Lent 2024 - From Minneapolis to Palestine: Nourishing the Rising Up Journey
…toward rising up, Lent reminds us that we are called to “stay woke.” If Jesus’ time in the desert teaches us anything, perhaps it is that there are risks to this heart-opening, mind-expanding, gut-wrenching, new life-awakening path of liberation. And we need those angels, those messengers and journey companions, who will meet us along the way, bearing comfort and strength….
December 23
…of enfleshed love and expansive liberation come true. Prayer To those made invisible, let this prayer come as recognition. To those deemed disposable, let this prayer come as cherishing. To those told they are too much, let this prayer come as abundant affirmation. To those left behind, let this prayer come as accompaniment. To those whose deaths are called…
December 13 - Envision
…glimpse some glimmer of hope – that whatever is at the end of the path is better than where we currently stand. Imagining those ancient navigators following a star, holding compassion for all who today navigate dangerous paths for the hope of safety, freedom, and a new life. Maybe this is the way we approach a new day, envisioning a…
December 12
…orientations, our neural pathways will strengthen and compel our actions in that direction. Prayer When punishment seems to be the only way to justice, teach us to sing, comfort, comfort. When harm seems to demand retribution, show us a more tender way. When the mountains seem unsurmountable, enliven our imaginations. When the valleys threaten to swallow us, lift us…
December 11 - Imagining Repair
…of God begins as a dream of repair and restoration, then we pray for this dream. If Love-made-flesh and dwelling among us begins as our waiting and preparing, our longing and hoping then we pray, O Come Emmanuel. Amen. with homage to Martín Espada’s poem, “Imagine the Angels of Bread.” Artwork: “Repair” by Yohana Junker (discover more at: https://www.yohanajunker.com/)…
December 21 - After the Deportation
…steadfast connection. For those who are rejected, make us loving welcome. For those who are cast away, make us embracing protection. God-for-us, God-with-us, expand our “us.” Give us the creativity and long-term commitment to refuse to let separation have the final word, until all of “us” are free. Amen. Artwork: “End Deportation” by Yohana Junker (discover more at: https://www.yohanajunker.com/)…
December 16 - On Punishment
…to dwell among us in flesh and bone, body and blood, we long to know you and your will fully and deeply. Keep us attentive to your dreams of restoration and redemption, your freedom songs, always unfolding in our midst. Come to us, abide with us, our beloved, Emmanuel. Amen. Artwork: “Abolish” by Yohana Junker (discover more at: https://www.yohanajunker.com/)…
I Must Go: MLK’s Radical Commitment to Collective Liberation
…year is a story I encountered in King’s autobiography from the time of the Birmingham Campaign in 1962-63. As Easter approached in 1963, King and his comrades were in the midst of a vigorous campaign of boycotts, sit-ins, and protests in Birmingham that they had spent over a year preparing, organizing and training for. Hundreds of arrests had been made…
Election Season Spiritual Care Package
…with these healing images and messages. I Choose Love by Mark A. Miller Mark Miller is a pianist, organist, singer, composer, choral conductor, church musician, educator, and active lay person in the United Methodist Church. He composed this song in response to the murders of 9 people attending bible study at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. …