We can’t allow Hicks to be the scapegoat for our lack of courage to have a real conversation

I sit at the table cutting out dozens of white fabric doves for an ordination stole I’m making for a friend who comes from the Mennonite tradition; a tradition rooted in peace and non-violence. The story about the three Chapel Hill students plays in the background on the news - murdered at point blank range – perhaps over a parking dispute, but I can’t help think it’s because of their faith. Following this, the story about Kayla Mueller, the slain hostage held by ISIS.  I start to cry.

I cry because of the disparity. I cry – overwhelmed by the space between these two stories. I cry because this happened in my community. I cry because of the religious intolerance.  I cry because of the young lives lost and all the hope and passion lost with them. I cry out of fear. I cry because I am scared for Muslims in my community and around the world. I cry because it’s sad and senseless and I wonder what the world is coming to. I cry out of despair questioning if we will have the patience, compassion, and courage to talk about three Muslim lives lost.

We don’t know – and we may never know – the gunman’s motivation. Various administrations (Chapel Hill Police, City, and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina) adamantly maintain that it was over a parking dispute. As someone who has worked in marketing and public relations, I understand their initial position. It is reasoned out of fear of potential violent retaliation.  The goal is to keep people calm.

While I agree with Ripley Rand, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina when he states "Based on all the information that our office and law enforcement have at this time, the events of yesterday are not part of a targeted campaign against Muslims in North Carolina".  I do believe this was an isolated incident by the gunman.

I agree with Abdullah Antepli, director of Muslim affairs at nearby Duke University, who calls for people not to jump to conclusions over the motive for the killing.

However, I cringe when I hear Karen Hicks’ attorney reduce this slaying to a “simple matter …these victims were in the wrong place at the wrong time”. 

I must give a lip quivering “No”!  

While Hicks clearly suffers or suffered from some sort of emotional, mental breakdown – (I don’t believe the average rational person murders people at point blank range over a parking space) this horrific slaying cannot be reduced to anything simple. This loss has nothing to do with three Muslim lives being at the wrong place at the wrong time.  This may be an isolated incident by the gunman but this is not an isolated incident of religious intolerance. [Against Muslims, Jews or any body that has an alternative religious point of view than you] If this were the case – none of us would have sat up at attention – questioning if the murder of three college students had to do with their Muslim identity.

To reduce this murder to a simple misunderstanding; a simple unfortunate instance of circumstance denigrates the lives of three extraordinary humans: Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha.

We can’t allow Hicks to be the scapegoat for our lack of courage to have a real conversation about Islamophobia, religious intolerance, racism, and even spiritual abuse in our country and around the world.

When I think about the thousands who attended the prayer vigil Wednesday evening- who came to share their prayers, their solidarity, their tears, I witness tangible courage that I pray will give way to hard conversations.  I cry with hope.  We can and must do better.

Last moments in this beautiful country....

Im sitting on the veranda of our hotel in Colombo.  It's our last morning in Sri Lanka. Im taking in the sounds and smells of the city.  I hear the Buddhist monks chanting. The sounds of Tuk Tuks buzzing by.  I hear the hotel staff sweep the walk way. Horns honking, birds squaking, people rustling about their day. I could, perhaps be in any city, but I'm not. I am in Sri Lanka which I know from the sweet fragrant air. While the cities are often polluted with smog, one can also catch glimpses of lavender, coriander, and tumric. At one point driving thru the hill country the air smelled like sweet lavender.

On our last day we will visit one of Diane's friends and share about life in the States with her English class! We will finish up our day touring a bit of Colombo and of course, shopping.  We will depart for the airport around 11pm for a 2am flight home.

Diane and I were asking each other what we would miss most about SL. For me, perhaps the newness of discovering a new place; the adventure of the unknown and the beauty of learning about it. I have enjoyed every aspect of this trip- from navigating the train station, meeting new people and the hiking! It's all been wonderful. I was also asked if I would come again- absolutely! I hope I get the chance again. We have not met any Americans on this trip - Diane and I are happy to be SL ambassadors - if you have the chance come! You will love it! I certainly have.

Thanks for your love, prayers and well wishes.  See you home soon!

Elephants, Tea, and seeing the World's End.

