This was such a good reminder, J.R. I have taught and encouraged sabbath and the kind of rhythm you are practicing and advocating. But I have a tendency to forget in the press of things - many over which I have little control. However, even in the inundation of expectation, frustrations and worry, we can carve out time for what is important. And as Walter Brueggemann says in the title of his book, Sabbath is resistance. Thanks again for sharing authentically and openly. Blessings on you!
You're welcome, my friend. Today, the day after MLK day, my daughter who is a pastor took part in a demonstration outside of the ICE office in Philly,. along with about 30 other clergy. I have to say that I'm proud of her.
Also, speaking of Brueggemann, I've been reading his book The Prophetic Imagination. Written in 1978 it's almost prescient because the themes fit so well the current sitiuation. Speaking of God's hardening Pharaoh's heart, he says, "It is Yahweh's peculiar way of bringing the empire to an end. It is Yahweh's odd way to present the possibility of historical freedom. ... it begins in the conviction that God works both sides of the street. The despairing ones do not see how a newness can come, how evil can be overcome, or how futures can arise from the totalitarian present. This awesome programmatic statement affirms that something is 'on the move' in the darkness that even the lord of the darkness does not discern." (From chapter 1). God keep you, JR.
Beautiful, JR. I am so happy for you that you enjoyed once again your annual retreat of abandonment and adventure. I have not been to any of the countries you visited other than Nepal and there, too, I experienced something extraordinary: the kindness and hospitality of the poor, the soul-awakening and worship-stirring beauty of the Himalayas, and the spiritual hunger and energy. I too have felt called to return to the beatitudes this new year. Look forwad to your posts and thanks for the closing prayer you offered. Will keep that one.
This was such a good reminder, J.R. I have taught and encouraged sabbath and the kind of rhythm you are practicing and advocating. But I have a tendency to forget in the press of things - many over which I have little control. However, even in the inundation of expectation, frustrations and worry, we can carve out time for what is important. And as Walter Brueggemann says in the title of his book, Sabbath is resistance. Thanks again for sharing authentically and openly. Blessings on you!
Yes I love that title of Brieggemann’s book. Thanks for your encouragement bro!
You're welcome, my friend. Today, the day after MLK day, my daughter who is a pastor took part in a demonstration outside of the ICE office in Philly,. along with about 30 other clergy. I have to say that I'm proud of her.
Also, speaking of Brueggemann, I've been reading his book The Prophetic Imagination. Written in 1978 it's almost prescient because the themes fit so well the current sitiuation. Speaking of God's hardening Pharaoh's heart, he says, "It is Yahweh's peculiar way of bringing the empire to an end. It is Yahweh's odd way to present the possibility of historical freedom. ... it begins in the conviction that God works both sides of the street. The despairing ones do not see how a newness can come, how evil can be overcome, or how futures can arise from the totalitarian present. This awesome programmatic statement affirms that something is 'on the move' in the darkness that even the lord of the darkness does not discern." (From chapter 1). God keep you, JR.
Beautiful, JR. I am so happy for you that you enjoyed once again your annual retreat of abandonment and adventure. I have not been to any of the countries you visited other than Nepal and there, too, I experienced something extraordinary: the kindness and hospitality of the poor, the soul-awakening and worship-stirring beauty of the Himalayas, and the spiritual hunger and energy. I too have felt called to return to the beatitudes this new year. Look forwad to your posts and thanks for the closing prayer you offered. Will keep that one.