Rev. James Ishmael Ford - August 20, 2023
The Great Invitation: A Meditation on Queering Religion
In April James was officially designated a "Distinguished Alumn" at his seminary, the Pacific School of Religion. When he visited he witnessed some of the consequences of the steep decline in mainstream religions, especially Christianity. He also witnessed some things that gave him hope for a vital and useful spirituality in our perilous times.
From Monthly: "Abundance"
Let’s explore and ask questions in worship, small groups, and personal reflection on this month’s theme, Abundance. Abundance is not a result you create. It is an existing state you recognize. We ask for long life, but ’tis deep life, or noble moments that signify. Let the measure of time be spiritual, not mechanical. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Abundance is not the result of unlimited opportunities or resources. It is manifested by limitless thinking, a courageous spirit, and a grateful, receptive heart. ~ Anthon St. Maarten Air is your most basic need and it’s available in abundance. You don’t have to hoard it or fight for it. May all your needs be fulfilled like that. ~ Shunya Family was even a bigger word than I imagined, wide and without limitations, if you allowed it, defying easy definition. You had family that was supposed to be family and wasn’t, family that wasn’t family but was, halves becoming whole, wholes splitting into two; it was possible to lack whole, honest love and connection from family in lead roles, yet to be filled to abundance by the unexpected supporting players. ~ Deb Caletti, The Secret Life of Prince Charming For fast-acting relief, try slowing down. ~ Lily Tomlin Honor your desire for a new life. Say yes to the small inklings of interest and curiosity that present themselves each day. ~ Lynn A. Robinson Just as there are no little people or unimportant lives, there is no insignificant work. ~ Elena Bonner Live from abundance; Utilize with economy; Share in advance. ~ Geoffrey M. Gluckman May our effort, confidence and concern for others be the altar from which we pray for personal abundance. ~ Laura Teresa Marquez No one needed to say it, but the room overflowed with that sort of blessing. The combination of loss and abundance. The abundance that has no guilt. The loss that has no fix. The simple tiredness that is not weary. The hope not built on blindness. ~ Aimee Bender We are fluent in the story of our time marked by catastrophe and dysfunction. That is real — but it’s not the whole story of us. There is also an ordinary and abundant unfolding of dignity and care and generosity, of social creativity and evolution and breakthrough. How to make that more vibrant, more visible, and more defining? ~ Krista Tippit’s On Being project We are that. An intuition, a sliver of god consciousness in our hearts, pointing toward a bigger reality. We are that, says a little acorn pointing toward an oak tree. We are that, says Buddha pointing toward the moon. We are that, says Jesus pointing toward a lamp.~ Rev. Arif Mamdani, Cycle of Life and Prayer [excerpt]