You may wondering how we are getting to all our destinations. I shared earlier that we hired a driver to take us from Kilinichchi to Tangalle over a three day period. Having a driver is like being in a Dowtown Abbey episode, except not nearly as regal since we have to navigate our route over broken roads and very few signs.Somehow we manage. The other aspect of having a driver which is surreal is that most major tourist hotels include accommodations for your driver. It's just the way things are done.Being a driver is apparently a good job in SL but I cant help feel uncomfortable with the priYou may wondering how we are getting to all our destinations. I shared earlier that we hired a driver to take us from Kilinichchi to Tangalle over a three day period. Having a driver is like being in a Dowtown Abbey episode, except not nearly as regal since we have to navigate our route over broken roads and very few signs.Somehow we manage. The other aspect of having a driver which is surreal is that most major tourist hotels include accommodations for your driver. It's just the way things are done.Being a driver is apparently a good job in SL but I cant help feel uncomfortable with the privilege

So today, Kajan, our driver, for the most part safely gets us to the elephant orphanage.  Elephants are part of the fabric of this country.  Elephants for the longest time were revered until colonialism and when they started being hunted for their ivory.  They are protected once again but rural farmers tend to not care for the wild elephants as they tend to be a pain when trampling on their crops!

Diane and I visited an Orphanage that gives us an up close and personal look at the elephants. It's a bit controversial because of this but overall it was clear the elephants were well taken care of and this sanctuary provides a point of education and appreciation, as well as a revenue source for the community.  It was amazing to be able to feed, touch and just watch these amazing animals.  The best part was when they move the elephants down to the river for water time!  Because the river is on the other side of the street, there is a huge elephant parade that happens four times a day! (bath time happens twice a day for two hours each) I have a video to share which Ill try to insert into the post of the elephant parade! Once across you can watch them have a grand time!

After our time with the elephants, we hit the road for the hill country and where all the tea plantations are.  I took a few pictures, but they dont do justice to the beauty witnessed.  I would need 50+words for 'green' alone!  Our journey to this part of the country took longer than expected but we stopped for a quick tour and a cup of tea.  From there we headed to Nuwara Eliya, where we stayed in a lovely guest house (think B&B). We also met back up with my new friend, Shanna, whom I met in Colombo. We realized we would be in Nuwara Eliya at the same time so decided to hike World's End at Horton Plains together.

It is a shame it was dark when we arrived as Diane shared it's a cute town. Unfortunately, I didn't see any of it as our departure for hiking was 5:30 AM! I guess Ill have to come again!

We departed for World's End, a 6 mile hike with spectacular views. We left early as it is recommended to hike early to avoid the heat but also to get to World's End before the fog rolls in.  It was a misty and foggy morning.  It wasnt ideal for a hike but we made it that far so might as well hike! While the top of the mountain wasnt clear, it was spectacular!  The other parts of the hike were also brilliant. Shanna said the terrain - moving from plains to rain forest, reminded her of New Zealand. (guess Il have to go see for myself).  We were told we might see leopards. We didn't, but we did her them! An exciting and frightening experience.

After our hike, we dropped Shanna off at the nearest train station and we headed south for Tangalle. While it's only about 150 kilometers from where we hiked to Tangelle, it took about 5 hours.  Between the traffic, poor road system, bad signage and winding roads, traveling just takes longer in SL. We are not in a hurry because all that awaits us is sandy beaches.

So today, Kajan, our driver, for the most part safely gets us to the elephant orphange.  Elephants are part of the fabric of this country.  Elephants for the longest time were revered until colonialism and when they started being hunted for their ivory.  They are protected once again but rural farmers tend to not care for the wild elephants as they tend to be a pain when trampling on their crops!

Diane and I visited an Orphanage that gives us an up close and personal look at the elephants. It's abit controversialbecause of this but overall it was clear the elephants were well taken care of and this sanctzuary provides a point of education and appreciation, as well as a revenue source for the community.  It wasamazing to be able to feed, touch and just watch these amazing animals.  The best part was when they move the elephants down to the river for water time!  Because the river is on the other side of the street, there is a huge elephant parade that happens four times a day! (bath time happens twice a day for two hours each) I have a video to share which Ill try to insert into the post of the elephant parade! Once across you can watch them havee a grand time!

After our time with the elephants, we hit the road for the hill country and where all the tea plantations are.  I took a few pictures, but they dont do justice to the beauty witnessed.  I need 50+words for 'green' alone!  Our journey to this part of the country took longer than expected but we stopped for a quick tour and a cup of tea.  From there we headed to Nuwara Eliya, where we stayed in a lovely guest house (think B&B). We also met back up with my new friend, Shanna, whom I met in Colombo. We realized we would be in Nuwara Eliya at the same time so decided to hike World's End at Horton Plains together.

It is a shame it was dark when we arrived as Diane shared it's a cute town. Unfortunately, I didn't see any of it as our departure for hiking was 5:30 AM! I guess Ill have to come again!

