Roy’s Sunday Letter for May 5, 2024
** The Jerusalem Youth Chorus was formed in 2012, with youth from East and West Jerusalem. Youth of Jewish, Muslem and Christain, representing both Palestine and Israel all together in one choir. The mission and purpose of the chorus is to promote dialogue and mutual understanding through music. An additional benefit is the entertaining and enjoyable performances. I like knowing the chorus is out there and promoting their sense of togetherness.
- Reminder from last week: Fun and enjoyment from a 26 cent Banana. Tie a string or thin wire around a rotting banana and attach to tree near a window. In a day or two, grandchildren, family, friends and you will enjoy the gathering acrobats of butterflies of all types. Replace the banana in a week or so. Free entertainment!
** I sent an email to ten local Fort Worth friends who have a sense of or value for the Spiritual. My ask was where in Fort Worth was a Spiritual place, a Sacred place. In New Mexico and Santa Fe there are many, both in city and rural villages. Most responded to places and sites outside Fort Worth or Texas. Past vacations or a conference seemed to hold a spiritual or sacred memory. Where would be your Spiritual or Sacred place? A place you can visit locally, or whose image and power is easily recalled. I find it comforting to renew, recenter and reconnect with the sacred.
- Three Observations on Campus Protests. (1) Issues and expressions of Faith by those For or Against is missing. Where are the voices of diverse Faith leaders among the signs, the yelling and the police lines? Why are not Faith leaders talking and deeply listening to students and administrators? This is not the time for “quiet empty pulpits.” (2) Where is the Music? Where are the words and music of Dylan, Baez, Seeger, and Peter, Paul, & Mary? The music defined my generation, sounded out our hearts in a different and fuller way. (3) Most on camera comments I have heard of students released from campus arrests, talk about the forever connection to others (known or unknown). Our culture vales individualism, which can make barriers of communication and physical presence with others not possible. Students today now have a new definition of community. One of my favorite sayings is “Once you know, you can’t go back.” Many students are now forever different than they were 30 days ago…no going back, whether good or not. Somehow, the days of my youth seemed to be different, maybe so, maybe not.
** Beth and I were honored to be with our dear friend Elizabeth on her 100th birthday gathering at Como Community Center. So many beautiful Stories were told. Candles on the cake and punch cups were shared to recognize her life and her family. Fort Worth Report will have the photos and an interview in FWR’s Monday, May 6th (her actual Birthday) online news. 100 years is amazing as is Elizabeth! She is a living TREASURE.
Roy, in my mix of yesterday, today, and tomorrow
I am not sure that most of the people protesting even know why they are there. They are caught up in a group of mass hysteria. I believe they feel a sense of belonging that they don’t receive on social media. I fear for the future most certainly. It’s interesting that people mentioned places outside of Fort Worth. Maybe where we live and work does not connect us with a sacred place. My place is in Colorado where I feel the closest with nature and Jim. I can picture him on the mountain and I am at peace.
I think of Jim and you together.
I also think of you as your own thriving good self.
Yes on Colorado.
Our young people are acting beyond their knowledge or wisdom. Without wise ones around them then lots of wrong actions.
This now national movement has alot of holes,
And yet, we continue…..Roy
In Fort Worth, I think the Kimbell Museum is a Sacred Place. The architecture and gardens are filled with beauty and grace. It is one of my favorite places on earth.
In New Mexico, every ride into the wilderness areas provides a sacred connection to nature and our amazing horses and horse riding buddies. The sound of wind through the huge aspen groves is a hymn to me.
Love you to the moon and back. You ask the best questions ever.
X/O Linda M
There is a small balcony on the 2nd floor of The Modern.
Over-looking lobby and gift shop.
One of my Sacred places.
There is a bench on the Trinity Rover. A Spiritual bench.
Many Texans have been to Ghost Ranch.
Next Sunday, White Buffalo calf/symbol of a better tomorrow….RCB
Christ in the Desert Monastery near Abiquiu, NM.
Having been part of the anti-Viet Nam war protests in the 60s/70s, I can remember the anguish I felt for those suffering and also the antipathy I felt toward those I felt were responsible for the suffering. I was not able to look at the “clouds from both sides” then. Even now, it is difficult to feel sympathy for, say, Bibi, and I have great admiration for those like the Jerusalem Youth Chorus who are bridging the divide. May there be Peace in our time and in our hearts.
I have challenged/talked with meditation group to move individual suffering to suffering of Mother Earth, national, and wider suffering.
Suffering beyond ourselves, the inclusion of others, all others.
with 2024 protests I do not experience deep listening….but yelling and pushing who may have a different voice out, away.You and I would be Advisors and Guides if asked.
Agree about the Chorus…place their exix=stence on billboards and tv ads.
I respect your heritage and life-long dedication to Right Actions. Roy
Where is the music? Indeed! The Jerusalem Choir are certainly a part of the answer. We humans are too good at making people “the other”–what an illusion we have created. I find the Spiritual in my own backyard under my Chinese Pistachio tree! The reading in the A.A. 24 Hours a Day book for today states, “I cannot ascertain the spiritual with my intellect. I can only do it by my own faith and spiritual faculties. I can breathe in God’s very spirit in the life around me.” Let it be for me today. Peace to you, Roy.
Nothing better thn the AA Day Book.
Your back yeard tree with you, the Buddha cooled by its shade and warmed by its beauty.
A Strange Experience: I zoomed the Remembrance Ceremony of dear North Carolina friend.
Joe’s ends the Campus Ministry era I entered 3 months out of seminary.
Info on Blue Zones in your Tuesday slow mail.
rcb
A sacred place is where I meet a sacred soul—i.e., being in the presence and soulful touch and caress with a sacred pet; listening to the songs and sounds of Mother Nature in the presence of her beauty, majesty, and peace and healing; connecting with the a human soul for a fleeting moment that will last for an eternity.
The students I know that were protesting are passionate, intelligent, grounded and concerned about family. Respectful of boundaries with a sense of hopelessness. What I saw and speak to, was respectful. The humanitarian side of this complicated issue is something I think we are purposely not seeing in media (at least in the US). The music has morphed into sharing of information. That’s what changed this generation. The young adults I see are focused, smart, challenged and care about their brothers and sisters on this planet. I’m hopeful for a brighter future.
Yes and Yes again.
Individual students found each other around issues, a cause……forming a new community.
My generation did not have tents….we circled under trees, stood in the sun.
Your shared insights right on and helpful. Wouls be a good blog or podcast.
More table and iced tea time would be good for us both.
Sometime, catch me up on your son, hockey, and NM……Roy