Speaking of Spirit

Photo Credit: (c) 2014 Linda M. Rhinehart Neas " I will break their hearts of stone,  Give them hearts for love alone." - Dan Schutte The words above are from one of my favorite hymns, Here I am Lord , which we sang at my ordination several years ago.  This hymn is about answering the call of Spirit to serve others.  In the chorus, we sing, "Here I am, Lord...I have heard you calling in the night." This is based on the Bible stories in which Isaiah and Samuel, at different times, answer the call to serve their brothers and sisters. We are all called to serve. Each of us has special gifts that are meant to be shared with the world. Our gifts are many and varied - compassion, music, healing, art, writing, speaking, raising children, raising crops - the list is endless. What is important is that we understand that we are called to serve others with these gifts. To turn our backs on this call is to turn our backs on all that we hold sacred. Some of us turn ...

When Josiah Gilbert Holland penned the words to his poem, Wanted , he could hardly have known how universal and everlasting they would become . In 1872, the suffrage movement was in full swing. Ironically, while Holland was a supporter of President Linconln's efforts toward emancipation, he was vehemently opposed to suffrage and women's rights. Nevertheless, I believe, this poem written in the midst of the battle for women's rights has transcended that moment in time.   Today, Holland's words can be used as a call to wake the masses from the apathy and media brainwashing that exists in our country and around the world.  (NOTE: In sharing Holland's words, I have, in parenthesis, replaced the word men with people. Suffrage became reality in 1920. A poem of this ilk can now be fearlessly addressed to all, thus the use of "people.") WANTED God, give us (people!) A time like this demands          Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready...

As we entered the New Year, I meditated upon my one word for the year.  What came to me was "fearless." Given the state of the world and the constant battle I have been doing with fear, this word felt Heaven-sent. During the past five days, I have felt like the women of the scripture who are told, "Be not afraid." Over and over, I have been reminded that I can be fearless as I teach, as I write, as I minister. Good people will continue to do good things. God will provide for my needs, as always. My one concern is to continue shining the Light that has been given me to share - the Light of Love, the Light of Peace and the Light of Acceptance. In my searches for quotes by women who exemplify fearlessness, I have found the following: We realize the importance of our voices only when they are silenced.  ~ Malala Yousafzai We can do no great things, only small things with great love.  ~ Mother Theresa Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic sel...