We departed for World's End, a 6 mile hike with spectacular views. We left early as it is recommended to hike early to avoid the heat but also to get to World's End before the fog rolls in.  It was a misty and foggy morning.  It wasnt ideal for a hike but we mmade it that far so might as well hike! While the top of the mountain wasnt clear, it was spectacular!  The other parts of the hike were also brilliant. Shanna said the terrain - moving from plains to rain forest, reminded her of New Zealand. (guess Il have to go see for myself).  We were told we might see leopards. We didn't, but we did her them! An exciting and frightening experience.

After our hike, we dropped Shanna off atthe nearest train station and we headed south for Tangalle. While it's only about 150 kilometers from where we hiked to Tangelle, it took about 5 hours.  Between the traffic, poor road system, bad signage and winding roads, traveling just takes longer in SL. We are not in a hurry because all that awaits us is sandy beaches.

Ancient ruins, a beautiful hotel and monkeys

My legs are still a bit tired from the climb to Sigiriya.  Sigiriya is a giant rock that ascends 370 meters. Diane and I now wish we would have counted the steps but there were so many I'm sure we would have lost count. Just know if it were part of our Monday night Tir Na Nog run club - we definitely earned our beer! I chose to stop looking as to how the iron steps were engineered to the side of the rock and focus on the view.
Sigiriya is a collection of ancient gardens,, caves, water gardens, frescas and ruins. Once thought to be be a King's fortress, scholars now believe it was a monastery. The view was spectacular, enough to keep us on top lingering even though the sun was in full force. The entire journey took about three hours. Not too bad, however long story short we didnt have water. We were grateful for the water cistern that was available half way up. While it's recommended you only drink bottled water here, we were so thirsty we decided to chance it. (it's been 24 hours so I think we're fine.)

The plan after Sigiriya was to head to our hotel - Kandalama Hotel, freshen up, grab lunch, then head to the Buddhist temples.  However, finding our hotel proved a bit more difficult than we planned. With the hike and the sun wiping us out we decided to take full advantage of the hotel and boy are we glad!

The KAndalama hotel is the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in. I would imagine it rivals some of the very best in the States. The hotel is built into the rock and is remenicent  of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the way that it uses nature.  This hotel was designed by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and was the first certified Green hotel.  Every view from this hotel was stunning. To help appreciate the views, the hotel's staff offered impeccable service so we were just able to relax. And relax we did.

To care for our wearied bones after our long hike, we spent some time in the hotel's infinity pools and watched the monkeys play. Yes- I said monkeys and by play I mean watching monkeys run across the yard, chasing each other, scurrying up the side of the hotel walls! I have never been to a hotel where the staff tells each guest - the monkeys will come up to your balcony but they wont harm you. Be sure to lock your balcony door because they know how to slide it open. They will ransack your room! Apparently this happens on average once a day.

We ended our day with a wonderful massage in the spa and dinner. Diane took anither dip in the pool and I crashed. The next morning we had tea on our deck - no monkeys - followed by a lovely breakfast. We headed out for a day of elephants and tea!

Kilinochchi: The Heart of Healing and Hope

After three days here I am confinced that Sri Lanka is the birthplace of Hospitality. From making sure I got on the right train, to SL women making sure I had snacks on the journey to amaamma (grandmother) making sure we had tea and something in our bellies before our 6 AM departure this morning.

I have spent the last two days in Kilinochchi. Kilinichchi is in northern SL and few tourists would make their way up here to visit except to see remnants of the civil war, most of which the government has wiped out. There is nothing fancy here. No high end hotels, no ocean views, just the hospitality and warmth of the Tamil people - which is more than enough.

Diane's friend, Rev. Joshua, lives here. He was the pastor of a church in Jaffna when she lived here.  He is now back in Kilinochchi and has estblished the Kaveri Kalal Manram, an organization that helps rebuild the lives of this area through women's empowerment, establishing organic gardens coconut plantatiins and other sustainable projects.  The goal is to reestablish the resources (farm knowledge, seeds, confidence) that have been wiped out from the war. Diane and I had the chance to visit some of these projects and it was very exciting.  We also got see new born baby goats (2 hours old) which if you know me- know that was a real high light!  Yesterday we relaxed, but not too much.  Rev. Joshua put us to work helping write a grant to help fund a sustainable coconut plantation for communities affected by leprosy.  I have learned that leprosy is on the rise here and unfortunately the SL refuses to acknowledge the problem. Sad for many resons, as there is a cure.  I also learned that the coconut economy is so important SL has an entire ministry dedicated to it: The Sri Lanka Coconut Authority.  no kidding!

