Last weekend, I walked through the streets of Toronto with a 12-foot puppet named Amal. Amal represents a 10-year-old Syrian girl who has lost her mother and is looking for a new home. It was wonderful to be part of the crowd that welcomed her with songs, food and love, and to share that sense of community with fellow Torontonians and newcomers.
If you happen to be feeling discombobulated in these times, you are not alone! A sense of disorganization or mini-trauma creeps in when we cannot do what we always do. One of the leading trauma experts, Bessel vanderKolk, defines trauma as being in a situation that we are helpless to change, and which seems endless (hmmm, that sounds familiar!). I have learned much from Bessel in terms of how to handle trauma, and have added some of his best “tips” in this piece.
This is a sermon I delivered on the Sunday in Advent devoted to peace. It is best experienced aurally, and I invite you to listen to it instead of read it, below.
Good morning. Today I want to share a message on something that is very close to my heart – peace. Over many years I’ve travelled to over 20 countries seeking stories which nurture the empathy which builds peace. This month, we are going on an advent journey together, to Bethlehem. Today, we will make two stops – first, to Mary’s home, and then, to Elizabeth and Zechariah’s.
COVID-19 is for the birds – well, at least they are enjoying our stay-at-home directives! These feathered friends approach me fearlessly during my walks in Toronto's High Park. I am so tempted to reach out and touch them! My prayer is that we'll continue to welcome wildlife into our human habitations long after the pandemic is over.
Happy Earth Day! Earth day is an annual day of reflection that offers us the opportunity to evaluate where we can celebrate our successes, and where we can challenge ourselves to go further in reducing our impact on the environment. To celebrate Earth Day 2020, I've collected some of the tips and products I use to reduce single use plastics, carbon emissions, harmful chemicals and waste going to landfills.
Dear friends, it is Passover and Easter. For the first time in our lives, many of us are celebrating alone, behind closed doors, instead of with our faith communities and families.
Praise the Day
Praise the old ipad that slowly obeys,
playing diverse podcasts to inspire my ways
Praise the spring tulips that boldly emerge,
splashing walls and walks with their flamboyant hues
Praise the fragrant leaves, a gift from a friend,
warming heart and tongue with their exotic blend
Praise the smartphone, the only way to see and hear
loved ones these days until the COVID all-clear
Praise the solitude, unsought and distraught,
and the transformation wrought by reading and writing thoughts
