I'm reminded of a story shared by Maya Angelou....in "How Strong Women Pray" by Bonnie St John

"I was asked to write a piece, come to the Bush White House (from Kathleen - no this is not a political piece), and participate in the lighting of the national Christmas tree. I wrote a piece called "Amazing Peace." I knew I was taking the idea of peace into the war zone.

I prayed long ago, If the Lord wants somebody nearby, send me. I said that I can't take it back. So I wrote "Amazing Peace" with a more than passing interest and went to the White House to be with President Bush:

I our joy, we think we hear a whisper.
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.
We hear a sweetness.
The word is Peace.
It is loud now
Louder than the explosion of bombs.
We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence.
It is what we have hungered for.
Not just the absence of war. But true Peace.
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.
We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:
Peace, My Brother
Peace, My Sister
Peace, My Soul"
Maya Angelou 2005

We say "we believe in a world that works for everyone......" If we do, than it is ours to stand for the freedom of expression......we can stand: with those who believe in the Sacred Text, regardless of there origins; we can stand and share our beliefs; .......we can interpret Maya's Amazing Peace from the profound place it was written.....and she says it best "We look at each other, then into ourselves, and we say without shyness, or apology, or hesitation: Peace, My Brother. Peace, My Sister. Peace, My Soul."...

What is our Soul calling each of us to do - individually and collectively....

God's Grace,


Kathleen