We pause, pray, meditate – affirming the connection we have with each other and the God of all understandings. Unity, mystery, love, touch, tears, transcendence, grace, relationships and nature. All these and more. We abide with each other in patience, humility and mutuality as we affirm the human journey and all that is possible. We do not assert our superiority; we do not trump each’s understandings; we do not proclaim our truths, opinions or interpretations as valid alone. Rather, we remain open to the unfolding of all that can be learned, all that can be done…all that can be; all the love given and received. We would benefit from each’s stories, sharing our convictions without diminishing the joy others hold.

We pause to consider this challenging and liberating proclamation: Help me to believe the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is. Let us now in these opening moments consider if we affirm ourselves as valid, important persons in this community and world. Do we uphold ourselves, affirming a fundamental goodness and beauty, our uniqueness to be celebrated? Or do we cower in fear, insecurity, and tentativeness, hesitant to be known and seen; living with that age-old notion that we are fundamentally flawed and in need of some other-worldly event in order to be free and alive, restored and redeemed?

As we perform and portray on the world’s stage, each another’s audience, may we continue to understand that all is fundamentally good and beautiful. The mythical proclamation of “Very Good” in the beginning resonates throughout the universe. Original blessing for all time. We resist the siren song of magazines, television and ads that compel us to strive to meet some impossible standard; some ideal of beauty, someone’s fantasy. We are seduced with thousands of messages that lead us away from who we are and invite us to be a second-best someone else. May we forgive ourselves and those around for buying into societal norms that oppress and diminish. Might we dwell at least a little bit more in our original beauty and challenge all else that implies or declares that we do not measure up.

Still, we know we are also on the way; that we move beyond our previous selves: Constant renewal, restoration, redemption and salvation; a constant turning and becoming. We celebrate the power of love spoken and known in all creation; we heed the call of community to keep us inspired, moving, forgiving and accountable. Ah, the dance of responsibility and freedom goading us on into life and into the heart of our relationships and faith. We celebrate all we are right now – with all our foibles and idiosyncrasies. We celebrate all we are becoming in beauty, courage and humility.

We remember our neighbors near and far. Those suffering from nature’s storms; those recovering from surgeries; those in the aftermath of losing ones loved. We pause now to remember all we hold close and those across time and space needing care, compassion, relief, encouragement. (silence) May we be mindful intention; may we be active hands; may we be the authentic presence that brings about transformation of mind, body and community. May grace, peace, and excitement for life be with all here gathered. We pray in honor of all that is good, beautiful, eternal and life giving. Amen.

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