I was recently invited
to attend several conferences sponsored by “The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam”
- an Inter-Denominational Religious Forum that’s been held here at one
of our local universities, much to my delight and surprise, for 22 years!!
Gosh, but the stuff I didn’t know about! (And don’t we often react this
way when finding out something ‘good’ is going on…) It so happens that
I heard about the original ‘timely’ lecture that I first attended just
after 9/11’s focus - and yes it was an apprehensive gathering. But… it
was also like Coming Home. Here were a room-full of speakers, and listeners,
representatives of all major World Faiths, not only hoping for further
bridges to be built, but anticipating them! -Despite the infamous recent
events. I left there thinking, “This world isn’t as bad as all that - there
is most certainly hope!” Here were 22 year’s worth that I’d no idea about!
…And I guess that is what I mean to speak of - Hope. Not
the wishful dreamer’s ‘pie-in-the sky’ rainbow (well-intended as it may
be) come of those who might pray (yet conversely won’t actually participate)
that “God will surely set things Right”… but the kind where you actually
have to take the bull by the horns and lovingly steer that misguided beast
in a positive direction, God bless its unruly soul - full of potential!
After all, this beast has often had years, centuries, to live only on its
own instincts. It is a wayward child. It cannot begin to grasp nor become
aware (nor would it ever without guidance and patience) of what havoc and
repercussions its own sole will can wreak. This wee beastie exists figuratively
within many of us as well as all around us…
Yet Inter-Dialogue, which by common “Newsworthy” standards
can appear as rare and oxymoronical as Common Sense and Military Intelligence,
is in fact taking place all around - and always has! I suppose the bottom
line is that no matter how one approaches problem solving, I do indeed
believe we each have our own part to play, so long as it is in everyone’s
best interest - the particular forum notwithstanding. Truth is a funny
thing, begging our indulgence within the notions and realms of Irony and
Paradox. So also with Hope: for the more truthful observers and witnesses
there are, the closer we all get to the magnitude of our endeavours when
we actually look together… and learn.
Let us be in this moment.
May we find peace, strength, courage, and wisdom.
Let us realize that we are worthy to seek, share, and
receive it.
If we find it not, lead us to where it lies ~
Let us live to fulfill and pronounce this faith;
That You are in all things and all purposes,
Future and Past -
so that we may each rest
in each moment of The Present.
May our weaknesses lead to assurance.
May our fears lead to knowledge.
May our pain take us to Your Comfort,
whether by Your touch or whomever you send
to fulfill and bestow this gift.
Let teachers be recognized and embraced,
even in the humblest lessons they provide
by Your Grace.
May this shining, living Earth be cherished by all.
Let us be again the children of Your Endless Soul ~
Let us touch the stars with our hearts,
feel the caress of Your Wind,
listen to the magic healing rhythm of the rain,
the feel of the movement of this planet beneath our feet,
and the endless swelling and ebb of the tides of the
oceans,
of Life,
of Change,
Power, and Truth ~
To remember we are all part.
Simunye - We are One.
