acceptance
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Our Strength
The U.S.was not founded on Christianitybut on religious pluralism:George Washington,Thomas Jefferson,Ben Franklin–all made this clearin their words and actions. Our strength lies in our diversity. You can bathe in the watersof religious pluralismand grow stronger and wiser,or you can wallow… Continue reading
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To Be American
The United Stateswas the first country in historyto embrace the beliefthat many cultures and faithscould come togetherto form a single nation. Let's not lose sightof this amazing,gracedvision. This is what it meansto be American. This is what it meansto be… Continue reading
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A Mosque in Tennessee
I was talking with Jesus this morning,and he seemed a bit out of sorts–a touch cranky, even. "What's going on?"I asked. "Oh, it's those Baptists in Tennessee,the ones across from the new mosque.They are totally not getting it,not listening to… Continue reading
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The Call
Why do we focuson what divides us? Instead ask,"What is itin this other faiththat is admirableand reflects our shared values?" No one asks usto forsake what makes us unique;but God calls us (now, right now)to heal the worldthrough our commonalites.… Continue reading
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The Elephant
Yes,there may bean elephant in the room,but there are other animals in this zoo,each with it's own power, beauty, grace… Toss that elephanta peanut or two,and let's dance and laughwith the peacock, the gazelle and the kangaroo. Text and image ©… Continue reading
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My Job
There are times I think,"No one else in the worldholds the knowledge and experienceto do my job." And there are times I think,"The job I docould sink into oblivion this afternoonwith nary a ripple in the pond." So what do… Continue reading
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
On a scale of 0ne to ten,his pain hovers at eight. "Why complain." It's not a question;it's a statement. Even his partner can forgethis love's daily struggle for normalcy. The only logical option?Carry on. Self-pity denies life,and life is what… Continue reading
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Dreams of Dying
I have dreamt of dying. I've stood on a balcony,watching the leading edgeof a nuclear blastrush toward me over the rooftops…feeling unexpected elation. I've been shot,collapsed to the pavementand relaxed into the slow fadeas I watched life flow from my… Continue reading
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Father’s Day, 2012
June 16, 2012.It's Father's Day.It is also,here in Denver,Gay Pride Day. There is a juxtaposition herethat's challenging for me to resolve. Dad died in 2001.Had he accompanied me todayas I took photos of a worldcompletely outside of his experience–a mash-up… Continue reading
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Salvation
What saves us(maybe in the religious sense,but maybe not)? A lifetime of course corrections,relinquished illusions,providential impressionsmesh and blend,collide and separate,coalesce and fade. Salvation arrivesfeeling more like surrender,submission,acceptance,than confession or understanding. All my sorting, analyzing, categorizing…just wasted time? Life is what… Continue reading