Speaking of Spirit

 Mother and Child (c) 2018 Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas "Unto us a child is born." - Isaiah 9:6 Years ago, in the church of my childhood, I first heard these words said during Midnight Mass. I wondered at the time why the Babe was being born "to us." But, as is the habit with children, I didn't ponder the point for long. In fact, I didn't think about it again, until the following year, when the grand announcement was once again given.   So, why does the prophet use these exact words? A half-century later, I believe it is because in cultures around the world, the birth of a child is not simply celebrated by family, but also by the community. A baby is evidence that life continues. Regardless of what horrors the child might be born into, the child's birth brings hope that Love will triumph.   A child is born someplace in the world every quarter of a second - that's four babies per second! Humanity, despite all the pain and suff...

When my first grandchild was born, I was overwhelmed with emotion.  In her tiny eyes, I saw my mother, my grandmother and the long line of women, who preceded them. I thought I was simply overly emotional from driving across three states to be with this new bundle of joy and my daughter. However, a recent meme on Facebook gave me pause to think. According to the meme, "A female fetus is born with all the eggs she will ever have in her lifetime. So, when your grandma was carrying your mum in her womb, you were a teeny tiny egg in your mum’s ovaries." That is to say, that the three of you were in one body, simultaneously. One!  The thought of this blew me away. I instantly teared up, thinking of my four daughters and my 11 grandchildren.  Then, came the naysayers. "An egg is not a fetus." True. But, it is part of who a person will become. That is to say, when your grandmother was carrying your mother, part you was also part of your mother!  In addition, the...

Holy One - we come today to pray for the fathers of this world, who daily struggle to provide for families, to care for and nurture their children,  and for whom the responsibility can be too great.    Bless all the fathers  that, daily, hold their children in wonder, sharing with them Your Love.    Bless all the fathers - even those who are absent - Open their hearts and minds to Love. Bless all the families of fathers who are in eternal rest. Give them joyous memories, strength to carry them through the days ahead,  and the balm of Your Love to soothe their grief. Creator of All - we come to you in prayer for all the fathers of this world. Hold them in Your Hand, give them wisdom, strength and gentleness, so that they may be models of Your Love to their children, and their children's children, now and for years to come. Amen.

Over the last few days, I have been haunted by the images of refugees fleeing Syria.  As a mother and grandmother, my heart has once more been broken by the total horror of this world.  The little one found on the shore wasn't so much flotsam and jetsam.  He was someone's precious little boy, someone's blessed little grandson.   I am of the belief that all children are our children - whether we birth them or they live thousands of miles away - they are our children.  We, as a global community are responsible for them, as responsible as if they lived in our own homes.   I, like many of us out there, feel helpless in these situations. BUT, one thing I have learned - I cannot, will not stay silent .  I must raise my voice in prayer and protest when the horrors of war and injustice slither out from under the rocks in which they hide.  That being the case, this is my offering, humble as it is.  Perhaps it will reach those who have the...

Image via Wikipedia In the Face of Adversity The winter wind blows cold. Walking down the street, my heart aches for warmth. Fear nips at my heals. I pray for the strength to meet this new day, drawing out what sunshine I can find lingering in the dark corners. Grandmother’s Prayer While holding this little one  who still smells of angel essence, so fresh from Your hands to mine, I pray for my child - the mother - that she may have the wisdom to guide your gift to us through the perilous paths of life. Grant that I have the pleasure to watch - without interfering - to guide - without preaching and to love - without end, as You do. As the Sprouts Form Image via Wikipedia Creator of the tiniest atoms, we sing praise,  as from this warm soil sprouts begin to force their gentle green bodies into the sunlight we sing praise,  as from skeletons of wood the smallest of buds ...