Speaking of Spirit

Memorial Day - Flag on Tomb of  fallen soldiers from King Phillip's War 1675 Memorial Day in the United States has become associated with picnics, barbecues, and the opening of summer camps. Ask most young people about the holiday and they will not be able to tell you the significance. I have heard answers ranging from "It is something to do with veterans," to "It's the first day of summer, right?"  Wrong! Memorial or Decoration Day, which has its beginnings during Civil War times from 1861 to 1865, is a day to remember those who died in the service of our country. Surprisingly, while Memorial Day has been observed in many states since the mid-1800's, it did not become a legal holiday until 1971. From its start, Memorial Day was a time of reflection, remembrance, and prayer. Graves of the fallen soldiers were decorated with flags and flowers.  Today, parades of veterans march to cemeteries, sometimes accompanied by local school ba...

Photo Credit: Creative Commons via Bing "Our greatness has always come from people who expect nothing and take nothing for granted - folks who work hard for what they have, then reach back and help others after them." ~ Michelle Obama This weekend, we celebrated the life of one of the elders of our community. What a beautiful celebration it was! People from near and far, who knew and loved our neighbor and friend, Les Thomas, came to share stories filled with joy, love, compassion, and wisdom. Les was full of wisdom, but not the kind many think of - the old sage sitting with followers thirsting for a drop of insight. No, his was the wisdom of a life well lived, full of humility and compassion. This dear man left us a legacy far greater than all the riches of the world. He left us with examples, many of which we shared at his memorial, of how to serve others; thereby, making the world a much better place.  As I said, Les was humble. He didn't go around tell...

Gentle Creator  On this day of sad reflection. Let us not forget those who were taken from us, Those whose lives were cut short, Those who never got to break bread with us, Or, share their dreams.  Let us not forget their laughter, or the twinkle in their eyes. Gentle Creator  On this day of remembrance, Let us never forget Your Love. May those who have died  Live forever in the peace denied them in this life.  Amen.  © 2016 Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas

Easter Sunday around the world is a day of remembrance, rebirth, and rejoicing.  In celebrating the risen Jesus, Christians are also remembering his call to the New/Old Commandment - Love One Another - a tenant held by all world religions.   Love One Another!  If we meditate on these three words, live by these three words, we can change the world.   Love One Another - today, tomorrow and all the days to come.  A simple three word command.  A simple act of faith.  A simple way to give true glory and praise. Love One Another!

Around the world, during the months of October and November, people celebrate various observances for those who have died. Honoring the dead during is different from culture to culture. Yet, many of the old ways inform how we celebrate and honor the dead, today Halloween comes from an ancient Pagan feast called, Samhain.  This was part harvest celebration and part feast of the dead, because the Pagan people of Ireland and Great Britain believed that during this time of the year, the veil that separated this life from the next was lifted.  They believed their dead ancestors would come to visit, along with unwelcome spirits.  The creation of jack-o-lanterns was a way to keep unwanted ghosts from visiting.      Image via Wikipedia   JACK-O-LANTERNS Later, this celebration was divided into two celebrations - All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The faithful would celebrate all the saints, asking for help or intercession in the year ...

Georg Flegel [Public domain],  via Wikimedia Commons We find ourselves in the seasons celebrating harvest, remembrance and light. Each faith tradition or spiritual path has celebrations or observances during the months of October, November and December.  These are the dark months, the months where we in the northern hemisphere prepare for winter.  These are the months of harvest and of remembering that at some point in this life, our "light" will cease to shine.  We will return to the Creator. And, so, we remember those who have gone ahead, praying that they have found eternal Light.  We pray that we will meet again, when our time comes.  We give thanks for what we have been given and pray that it will sustain us until the days are long once more. So, as we pass through these dark months, let us light a candle and pray - Creator, great Harvester of Light and Love, hear us as we prepare for the darkened days, hear us as we light our way ...