to mass incarceration, to now refugee imprisonment continues
today.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Give them due process, I ask you to side with love <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Third, End ‘Zero
Humanity policy of this governement.’</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Reverse the policy that created this crisis and chaos to
begin with. Parents should not be criminally prosecuted for doing what all
parents have done throughout history, which is bring their children to safety. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let us remain that safe haven
for families facing persecution, and let us do what we can to end that
persecution, not add to it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I ask you to side with
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Last for today we</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> demand Comprehensive Immigration </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Reform <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
must have a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million refugees who are already
here, our neighbors, part of the fabric of our community, whose children our
children go to school and play with, people working hard to build a better life
for their families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That
is the dream of America <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
invite you to side with love and build that world that we dream about. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So what can we do. <b>We
must choose to act!</b>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your showing up here
is a start, it tells the leaders of this community and throughout the country where
our values are. But it can not end there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>We can and we should
continue to communicate with our elected officials</b> asking them to denounce this
government’s immoral policies on refugees and to create policies that will
create a welcoming community for all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But that is not nearly
enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>We must vote</b> in
November and encourage everyone we know to vote for candidates who support our
values. No election has been more crucial to the future of our country. I
encourage you to vote with love in your hearts thinking of these children<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But it can not end
there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I invite you to <b>Work
with local organizations in the community </b>that are doing the work of <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">racial and immigration justice, Palomares, LULAC Moline,LULAC Davenport,
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">NAACP Davenport and Rock Island, Quad Cities Interfaith, One Human
Family. Progressive Action for the Common Good and Boots on the Ground just to
name a few. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Get involved. Locally we can impact our community. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But it can not end
there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If our government
officials don’t listen, or continue to obstruct and suppress voting, we may
have to take stronger actions. <b>The time is coming again for acts of civil
disobedience if our government does not respond to we the people</b>. My
congregation has offered to be a sanctuary for refugees. I invite you to talk
to your place of worship to do the same or to join the sanctuary coalition
helping other religious organization who have and I personally commit to
helping you with that. We may have to shut down streets, business, even the
government, if they do not listen to the grievances of the people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do not be afraid. The
work for love is never easy and it requires sacrifice, but it is necessary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We are fighting for
the soul of this nation, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">we are fighting for
children and families, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">and we need to go the
distance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Lastly the most
important work we have is to maintain hope in the face of adversity. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We have to maintain
hope and have the faith that what we do matters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even in the
uncertainty, especially in the uncertainty of not knowing how or when change
will happen,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we must have the faith that
we can build a better world where all are safe. , <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Let us find our way together out of the abyss.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you my friends.
May you be blessed and may you be a blessing to others. </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0