By Steve Wickham —
DIVISIONS separate Jesus-believers and nonbelievers the world over.
But those same divisions also cause Christ-believers to fight each other, and this has never been so evident as through the age of highly visual, codifiable social media, especially around ethics within God’s kingdom here on earth.
And on all sides of every debate are dualistic, all-or-nothing, I-am-right-you-are-wrong thinkers. We’re all guilty. We all partake in what the AAs call ‘stinking thinking’. Despite Jesus’ final command: love one another. Richard Rohr teaches that we’re all, by default, either-or thinkers. We’re geared to decide, and thought that ponders for decision is the antithesis of the contemplative experience: to just be — could be called, a state of shalom.
Thinking is shown as a barrier to shalom, yet contemplation is the broker of Presence.
It’s simple to illustrate the thinking that impedes our journey toward shalom. Think of me, or this article, or the way it’s presented, or something on this page you disagree with, or with the amount of engagement the article creates (little or much). Chances are, in some way(s), you’re saying ‘no’ to something, judging something, without even being aware of it. Maybe you’re too positive. We all do it. The mind is dualistic by nature, especially in the modern West. The more knowledge has puffed us up (1 Corinthians 8:1), the more degrees we have the worse it can get, lessened is our capacity to be freely open of mind and heart.
The dualistic mind has the default, ‘no’. It is negatively autonomic. We don’t typically come to new things with a ‘yes’ or ‘can do’ attitude by intuitive default. We’ve learned to judge, and unfortunately, we do it with light-speed efficiency. And we get stuck in judging the smallest detail and then, because of the prominence of indignation, our attention gets caught there. Our thinking distracts our attention and derails our focus.
But as Jesus-followers we know judging is sin. We ought to know our thinking is the problem, and we need to submit our thinking to the Spirit’s overhaul. We may invest in the spiritual practice of contemplation. So, we learn to approach God in silence, and silence becomes our cherished prayer language. And God speaks! Always through silence.
Engaging in contemplative prayer is how we enrol ourselves in the school of God’s Presence, and achieving shalom is for dux students. It requires us to attain the skill of shutting down our mind to experience shalom. It involves shutting down the mind in the mode of surrender, departing from the cognitive, thoughts falling away, by engaging in intentional, even determined rest that becomes a practice.
Try and experience shalom when you watch sport or broadcast news or anything competitive on television — it’s impossible. Our thinking is so automatically invested in what we’ve already decided to think. It’s the same when we seek peace amid distraction. Frustration ensues. We need to organise our environment, making it conducive to rest.
Presence is the broker of shalom. It’s achieved when, in contemplation, there is freedom to experience the present, through freedom from thought.
When we practice Presence, experiencing shalom, God counsels us, and we become less judgmental, more able to deploy wisdom in our daily lives. And what emerges is the fruit of the Spirit so we’re able to love one another.
by Christine Sine
The clean up crew
A couple of weeks ago, Tom and I were excited to join James Amadon, the new MSA executive director and his friends for a clean up day on the Camano property. In a couple of hours we cleared out the remaining broken glass from the vandalism and hauled away loads of trash. In the grass where our labyrinth was usually located we found a painted stone that read: New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. The transition to new leadership has gone very well, but it is painful to see the damage on the property and to struggle
with how to move forward without it happen
ing again. It is encouraging to see James’ enthusiasm and the new things that are starting to grow. I I sensed God is saying This is a new and important beginning.
You can catch a glimpse of what is emerging in this video of Tom interviewing James a few days ago. Expect to hear much more in the near future about these exciting developments and for more information on how you can be a part of what is happening email James at jamadon316@gmail.com.
by Christine Sine
Last week, many of us were transfixed by the amazing images of the solar eclipse that blazed a path across the U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina. Here in Seattle, we were not plunged into darkness but it was still an amazing experience.
A couple of weeks ago, we were just as impacted by the hazy smoke which blanketed Seattle curtesy of the horrific wildfires in British Columbia to the north. The red sun that greeted us each morning and evening and the red glow around Mt Rainier as we returned from our European trip are indelibly imprinted on my memory however.
Nineteen of the fires have now merged to create the largest wildfire ever recorded in B.C. history. Many people, especially those with respiratory conditions, infants and the elderly are still struggling with health issues associated with the pollution. The fires were made worse by the hot dry weather – the longest stretch of days without measurable rain ever, and some of the hottest temperatures on record, ironically relieved a little by the haze. In spite of that this is still predicted to be one of the hottest summers on record, not just here but across much of the Northern hemisphere. And much further south, in Antarctica we have just witnessed the break away of the largest iceberg on record.
Overwhelming? Yes. Daunting? Yes. Powerless to do something? No.
