Sunday, July 25, 2010

Holy Moments

You might not consider it a holy moment, being in a room with nearly 4,000 people. You might think it impossible to experience something holy browsing alongside several hundred other people in an exhibit hall filled with book distributors, representatives from theological schools, gift vendors galore, and more Unitarian Universalist affinity groups than I can even recall.  And yet, somehow it was.

Our lives are filled with holy moments.  Not all joyful, but most certainly holy.  If you're not familiar with the musical artist, Peter Mayer, or more specifically with his song Holy Now, check out the link to hear his voice and read the moving lyrics:
http://thegreatstory.org/video/holy-now.mp4       

I attend my denomination's annual General Assembly each year, arriving a few days early, along with other religious professionals (several hundred of us), before the thousands of laypersons arrive. It was in that time, during a beautiful worship service, that the idea of recognizing holy moments in our everyday lives was introduced. My colleagues and I reflected on the holy moments that we experience as ministers.  Like the time I rehearsed some music for a Sunday service with Richard & Elaine (my favorite old time musicians).  The three of us sat in the sanctuary on a quiet weekday morning for nearly two hours, just singing and singing. With Richard on his banjo, Elaine on guitar, and our voices melding together in sweetness and harmony.  It was a holy moment.  My colleagues and I also thought about the holy moments we experience in our lives outside the church – with family, in nature, the quiet respites.

The holy moments in our lives are all about connections; relationships with each other, with the stranger, with our mother earth, with our own souls and best selves. Our lives are filled with holy moments as we connect and deepen relationships. This isn't a new revelation for me.  It probably isn't new for you either.  Funny how it took a gathering in Minneapolis of nearly 4,000 Unitarian Universalists to reintroduce me to the idea that everything, everything, everything is holy now.   I'm spending time recognizing the lovely, challenging, painful, and joyful holy moments in my life - everyday.  What are some of the holy moments in your everyday life?

Friday, July 9, 2010

New Hope for Humanism

I've just about finished a book that I don't want to finish.  By that I mean that I don't want the book to end.  It's not a great novel or classic piece of literature.  It's "Good Without God" by Greg M. Epstein.  Is is the best book I've ever read?  No, definitely not.  I've read alot of really great books over the years but this book is particularly timely for our society, and has been timely for me personally as well.  This book brings me joy as it breathes a new breath of life into Humanism as a faith.  Yes, that's right, a faith!. 

At the Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly last month in Minneapolis, my husband and I (both avowed Humanists) had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Mr. Epstein speak about his book.  I picked up a copy of the book even before hearing him.  What peaked my interest was finding out that Greg Epstein is the Humanist chaplain at Harvard University.  Who knew?!   And what a fascinating and exciting concept. 

Just knowing that there is a growing group of young Humanists who, with the guidance of their chaplain, are engaging with one another and with those who are not Humanists, in acts of compassion to better the world, gives me new hope.  It gives me new and much needed hope for a Humanism that I have come to know through Unitarian Universalism.  I am deeply grateful for having discovered Humanism and being able to finally put a name to the faith I have embraced for so many years of my life.   Unfortunately though, that Humanism has, in my experience, been largely angry, overly cynical, dull, and crusty (and not like a loaf of fresh bread!).   It is a sad tale of unhappiness, and fear that Christianity is 'taking over' the denomination.   I am sorry to say that too many Humanists I have known have belittled their theist sisters & brothers; missing incredible opportunities to work together transforming the world, and maybe just being transformed in the process. 

Humanism is a faith that is alive and beautiful.  For me, Humanism is faith in humanity; celebrating our strengths and being humbled by our inadequacies.  It puts the onus on each and every one of us to make this world a place worth inhabiting.  It denies the supernatural but admits that we don't know everything.  This is the faith that speaks to me, challenges me, and sustains me.  I encourage theists and humanists alike to read Epstein's book, but especially the humanists.  Read it and smile!  Read it and be joyful in and about your faith!


Grep Epstein claims:  "Humanism offers a comfort and hope that affirms our ability to live ethical lives of personal fulfillment, aspiring together for the greater good of all."    Amen, chaplain.  And blessed be!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

The Power Of A Hug

A dear couple from my congregation recently sent me a message that let me know they cared about me and were always available to give me a hug.  This message came just a couple of weeks after I formally announced my resignation as minister of the congregation.  It is a time of loss and grief for me and for many in the congregation, so you might imagine my joy at receiving such a message from congregants.  And then, embedded in the message was this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hN8CKwdosjE
Please take the time to watch it, or re-watch it if you've seen it before.  Send it to anyone you know who could use a hug and isn't in close enough proximity for you to give them a hug in person.  The power of a hug cannot be overstated.

It saddens me that because of sexual harrassment and fear of inappropriate touching our society is fast becoming hugless!  I'm not convinced that a hugless society is a safe society.  There's a plethora of scientific studies that proclaim the value and importance of human touch in the lives of those who live alone, those with disabilities, the elderly, and children.   We could all use a hug now and again! 

In seminary I was told that giving my congregants hugs was something I needed to be careful about.  I understand the reasoning behind the cautionary advice, and I am always aware of my role as minister, but I am not willing to be hugless.  I couldn't agree more that giving an unwanted hug is definitely not a good idea!  But from my experience, both personal and professional,  asking for permission either verbally or simply by opening your arms will most often result in a hug.  If a hand is extended I know that a hand-hug will have to do.
  
Joy can be found in connecting with another person and a simple hug has the potential and power to bring joy to life.  I plan to give and receive more hugs.  I'm not promising to stand in the town square with a "Free Hugs" sign, but you never know!

Give a hug today.  Feel the joy that a hug can bring!