Speaking of Spirit

The picture above was taken immediately after my ordination -  June 2013.  I made my stole with bits and pieces of material, lace, and beads sent to me by loved ones. This stole is symbolic of how we all fit together, are connected as well as how our differences when celebrated and connected create something beautiful.  I have often been asked why I became a minister.  Here is my response. “ Here I am  Lord. ”  The first time I heard this hymn based on the story of Isaiah, I felt as if this was my story. I, too, had heard Spirit calling me; I, too, wanted to answer. However, as a young, Catholic girl answering Spirit’s call was confusing. I knew in my heart that I did not want to be a nun; however, to become clergy, I had to be male. Each time I mentioned wanting to become a priest, I was told not to think such things. If becoming a nun was not appealing, then I should simply concentrate on being a good wife and mother. Neverthele...

  Photo Credit: Public Domain Images at  https://goo.gl/images/Lm4NG5 For many of us, the world seems overwhelmingly needy. Everyday, there is a new cause to champion, a new place to focus our interests and resources. We often feel overwhelmed and lost. Let me say, I am talking from my own experience. I want to help make the world better, but there is so much work to do, I often feel like I am drowning in requests for aid. I am only one person. However... A dear teacher once told me that alone we have limits, but together, we can move mountains. In a chorale, the soloist relies on the chorus for the rich melodies and harmonies that make a performance outstanding. In art, an artist must bring colors together - one pigment does not make for an interesting painting. In life, a person must rely on the assistance of others from birth through death. This week, when things become overwhelming, stop and think. Who is of like mind? Who can you share the burden with at th...

Image via Wikipedia Being an interfaith minister, my interest peaks whenever I hear of something written by another interfaith minister. The book, Beginner's Grace by Kate Braestrup is a memoir of the development of Kate's prayer life. Kate is a minister, and chaplain for the Maine Warden Service.  In this book, she tells the stories that led her to prayer...both those written by other's and her own.   These are a few of my favorites: Parent's Prayer by Kate Braestrup O God be with my darling child My dear, charming, impulsive, stormy one Hold her for me. Free her that she may grow; Grow in her That she may grow in You. May my child be loving and beloved. Amen. Muhammad's Exhortation - The Qu’ran: SM 249 What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of a human being, To feed the hungry, To help the afflicted, To lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, To remove the wrongs of the injured. That person is most belo...