Our climate is changing and whether we believe human activity has created this change or not we still have a responsibility to respond. God watches over us but still calls us to steward the earth and its resources and has given all of us the capability to make a difference. Here are a few simple things that we can all do:
- Walk more. Walking is not only good for our bodies it is good for the earth. Many of us walk for our health, but we can intentionally walk so that we cut down on our use of cars too. Since Tom and I decided to walk 10,000 steps a day we more frequently walk to the grocery store. What other local errands could be walked to rather than driven to?
- Use public transport. On our recent trip to Europe we relished the use of buses and trains. We did not need a car. This is a little more challenging in the U.S. but a growing number of urban dwellers find they too can do without a car. It is good for their budgets as well as the health of the earth.
- Buy a bike. A growing number of cities are becoming bike friendly. This is a great way to get around. It saves energy, causes no pollution and is good exercise.
- Commit to alternative energy. Electric cars, solar panels on houses, encouraging renewable energy production by our utility companies are always to reduce the polluting effects of coal and oil.
- Make your house energy efficient. We recently added insulation to our attic space and added ceiling fans. It has helped keep the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Having an energy audit done of your house is one simple way to help reduce energy consumption and bring a small measure of healing to the land.
- Cut your water consumption. I grew up with low-flow toilets and shower heads and was amazed when I moved to the U.S. to find that these were not in regular use. That has changed but there are still many homes that have not made the move. And in the garden, moving to drought resistant plants and adding thick layers of mulch are simple ways to cut the need for watering.
- Stop using herbicides and toxic chemicals. Both in the house and the garden the use of toxic chemicals contributes to pollution of land and water. Baking soda and vinegar are our best friends – killing bugs and cleaning surfaces. This website as some good simple recipes for cleansing solutions.
- Eat locally & reduce the meat. Some of us are reluctant to go vegetarian, but can still reduce our energy consumption by eating locally grown meat. The shorter distances our food has travelled, the less energy is consumed and the more healthy it is for the environment.
- Recycle creatively. I love to think about ways to reuse furniture, containers and waste products, and such recycling has become an art. Before you throw something into the land fill, search Pinterest for creative ways to reuse it. You might be surprised at the possibilities and delighted with the fun results.
- Buy less, Make Your Own. I have always been a believer in homemade food, clothing and even toys for kids. There is something very satisfying about making something ourselves. And when we make it or grow it ourselves we don’t want to throw it out so we become less consumptive too. We grow about 40% of our own vegetables and fruit. I still make my own granola, yoghurt and baked goods, dehydrate fruit, make preserves and marinara sauce. Have great fun in the process and joy in the product.
What Is Your Response?
Sit prayerfully for a few minutes and think about your own life. Watch the video of the eclipse below and then read through Psalm 121 above. As God watches over you what are the implications for your stewardship of creation? What are some simple steps you could take to reduce your eco footprint and help heal the land?
The gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Harvey which is expected to bring up to 3 feet of rain to some areas. In China and Hong Kong, people are mopping up after Typhoon Hato which left 12 dead from high winds and extensive flooding. In Switzerland, the village of Bondo has been evacuated following a massive landslide. And in British Columbia, over 1,000 have fled their homes as new wildfires flare.
This prayer is adapted from one I wrote following Hurricane Sandy. Please pray it with me for all victims of these and other disasters in our world today.
Lord, you are always with us,
Our shelter in the midst of every tragedy.
In the quiet and the storm you surround us,
Your love stays closer than a friend.
In this time of storm, of mudslide and disaster be with all who are vulnerable.
Hold them close as the winds blow, the oceans rage and the land slides.
Place your arms around them as the fires burn, trees fall and rivers rise.
Keep them safe from wind and rain and fly debris.
Guide those that respond and keep them safe.
Be with rescuers and firemen,
With electric workers and emergency crews,
With all who reach out to neighbours with your love and compassion.
Comfort and protect them in the midst of danger and of strife.
May all find shelter in the embrace of your wings.
By Lilly Lewin
Sometimes I need to be reminded that I am not stuck.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that I have been set free.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that Jesus is standing at the door and knocking,
All I have to do is open the door.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that I have been given the keys.
Sometimes I have built a barricade between the door and me.
Sometimes I have put lots of old shoes, umbrellas, hats, coats, backpacks and shopping bags by the door and there is just so much stuff that I feel trapped inside.
And I totally forget that I have the keys.
I can open the door and leave the clutter and old things behind me.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that I have been given the keys,
the keys to the door, the keys to the Kingdom.
I am not stuck.
I am not locked in.
It is not impossible.
I have been given the keys.
Jesus tells Peter that he has been given the keys to the Kingdom.
And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 The Message
Keys! We too have been given keys! Keys to unlock things that we’ve been keeping closed and hidden away. Keys to unlock the blockages in our hearts and in our heads, the things that keep us stuck and keep us hidden and keep us afraid.
What does it feel like to hold the keys to something?
It usually means you can sleep somewhere or drive somewhere.
You have access. You have power.
