This is spot-on ~ exactly where I am right now. As a long-time ordained pastor serving parishes, I find that my spiritual connection with Creator God has outgrown my "location denomination/religion." It is a challenge to still serve the Church, yet I feel called to continue, carefully encouraging the flock to realize that our Creator is bigger than any book or Creed, and that we are all connected (animal, vegetable, mineral, species, etc.) ~ intertwined by the Creator's love. "I am in you and you are in me." The world and our interrelationships would be so much better if we would get that we are integral parts of the same creation, just expressed in different forms.
"a new sense of home address deep in Earth and the human soul." So eloquent and elegant that it stops me short in my argumentative frame of mind. Our location is more central than the brutal dialogue of religion and politics. Thanks for that.
The late Bishop John Shelby Spong wrote of Christians in Exile (Why Christianity Must Change or Die). Exile is a metaphor for our time. As John Dominic Crossan writes in "Paul the Pharisee," "a lived-out metaphor is how our species creates its reality -- for good or bad ... for life or death" (p. 17).
I moved to Richmond, Va. in April and have dragged my feet finding a new church home. There are lots of excuses. I have been out of town about half the time. I dread sorting through finding the Goldilocks fit for me….Affirming, welcoming, diverse, non-patriarchal or fundamentalist, faith before politics, Spirit over creeds, questions welcoming on a caring, co-journeying congregation. The poem, Blessings for a New Beginning, has pushed me out of my new nest to seek out my new church home starting today. Thank you for the nudge. 🙏🙏🙏
Love this. “The modern Scottish poet, Kenneth White, says that “exile is the mark of any deep and far-going creativity.” Such hope for new beginnings out of our old tribes.
Thank you Diana. I just ordered John Philip Newel’s book. I really enjoyed his talk on the Celtic cross, and look forward to your next interview with him. I travelled to Scotland this past April. What a beautiful and magical place.
This touched me in so many ways... Such food for thought and meditation! You were meant to have John Philip Newell post this today. Thank you, Diana!
Yes to Earth and soul as center. But also yes to community, family, loving relationships.
This is spot-on ~ exactly where I am right now. As a long-time ordained pastor serving parishes, I find that my spiritual connection with Creator God has outgrown my "location denomination/religion." It is a challenge to still serve the Church, yet I feel called to continue, carefully encouraging the flock to realize that our Creator is bigger than any book or Creed, and that we are all connected (animal, vegetable, mineral, species, etc.) ~ intertwined by the Creator's love. "I am in you and you are in me." The world and our interrelationships would be so much better if we would get that we are integral parts of the same creation, just expressed in different forms.
"a new sense of home address deep in Earth and the human soul." So eloquent and elegant that it stops me short in my argumentative frame of mind. Our location is more central than the brutal dialogue of religion and politics. Thanks for that.
so very beautiful. thank you. xo
The word exile hits home. The Celtic beliefs of the sacred feminine and sacredness of nature give me hope.
Hi Diana, I am interested to know your origins in Scotland. I live in Edinburgh but am from the North East of Scotland.
This speaks
the Mystical Truth,
the eternal depth of the soul,
universal.
The late Bishop John Shelby Spong wrote of Christians in Exile (Why Christianity Must Change or Die). Exile is a metaphor for our time. As John Dominic Crossan writes in "Paul the Pharisee," "a lived-out metaphor is how our species creates its reality -- for good or bad ... for life or death" (p. 17).
As a lifelong practicing Catholic who is in exile, I was stunned to read all I have felt articulated so powerfully and beautifully.
Thank you for giving words to what many of us are experiencing. What a comfort there is in fellow seekers🙏
I just finished listening to the book on Storytel. So good!
Looking forward to the live
Simply Beautiful! Thank you for your wisdom, insight, and inspiration!
Excellent post. Very stimulating. Your photography is breathtaking Dianna!
I moved to Richmond, Va. in April and have dragged my feet finding a new church home. There are lots of excuses. I have been out of town about half the time. I dread sorting through finding the Goldilocks fit for me….Affirming, welcoming, diverse, non-patriarchal or fundamentalist, faith before politics, Spirit over creeds, questions welcoming on a caring, co-journeying congregation. The poem, Blessings for a New Beginning, has pushed me out of my new nest to seek out my new church home starting today. Thank you for the nudge. 🙏🙏🙏
It's hard to church shop. We went church-shopping a few years ago, and took our time, lots of discerning, and it's been worth it.
Love this. “The modern Scottish poet, Kenneth White, says that “exile is the mark of any deep and far-going creativity.” Such hope for new beginnings out of our old tribes.
I find aging and caregiving a form of exile. Searching for new creativity.
Thank you Diana. I just ordered John Philip Newel’s book. I really enjoyed his talk on the Celtic cross, and look forward to your next interview with him. I travelled to Scotland this past April. What a beautiful and magical place.