We ended our time here with watching the local children perform in their monthly dance recital. Sweet bread filled with a coconut mixture and tea was offered to the guests and Diane and I watched in amazement as the kids- dressed in traditional colorful SL attire, powerfully, yet gracefully hit their feet against the floor. Im certain I would stub my toe!

So now we are off to Sigiriya to climb a rock fortress! We do so by way of a private driver, a young Hindu man by the of Kajan, who we are certain does not know what he's gotten himself into. He will be with us the next three days as we make our way south to Tangalle.  I have no doubt more adventures are in store!

Colombo live and the call of my pillow

I made it to Sri Lanka safely.  If I've calculated correctly - I have been up for 62 hours. I've already met some wonderful people on my journey, from Bill who dashed with me to a new concourse in Dubai, (I will say Emerates is fantastic except for the whole communication thing) to Peter and Josie from the UK who kept me company on the flight to Colombo; to Chonathan, my driver who was my first introduction to Sri Lankin hospitality. I shall not forget Shanna, the Parisian boat DJ who stood in line with me for over 30 minutes while I got my train ticket.  I am grateful for these folks and the many more I will meet.

I am too tired for creative writing now... So I shall share my initial findings about Sri Lanka-

1) while it definitely conjure memories of my time in Thailand, this is not Thailand and I will do myself some good to be sure not to compare it.
2) people here are kind
3) while I haven't had much of it yet- the food is amazing.

Tomorrow I head out very early 4:45 To the train station to head to Kilinochchi. There I will see Diane!

Peace!

Off to Sri Lanka!

New adventures are always a good catalyst to get someone to start writing again.  My adventure is a 12  day trip to Sri Lanka.  My dear friend, Diane Faires, invited me along on part of her sabbatical journey.  (let us give thanks and praise to generous sabbatical grants!) Diane lived in Sri Lanka as a Global Missionary through the Chris
tian Church (Disciples of Christ) for three years teaching English among many other things. (Gosh, that was probably a decade ago.) I am honored to be a guest to share in new memories as she visits old friends that call her family. I am looking forward to learning more about Sri Lanka through its people and culture. I am excited to hike World's End, visit tea plantations, elephant sanctuaries, and relax on the beach with one of my favorite people in the world!

Since my first international trip to Thailand, I know that travel changes you. You don't always know how - but you know that you will be changed and spiritually richer for the experience. I can't think of a better way to start 2015!

My backpack is packed and I head to the airport in a few short hours. I plan to write and post pictures about this journey along the way.  I invite you to come along for the ride!

#Thisiswhatapastorlookslike

If you didn't know… this: http://thisiswhatapastorlookslike.tumblr.com has been going on among women ministers lately.  Selfies called "This is what a pastor looks like."  If you thought you knew what a pastor looks like – or should look like – be prepared to refocus.  I am a female minister and I realized scrolling through these images my perception has warped and narrowed over the years.  What a beautiful wake up call. 

I know that each one of these women pictured  - with all the other shit in her life - works her hardest to make sure the people in her community know they are loved by God.   Each of these women is doing her best to live out the glory that is within her.  Each of these women tries to bring about God’s beloved community here on earth.  

I find these pictures beautiful and empowering. (No really, they make me cry.  I’m crying right now)

Perhaps because what I see while looking through these pictures - are the stories behind the pictures - the balance of life, the fatigue, the self care, the children, the motherhood, the imperfections, the pastoral care, writing the sermon, the loss, the love, the family, the sadness, the goals achieved, the distance, the silliness, the desires, the beauty, the sassiness, the fun, the questions, the doubts, the scars.  It is all so imperfect and all so beautiful!  It is so clear – so easy to see the Divine in each one of these women! 

There are some AMAZING women out there doing EXTRAORDINARY things.  I am proud to be among them.  

P.S.  To those who have shared pictures – thank you.  You are an inspiration.  Thank you to Kate McGee who has gathered the pictures in Tumblr.

The Beauty of Beer & Hymns

It was a hot, humid, & rainy day.  It was August in Hot Springs, NC and I was at the Wild Goose Festival, a gathering to celebrate the sacred through art, music, word, and social justice.  It was Saturday afternoon, somewhere between an inspiring message from the Rev. Dr. William Barber (speak love to the dry bones!) and waiting for the Indigo Girls was the Beer & Hymn Sing.

With my lawn chair positioned to trap the shade of the few trees around I sat with a beer in my left and lyric sheet in my right.  A gentleman resembling a delicate fusion of a court jester and John the Baptist wore an oversized hat, a colorful cape and played a ukulele with missing strings.  He stood on a picnic table and began to sing.  The crowd of a couple hundred quickly joined in! 