What needs unlocking in your life right now? Are their doors that are shut tight? Are their vaults that you have stored away and refused to open? Are there old closets of crap that need to be cleaned out?
What locked things would you like to see opened in your life?
If Jesus has handed you the keys, can you believe, can you accept, that Jesus will help you unlock those places? Or those things you’ve kept closed?
What about those places or problems in your world that feel locked down?
What about places of injustice or pain that feel impossible to fix
What if you’ve been given the keys?
What if you have the key that unlocks and opens the way through?
What if we just need to ask for the right key?
Jesus, today, I’m in need of keys to unlock my fear.
Today, I need keys that will unlock hatred, bitterness and uncertainty that can so quickly take root inside of me.
Jesus, today I’m asking for keys to unlock misunderstanding and division within our country.
Today, I am asking for new keys to help unlock the broken systems that keep people in poverty.
Jesus today I need your keys to unlock the sense of overwhelm I often feel because of the suffering in so many places around the world.
Today, Jesus, I am thankful for your gift of keys.
What do your Kingdom Keys look like? What keys do you need today?
What things do you want those keys to unlock?
Let the keys that you see, the keys that you hold and use this week, be reminders that Jesus has given you Kingdom Keys!
By Rev. Rebecca Sumner, Adapted by Andy Wade
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Make me an instrument of your peace in Hood River, Odell, Parkdale, White Salmon, Bingen, the Gorge, your world.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where politics divide, where the poor are excluded, where people of other faiths and sexual orientations are threatened, harassed, and killed, help me to be a sower of friendship, acceptance, and love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where our Latino sisters and brothers live in fear of deportation and families are torn apart, where people of color fear the people and systems that should provide protection, and where Native peoples continue to go unrecognized by the government resulting in a lack of access to housing, water, and fishing rights, in all these places and more, help me to listen, seek forgiveness, and become an ally through the shalom work of God.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where people have given up on God because of the abuse and hypocrisy of God’s people, help me to restore faith by listening to their pain, seeking forgiveness, and cultivating deeper relationships.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where addiction, abuse, unemployment, lack of housing and other issues drags my neighbors into despair, help me to be a steadfast friend. Show me how to bring hope and healing to all those around me.
Where there is darkness, light.
For those in my community trapped by the prison system, help me to be a beacon of light, bringing hope, friendship, and possibility.
When destruction of God’s creation is rampant and it seems we’re moving toward irreversible crisis, help me to shine light on the possibilities to make a better world and to share examples of how it’s already happening.
Where there is sadness, joy.
Where people sit in loneliness and isolation, help me to see. Help me to make time to be a friend, to listen to stories of pain and grief, to be present without passing judgement or trying to fix them. Where grief overwhelms, let mine be the hand of love holding on together until joy returns.
Divine Master, help me to seek not my own comfort, but the comfort of others.
Help me to understand other’s as a pathway to being understood.
Help me to love others sacrificially as you love us.
For it is in giving to others and seeking for their best that we, ourselves, receive. It is in extending the hand of peace and forgiveness that we embrace a peace that comes to all,
And it is in dying to our own selfish interests in favor of the other that the Kingdom of God is unleashed in our midst.
Amen
By Jeannie Kendall —
As I write this I have just watched the film “Impossible”, the moving (and true) story of a family caught up in the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004. Don’t worry – no film spoilers. At one point of the film, a young boy is looking up at the stars. Someone sits beside him, and watches them too. She tells him that some of the stars that he sees have already burnt out, but they continue to shine. What is more, it is impossible to tell the difference.
Now I have no idea if that is scientifically accurate, but I found the concept both intriguing and mildly disturbing. So many in our society rocket through life, cramming more into the day than the 24 hours was ever intended to hold, afraid that stopping may somehow diminish us. Society colludes with this lie that busyness equals significance – even promoting advertisements heralding ways to keep going when we are ill with the latest cold or flu treatment. Sometimes our over-activity stems from hidden scars – we fear that the silence or stillness of inactivity may reveal turmoil we are seeking desperately to keep at bay.
Why do so many of us struggle to look after ourselves by taking rest, by sometimes saying no to the good to foster the best – our seeing ourselves as worthy of looking after just as much as those around us? People of faith can find it particularly difficult – sometimes silently articulating the underlying false theology that we need to earn God’s love. As a new Christian I was taught “Jesus-others-me” as the order of importance and the way to be a good disciple. Yet to serve God and others well we need to look after ourselves too. Jesus took rest (albeit sometimes interrupted!) and was unafraid to ask for help or companionship when he needed it.
The salutary message of that portion of the film is simple. Self-care is not an optional extra, or the lack of it a badge of honour. Indeed, if we do not listen to our bodies, minds and emotions we risk, like the stars, finding ourselves burning just as brightly but that brilliance disguising a core which has lost the life and vitality we once possessed. Jesus, it seems to me, wants something very different from that….
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)
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