This is a remarkable piece. Reading it in a hospital waiting room the morning after the debate is grounding, comforting and hopeful. As always, thank you Diana.
My wife began standing for the reading of God's word in our church. I stood with her. We were the only ones, and for me, it was awkward, almost painfully so, but a double allegiance to my God and my wife compelled me. Before long (not soon enough for me, though, as my discomfort with the nonconformity continued), the pastors began inviting the congregation to "stand for the reading of God's word, if able." And nearly everyone did. I suspect the sitters may then have felt discomfort for their nonconformity. My hope is that in the prior and latter practices, we held a common devotion to God's word, no matter our postures.
If that lady reacted negatively to your posture, can you imagine how negatively she would have reacted to her inability to control your thoughts?
I have gained more understanding of why some Trump supporters do not decry Trump's morality. It appears that their perception of issues trumps any moral concerns they have. Examples of issues are things like public aid, the deficit, the economy, and immigration and its concomitant expenses. I once could not understand their ignoring the moral questions. Now I realize they feel aggrieved by a whole range of concerns that go beyond judgement of the leader's morals.
I stand during the service and to receive. Jesus did not say kneel. I think in one place when disciples ask about praying, he replies with, "and when you stand to pray, pray this.' I think what I continually struggle with is this: what possesses someone to go up to another person- especially after worship- to angrily chastise another person?
Same question when people post angry posts that denigrate another human being,that they have never personally met. The words from so many at the DNC offered hope, patience, respect...similar to our baptismal covenant. I usually don't watch those convention speeches but this time was different.
After Vatican II, we were instructed to stand after communion, to assume the position of resurrection. I loved it. Focusing on the Christ at that moment, standing seemed most appropriate. Now....that has been taken away....as well as many other innovations of the Council meant to deepen our understanding of our sacred milieu. While I no longer attend mass on a regular basis (due to the reinstatement of singing while we still battle covid), I can identify with this reading. Keep standing! For me and for you!
Allowing each other space to interpret how to pray reflects the mix of cultural and other kinds of diversity in which we live. Your standing in the presence of God to pray is what some Orthodox traditions require😊.
The Episcopal church I attend welcomes everyone to worship in the way that feels appropriate for them. We have a few who might kneel, while others are standing, and others remain seated. It varies during the liturgical season, the point at which we are at during the service, etc. There is usually a majority, but no one is singled out if they don't "comply."
I’ve been 2 several Episcopal churches and the Common practice at these churches was different. I a couple of churches it was to stand for prayers and kneel confessions. One church, we stood to sing another sit. I think, you do you. God Bless 🫶
I was kicked out of my church because I insisted upon standing for all hymns of praise. The middle one had become a sit down hymn because a Pastor 50 years earlier decided it so.
thank you, I came away from watching the convention with a lessen of us/them. I began saying to myself when I passed their trump flag in their yard, ‘no, I do not share the sentiment of what this flag represents or possibly the person displaying it…here’s my shift, but…we are still living in community and are part of this family and I will make space for you. I must even make space for Trump as a person, but not as president . ‘
In the Presbyterian tradition to which I belong, it’s been said that unity is not uniformity, it is not sameness. It is in our diversity that we find ourselves formed into a richer unity. It’s like musical notes. If uniformity were what was required there would be no harmony. It is in the diversity of notes that we get the beauty of a harmonious sound. That’s what makes high fidelity - a full, rich, lush sound.
This is a remarkable piece. Reading it in a hospital waiting room the morning after the debate is grounding, comforting and hopeful. As always, thank you Diana.
My wife began standing for the reading of God's word in our church. I stood with her. We were the only ones, and for me, it was awkward, almost painfully so, but a double allegiance to my God and my wife compelled me. Before long (not soon enough for me, though, as my discomfort with the nonconformity continued), the pastors began inviting the congregation to "stand for the reading of God's word, if able." And nearly everyone did. I suspect the sitters may then have felt discomfort for their nonconformity. My hope is that in the prior and latter practices, we held a common devotion to God's word, no matter our postures.
If that lady reacted negatively to your posture, can you imagine how negatively she would have reacted to her inability to control your thoughts?
I have gained more understanding of why some Trump supporters do not decry Trump's morality. It appears that their perception of issues trumps any moral concerns they have. Examples of issues are things like public aid, the deficit, the economy, and immigration and its concomitant expenses. I once could not understand their ignoring the moral questions. Now I realize they feel aggrieved by a whole range of concerns that go beyond judgement of the leader's morals.
I stand during the service and to receive. Jesus did not say kneel. I think in one place when disciples ask about praying, he replies with, "and when you stand to pray, pray this.' I think what I continually struggle with is this: what possesses someone to go up to another person- especially after worship- to angrily chastise another person?
Same question when people post angry posts that denigrate another human being,that they have never personally met. The words from so many at the DNC offered hope, patience, respect...similar to our baptismal covenant. I usually don't watch those convention speeches but this time was different.
After Vatican II, we were instructed to stand after communion, to assume the position of resurrection. I loved it. Focusing on the Christ at that moment, standing seemed most appropriate. Now....that has been taken away....as well as many other innovations of the Council meant to deepen our understanding of our sacred milieu. While I no longer attend mass on a regular basis (due to the reinstatement of singing while we still battle covid), I can identify with this reading. Keep standing! For me and for you!
Allowing each other space to interpret how to pray reflects the mix of cultural and other kinds of diversity in which we live. Your standing in the presence of God to pray is what some Orthodox traditions require😊.
The Episcopal church I attend welcomes everyone to worship in the way that feels appropriate for them. We have a few who might kneel, while others are standing, and others remain seated. It varies during the liturgical season, the point at which we are at during the service, etc. There is usually a majority, but no one is singled out if they don't "comply."
I’ve been 2 several Episcopal churches and the Common practice at these churches was different. I a couple of churches it was to stand for prayers and kneel confessions. One church, we stood to sing another sit. I think, you do you. God Bless 🫶
Don’t you love cranky old church ladies who are EGN? Extra grace needed!
I was kicked out of my church because I insisted upon standing for all hymns of praise. The middle one had become a sit down hymn because a Pastor 50 years earlier decided it so.
glimpse of this kingdom at the DNC.
As I pray regularly for “Gods kingdom to come and God’s will to be done on earth in as it is in heaven,” a felt that I saw a refreshing
beautiful homily summarizing the heart of Jesus's teaching - true Faith is lived in common, not conforming; in sharing, not sameness or shaming
thank you, I came away from watching the convention with a lessen of us/them. I began saying to myself when I passed their trump flag in their yard, ‘no, I do not share the sentiment of what this flag represents or possibly the person displaying it…here’s my shift, but…we are still living in community and are part of this family and I will make space for you. I must even make space for Trump as a person, but not as president . ‘
Thank you for the reminder to "make space for Trump as a person, but not as president."
Outstanding post, Diana!
In the Presbyterian tradition to which I belong, it’s been said that unity is not uniformity, it is not sameness. It is in our diversity that we find ourselves formed into a richer unity. It’s like musical notes. If uniformity were what was required there would be no harmony. It is in the diversity of notes that we get the beauty of a harmonious sound. That’s what makes high fidelity - a full, rich, lush sound.