This was my first Beer and Hymn sing and where I met Claire, a Methodist Minister who worked right down the road from me in Raleigh.   Something happens at a Hymn Sing – people let their guard down, they don’t worry about sounding good, or if they know the words or the melody.  It’s messy but the Sacred is present and people are able to become fast friends.  That’s how it felt anyway. 

“We should do this in Raleigh,” one of us says.

“Sounds like a great idea,” responds the other.

The birth of Raleigh Beer and Hymns

The first Raleigh Beer & Hymns was on Sunday, November 3. Claire, whose brother plays guitar and has a band, organized the musicians.  We talked to a local pub, created a Facebook event and put up some posters.  The first Beer & Hymns had about 80 people.

Since, we’ve had 2 more and it has grown to around 150 people.  I will admit it took the first couple to convince Tir Na Nog Irish Pub this it this was a worthwhile gesture.  They weren’t convinced that people would show up on a Sunday evening for a hymn sing.  But with over 150 people showing up to eat, drink and sing – on a night that would otherwise be dead – they’ve put Beer and Hymns on the calendar for the rest of the year.  Raleigh Beer and Hymns happens the first Sunday of each month from 7:30-8:30*.  

Why Does It Work?

Not only have I been asked this question, I continually ask myself this question.  Why do people show up on a most inconvenient day and time (when most are getting ready for school and work the next day) to sing hymns for an hour?  Why does a congregation sound like they are being dragged through the mud when singing Sunday morning but sound Joy-Filled at Beer & Hymn sing?  I honestly don’t know but here are my hunches:

                                                                                    It’s simple

We sing songs that are familiar.  That’s it.  It’s not complicated with “programming”, solos, or budgets.  There isn’t much to prepare or cleanup.  There is not much to it and we don’t ask anything from anyone (except change to help pay the sound guy).   

It’s fun

Let’s face it church has lost its zing!  Maybe you see people you like and care about, maybe you enjoy the church potluck, but more than not, you make your grocery list while listening to a mediocre sermon, you mumble through some songs, and you stay hidden so no one asks anything else of you.  I haven’t even mentioned the fact that most of our congregations just aren’t even relevant for our lives anymore!  But Beer & Hymns – it’s ok to laugh. It’s ok to talk to your neighbor. It’s ok to not know the words. It’s ok to be tired.  It’s ok to eat.  It’s ok to have a beer.  It’s ok to not have a beer.  It’s just – fun!  And without a doubt the Divine is found in the sacred space of fun!  

No pretense or guise

Beer & Hymns is actually not about the beer, however, the beer represents a lack of pretension and guise.  (Many who attend Beer & Hymns don’t even drink.) But the availability of beer creates the space to honest conversations and differing opinions in a relaxed atmosphere.  People attending B&H come from all different walks of life, different denominations, some agnostic, or even atheist.  There also may be something about the juxtaposition of the sacred hymns in what would be considered non-sacred space with the sacrilegious beer.  (Though I would challenge the notion that beer is not sacred)

People are being nourished by community

All of the above comes down to this point: at Beer & Hymns, people are nourished by the community.  For an hour once a month, people from various places and spaces come together to meet others where they are on this journey called life.  We come with our broken hearts, questions, and our cracked voices.  We come to be fed with food and beer and each other.   We come to share our stories, to laugh and to sing.  And it just so happens we find God. 

 *NOTE: Due to the Super Bowl - the next Raleigh Beer & Hymns is on Sunday, January 26.  

Call to Worship and Prayers for Sunday…..

Just wanted to share….

Call to Worship:

One: We question your miracles

All: Of turning water into wine, raising the dead, healing the blind

One: There are so many miracles that have gone undone

All: Miracles of healing from cancer, finding a job, or depression

One: Why can’t you fulfill those miracles?

All: These are our questions, our prayers, and our petitions to you God.  And so we wait, with You and with each other – where we will find comfort.

Prayer:

We live in the in between –

We believe in Your love for us and the world,

We see Your blessings in our own lives and others’

Hopeful for your Word yet to be fulfilled

But then there is the reality –

a reality that we are hurting,

we are filled with self-doubt,

We are overworked and tired

            We want peace

                        We want quiet

and we wonder where You are.     

So this is our confession -  

That we live in the in between – that we both believe and doubt

And we are grateful that we find You in both places ….

And so, with all our hope, belief and doubt we continue to pray the prayer that Jesus taught us saying… 

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.