Hello All,
It’s another week “under our belt” of staying at home in order to be safe and keep others safe as well. I hope this finds everyone doing well and not feeling too anxious or lonely. We are definitely in a crisis that challenges our emotional as well as our physical health.
I missed seeing you this past Sunday when I spoke via our FB group page. It was my first time doing a solo virtual session and it was surprisingly more awkward than I expected. I realized how important it has been to look out over the room at you; to see you smile or roll your eyes at one of my corny jokes; to see you nod in agreement or see your expression when you are moved by a story. All I could see was ME on the screen and that didn’t have anywhere near the same effect! I expect that will get easier but I’m looking forward to being back in the Old Stone Church and seeing your awesome selves in person.
Passover began at Sundown on April 8 for our Jewish brothers and sisters and will continue until the evening of April 16. This is a time of celebrating the liberation of the Jewish people out of Egypt; a time that “gives power for the whole year for us to leap over our limitations”. My heart goes out to the Jewish community for the many losses they have suffered in recent years (and before) due to hatred and intolerance and now in NY from the COVID19 pandemic. People of color, especially Blacks, have also seen losses due to hatred and intolerance and, disproportionately in many cities across the US, from the COVID19 crisis. My hope is that we exercise our power – channeled into actions – to correct the intolerance and inequities in our systems as we peacefully confront those who hate/violate others because they are different, turning their hearts toward healing and justice. Let it be so.
How are you faring during these days of mandatory staying at home (unless you are one of the heroes who is in an essential category that is working for the good of all of us)? I feel somewhat guilty that I have a house with a yard, a partner and resources to keep my head above water while many are isolated by themselves, don’t have the option of going outside for pleasure and don’t have the resources to meet even their basic needs. Many of those I am calling are people who live alone. It’s a small thing on my part but I hope it lets them know they are not alone, that I care about them. When I do go out to the grocery store I say thank you to the counter and stock clerks for being there for the rest of us. I have income from Social Security and can donate small amounts to local aid organizations. When I go out in my yard (which right now is to work in my garden), I am very aware of how lucky I am and feel gratitude for the birds, the trees and flowers, the earth I dig in to plant and the worms that help keep it healthy, the breeze caressing the wind chimes on the porch. Sometimes, I stop and am filled with emotion by the joy I feel in my surroundings. My cup runneth over. I hope each of you can find those things in your environment that make you feel alive, happy, and grateful.
Yikes. Too much about me. Are you sleeping enough? Eating healthy? Staying active in some form? Are you connecting with others? Zoom has become one of my ways of connecting with some folks, while other it’s mostly by phone. I’ve even remembered how to use the U.S. Postal system and sent some cards. I hope you are utilizing any/all methods to stay in touch with those close to you and including others who may need some attention (and may become close). It’s another of those win/win scenarios that I love.
I had planned to close with some quotes to ponder and funnies to brighten your day, but I’m too technologically NON-savvy to get it to work. Maybe next time.
Virtual hugs and wishes for a peaceful heart.
Rev. Marsha