Tag Archives: Sunday Reflection

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Sunday Reflection: Saving Yourself, Saving Others #SundayReflection

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Every person at some point needs saving from something that can mean bad news for them. How that rescue comes varies and is a very individual thing. We find ourselves in a storm that life sends our way, and we need shelter. It could mean you are in trouble and you need someone to bail you out.

For some their higher power is that source of help that can save them from calamity while other folks rely upon their community, friends, partners to help pull them out of certain destruction.

For me I have been gifted grace from my creator. Whereas others are gifted grace by other means. All of which are good. It’s that grace that provides comfort, security, love, and peace.

We all have situations that require a helping hand from somewhere to pull us out of dark places and spaces. It can be tough to ask for that help especially if you aren’t used to asking for it or there is a trust issue that prevents you from seeking that assistance.

My friends, I hope you will reach out and to be safe in your life’s circumstances. We are all in the boat of life together. Saving yourself sometimes means asking for someone to save you and vice versa.

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Sunday Reflection: The In Between

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People have rituals that help them get through this crazy thing we call life. How we prepare for the situations that seem to arise is different and diverse as we are.

For me its church, religious studies, blogging, making connections, consuming media, spending time with family and friends. It’s important to have a sense of what is going on so that I can be aware of the changes that seem to come fast. Every day is different, so you got to be ready for that too.

There is waking to the Sunrise to do our days activities whatever that might be. Then there is retiring to rest after a long day of doing things that require our attention. Then there is the stuff in-between. What happens then? It’s up to each of us to figure that out.

Everything is about living in those times where we are preparing for the great feast that is life. It means getting dressed for the things to come. In this situation clothes matter. Whether they be divine garments or more earthly wear. You need to prepare.

What do you do to get ready? How do you live in the in-between?

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Sunday Reflection: Identity #SundayReflection

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Identity is more than your name, it’s about who you belong to, organizations you are members of and what you believe in, your ethnic group and other attributes. All those things influence you and is a part of how you interact with others. Your identity is like a personal brand that can give you some belonging to a group of people or it can set you apart from the crowd.

For me being a part of a loving family, membership in God’s family, who I work for and the community I live in can give you a sense of what I am all about. Taking those things seriously has given me an identity that I can share with others.

The other side of identity is that you might find yourself focusing on those things that give you belonging, and you might lose a sense of you are as a human being. I don’t think your identity should be a tool that excludes but it can be a way of inviting others to have a vision of the possibilities for them.

Let your identity be who you are but know it can be expanded and new things can be added to your life’s resume. Be proud of who you are but also be humble because other people have their own unique identity too.

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Sunday Reflection: Love Over Politics

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My friends my butt was kicked spiritually today. At church, this morning my priest admonished/encouraged our congregation to put brother/sisterhood above politics. Everyone was called out in his homily/sermon. I know he is right that my love for my brothers and sisters in humanity is more important than politics. That is truth.

Also, truth is that my faith informs my politics as to what makes me, me. Right now, too many people are suffering and there is so much injustice that you cannot ignore it. Righteousness sometimes means disagreeing with your brothers and sisters in a profound way.

It is my hope that I can learn to be more loving and caring for those who disagree with my personal brand of theology and politics. When it comes to the ones you love the most you must make that personal decision how you will react to what they have to say as it comes to their own politics and philosophy.

I suppose this is what reconciliation is about. That word is about action and challenging work. It’s what the world needs more of these days. Good luck to all of us in all that.

What my priest said is something that I hope to apply to my life. However, it won’t be easy. We are human, tribal, and very stubborn. Let’s see how it all goes.

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Sunday Reflection: Fairness

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As we have seen lately life is so not fair. It can be annoying that way. Things are difficult for everyone. The Rolling Stones sang you can’t always get what you want, that is wisdom for everyone. No one can win all the time. Life is set up for some adversity and the lessons taught there are valuable.

Fairness is something hoped for however it isn’t always what you get. The world has lost so many good people in the past few months that its very human to ask where the fairness is here. It can be tough for all of us to keep going when there is always something that can smack you across the face and make you feel like nothing is going right. When we see injustice happening it’s understandable to say something isn’t fair.

Everyone should have some level of anger when you experience an unfair level of strife and disappointment. No matter what you must keep moving. Remember there are a lot of people who are going through the same thing. While someone gets away with all sorts of things, fairness can be a source of justice.

Sticking together can keep you going when the chips are down. No matter what time in your life you are entitled to ask why things aren’t fair. Someone has an answer, that’s fair enough I would think.

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Sunday Reflection: Compassion Is Powerful

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Compassion is powerful. It is the act of feeling concern and pity for the misfortunes of others. It is so needed in a world where people are impacted by the Coronavirus, wildfires in the west, hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and regular situations of poverty, hunger, depression, and the like. Sometimes it means forgiving huge debts that would be impossible to repay like those who have a tough time making rent, paying medical bills, and the like.

Compassion is powerful in that it can take the pressure off people who are at their breaking point. Desperate people who through no fault of their own cannot seem to get ahead. Sometimes the system just doesn’t work for them. It means being fair and just which can mean the difference in the lives of those who need it most. The important thing to know is that you could be the person in peril, facing a mountain you cannot climb and one paycheck away from losing it all. We are all in that boat whether we like to admit it or not.

Compassion is powerful in that it works both ways. Everyone is worthy of it. Now that is not to say that one should compassion be a way for someone to take advantage of you, but it can be a way that shows a better way of living.

Compassion is powerful in that you can find your way of doing that for others. Now is not the time to be focused on ourselves but to make the world a better place by giving our friends and neighbors a much-needed break. Harness that power you must give breath and life to those in need.