Synchronicity

In the Artist's Way, author Cameron writes about synchronicity ..."a fortuitous intermeshing of events." In the artist's context, she notes and expects synchronicity. . . as one begins the process of creating, unexpected resources become available enabling the process, one's Creative Muse cocreates with the artist. One receives what one needs.

There is another application I identify as synchronicity, i.e., receiving a similar message from different sources in close proximity. I had that experience last week as I finished reading two books, different contexts, different cultures, yet with similar conclusions. The first was The Infidel, by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. The other was Mel White's Stranger at the Gate. I had read White years ago (forgetting all but the broadest message of course). The book was recently offered to us by a friend, and so I read the book out loud to Larry this past week in our work travels, completing it within a day of completing the other.

Ali is a Somali woman of Islamic heritage, an advocate for women's rights. She became a Dutch citizen and member of Parliament, and is now in the United States, partly for her protection. It was her film "Submission", that led to the assassination of the producer, Theo van Gogh a few years back.

Stranger at the Gate by Mel White is a memoir of his experience being gay and Christian in America. He spent many years in the closet, active in fundamentalist and right wing Christian circles, a ghost writer for all the biggies, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and Billy Graham, among many others. Several of these books were best sellers. He wrote speeches, produced films, was involved with Youth for Christ, a pastor and professor at Fuller Seminary, all the while spending thousands of dollars on "ex-gay" therapy and "Christian" counseling, praying and pleading to be healed and delivered from his homosexuality, even getting shock therapy, all to no avail, leading to despair and brushes with attempted suicide. In the early 1990's, with the support of his dearly loved wife and family, he ended the deception, the secrets, and came out. He became a pastor and advocate for Christian gays via Metropolitan Community Church and Cathedral of Hope in Dallas. Of course his former clients/friends have nothing to do with him. His book is an interesting and compelling commentary, as relevant today as it was in 1994 when published.

When Ali comments about Islamic fundamentalism and rigid interpretation of scripture she could be speaking about Christian fundamentalists and the religious right as well ... both lead to suffering and persecution and death of those who would dare to differ from the orthodox belief and practice. Both White and Ali experienced the suffering that results from a rigid interpretation of their respective scriptures. Both had to deconstruct the religious teachings of their childhood. Both tell tragic stories of the physical torture and death of acquaintances and friends. Both tell their own stories of personal struggle. Both expose the agenda of their respective fundamentalist interpreters and the radical right in clear and certain terms. Both offer the average American Christian the opportunity to view orthodoxy through a different lens.

At the same time I read these books, I observed once again our cultural obsession with the Christmas season. I am not drawn to the sounds and sights of Christmas. I am not inclined to worship at the manger. It is the man Jesus who has meaning for me. His relevance is centered on his declaration of mission, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19) I am also drawn to the justice passages of the Hebrew prophets . . . "What does the Lord require but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) and again from Amos,"Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!"

These Biblical challenges, in tandem with the personal stories told by Ali and White, give me pause. But what have I done to further the cause justice in my world?

2009 Christmas Greeting

Hello, dear friends and family, it’s that time
when we reflect on months gone by and choose
a few events to highlight Kennel news
by crafting them to speak in rhythm and rhyme.
No bouncy poetry for me this year.
Sometimes I feel I’m mired in Advent’s theme
of darkness, grief and loss. Were it a dream
I’d gladly wake, make way for Christmas cheer.
For sure, our year has been the usual mix
of fun, new life, and laughter. Still a cloud
has threatened to envelop like a shroud
with pain-filled situations we can’t fix.
No matter the specifics we still say
that gratitude and Love have hemmed each day.



The New Year dawned ‘mid war and much unrest,
the economic future an unknown.
So many suffer, life pared to the bone,
but in the midst we know that we are blessed.
The sun still greets the day with warmth and light,
reminding us of mercies ever new.
The rain refreshes, as does morning dew,
inviting us to walk by faith, not sight.
Our children and grandchildren bring a thrill.
We look in little eyes and sense their joy
and curiosity, each girl and boy
an eager, open heart that we can fill.
What privilege we have, and this we say
that gratitude and Love have hemmed each day.



Yet oft’ we’ve taken note through circumstance
that life and death marched forward side by side,
a cycle that can never be denied.
Unwelcome partners, they are Dirge and Dance.
The Kennel and the Headings fam’lies had
some festive times. The memories are dear--
more precious when soon after, I do fear,
we got a call, this time the news was bad.
My younger brother, Ron, had passed away,
a sudden loss that makes no sense. We mourn.
He touched our lives, and still our hearts are torn,
his death, a myst’ry dimming thoughts to grey.
And yet with certainty of heart, we say
that gratitude and Love have hemmed each day.



The dance of life goes on with good news, too.
Our children all are active, doing well
with work and play and stories fun to tell
of toddler antics, stunts the kiddies do.
The year brought growth upon our fam’ly trees.
How joyfully we welcomed each new birth.
Two gifts from God, and who can say their worth?
The future will be shaped by such as these.
The first was Evelyn Grace, her birth a thrill
to Nate and Terah, Bella and the boys.
And then came Lucas James, he added joys
at home with Steve and Fran, Logan and Lil.
We count our many blessings and we say
that gratitude and Love have hemmed each day.



Our projects kept us home —more work than play
with one or two exceptions. In the fall
the AETA met in Montreal
and we delighted in our time away.
A vineyard now is growing on our hill.
The hours of labor Larry, Steve and Scott
devoted brought results. The barn has got
a new roof, too. More time is needed ‘til
a total transformation is complete.
We’ll stay in touch. You’ll be the first to know!
Meantime, we’ll keep on working, on the go.
We think to work for friends is quite a treat.
As we reflect and end this note, we pray
That gratitude and Love have hemmed YOUR day!