Thoughts on Words (and words for thoughts)

I am praying for the people of Cuba.
I am praying for the people of New Orleans.
I am hoping the city stays safe, stays dry, stays livable
in the wake of yet another storm...
too close on the heels of the first.

I read an article today in the UUA magazine (UU World) written by UUA President, William Sinkford, entitled "Our Calling." There was a section of the article wherein he called on Unitarian Universalitsts to be as accepting of and open to Christian ideologies, rituals, beliefs, and semantics as UUs tend to be with religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, and Native American spirituality.

As someone who grew up in a very non-religious household and who tends to cringe when I hear the word "Jesus" invoked in prayer, I took his message to heart and have chewed on it, pondered over it, and let it roll around my gut for a good part of the day.

His point, or one of them, was that - at its core - one of the most important messages of Christianity (love they neighbor as thyself) is also a basic tenant within the convenent of the UU faith and its seven principles. The UU commitment to advocating for others, seeking justice and equity, respecting all people and honoring the divine and sacred in everyone around us is quite connected to the Christian concept of treating others as you would wish to be treated, honoring the "God" - the power, the oneness, the whateveryouwishtocallit - that connects and binds us all.

And so... no matter what words one might use, I imagine we all pray for the safety of those in the path of danger. Our blessings, compassion, and love are expressed in a multitude of ways - but within them is the common seed of acknowledged humanity and interconnection, and the fervent hope that no one may suffer needlessly.

For the in the celebration and protection of one, is the triumph and salvation of many.

Some days you get a tiny little gem and it makes everything clear for a brief, still moment...

Today Ari said, "I miss you Mommy" on the phone and then again when I got home. I tell her I miss her all the time, but suddenly is was as if we had a new understanding of one another and an even deeper way to communicate. We miss each other. We can say it, and talk about it, and giggle gleefully at our reunion, relieved the missing can be over for a little while.

I can't tell you entirely why it was such a momentous thing for me to hear. But it made my day... it helped me think - for a moment - we're going to be okay, we're going to make it through this. And that was a tremendous gift at the end of a long day and a trying week.

I am praying for those in the southeastern US and all those in the pathway of Gustav. I never know how to reconcile these moments of happiness when such sadness and tragedy are striking others. I wish I had the power to ensure everyone was going to be okay. That no one would bear injury or sorrow, experience loss or pain, face difficult choices, or feel helpless and frightened.

But then, that is sometimes the stuff of life. And in my own living, I can look back and see (almost always) how those things led to a greater sense of compassion, increased strength, more powerful resilience, or sharper wisdom. But it is all relative, and if I had a choice, I would cover each and every life with safety and peace, so that everyone could sleep soundly at night firm in the belief we will all be okay.