I'm tired of political name-calling, of email and facebook postings from friends on both sides of various fences, which descend into name-calling and pot-shots instead of offering interesting and creative solutions to the complex problems we all face. It's bad enough when 'they' do it, even worse when we do.
"Faith is courage; it is creative while despair is always destructive." ~ David S. Muzzey
When I contemplate the health care crisis, I'm reminded of the long Christian missionary tradition of opening clinics in countries where significant segments of the population have no health coverage. What's the name of the hospital in your community? What are its antecedents? Hmmm...
"Faith goes up the stairs that love has made and looks out the windows which hope has opened." ~Charles H. Spurgeon
Meanwhile, October is The Word Shop's birthday month. For 14 years we've operated a book clinic with a totally volunteer staff, offering extraordinarily low cost edification, encouragement and entertainment to people of all stripe. I am grateful for your presence, projects and prayers; for the gifts from all who have shared in this little endeavor: the staff and sponsors, the people who've bought books and brought books, and all those who have opened their hearts along the journey. Thanks be to God for the manifold graces he has poured into this corner of the kingdom.
"I am a part of all that I have met." -Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Seventy pages into Thomas Cahill's Pope John XXIII I finally arrived at the 20th century and the birth of Angelo, who becomes Pope John 23. In order to understand the siginificance of the Pope who engendered Vatican II, Carlile felt we needed to take an end run through the Papal history. This was not my first bar-be-que, but the historical section of my brain is coated with teflon; facts easily slide off. Therefore reading through yet another account of the convoluted papal linage was NOT like discovering a quarter of the way through a mystery novel that I've read it before. Cahill's drama focused primarily on the demise of the conciliar notion of Christianity and power-mongering between popes, emperors and fledgling governments.
Although this was interesting, I took a break just as Vatican II was being gathered and read Pray with Fire; Interceding in the Spirit by Guy Chevreau. Unlike many books which talk about praying FOR revival, this one focused on prayer in the midst of revival--specifically during the Toronto Airport blessings. Reading it stirred up a longing for His presence; "as the hart pants after the waterbrooks, so pants my soul after you." Pray with Fire gathers thoughts on prayer from a variety of sources including past revival leaders, luminaries and even Calvin (who is perceived as a bad-guy in many circles, but nonetheless had some good things to say about prayer). Testimonies from people who flocked to the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship add current experiences to the mix, as do the stories and insights from those on the prayer teams.
Chevreau writes that unlike other revivals, Toronto Airport blessing wasn't focused on a particular person--other than Christ. It didn't follow a singular charismatic individual, gifted in preaching or healing. There wasn't a particular platform star. Instead large shifting teams of people prayed with the thousands who showed up to receive a blessing from the Lord.
"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live." ~ Jackie Windspear
Before I had a chance to get back to Vatican II, I realized that I better get-on a book for the Russian Literary Party. Years ago, Fr. George from Family Camp gave me a beautifully illustrated edition of Tolstoy's Resurrection. At the time, I couldn't get into the story. The book has since resided in the center square of my bedroom bookcase under an Easter icon and next to Mother Teresa's Works of Love are Works of Peace (another gorgeous book). Nudged by the upcoming Russian Literary Party, I took a deep breath and jumped in. What an amazing book! Tolstoy portrays the inner conflicts between what he calls the 'spiritual' and the 'animal' man, showing the intimate choices people make against truth, justice and beauty in order to maintain their financial and social status. He ruthlessly describes the devastating effect this has in social, political, legal and religious institutions. Through the story of a man--with an unspellable name, of course--who struggles to act in accord with his awakened heart, Tolstoy demonstrates the multi-layered difficulties in helping individuals and solving sociopolitical disparities.
"I believe I found the missing link between animal and civilized man. It is us." -Konrad Lorenz
Next month's Literary Party will focus on Children's Literature. Friday, November 13 at 1:30. Susan said that we each may bring 3 books.
The Publishing Project continues. Three people brought snacks to the meeting where-in we managed to discuss pieces to be included without anyone getting cranky. An editing workshop is underway. We still, however, haven't settled on the book title for this fine compilation from Word Shop workshop writers. Committees are lovely things. Rita had the bright idea of holding a title contest. Anyone who can dream up a title that six slightly crazy and dangerously disparate individuals can agree on, will receive a free copy of the book, credit on the acknowledgment page, undying thanks. Hit reply and write words.
"Friendship is the only cement that will hold the world together." - Woodrow Wilson
Blessings,
Alliee +