Roy’s Sunday Letter for April 6, 2025
THE SLOW AND THE BLUR OF CHANGE
In the mid-1980’s, I decided to sign-up for a Sierra Club hiking trip in the Colorado mountains. Beginning at base camp in Creed, eight of us hiked Colorado mountains and over the Continental Divide. On day three, I sat in a mountain meadow, with Elk nearby, watching river water bubbling around me. For the next two days we experienced the wonderment of meadow brooks becoming a stream, and with wonderment we continued our downward trail to the long and mighty Rio Grande River that emerged before us.
My father was a long-time member of the Eastside Lions Club. Once each year, dads (no mom’s as members yet) would bring their children to be introduced and applauded at their weekly luncheon. I would return the next year at these same tables of men and their sons and daughters. Over time, and at other club events, I met and got to know these men.
My parents were congregational members of Poly Baptist Church. I grew up, graduating each year to a new Sunday School class, Vacation Bible School, and Wednesday night church dinners. In my senior year of college, I met behind closed doors with men I had known, and they me, since childhood. The men, now older and grayer, were interviewing me as a candidate for ordination. The next Sunda, I looked out from the pulpit at the men, women, and young adults who had taught me, encouraged me, and were now sending me forth to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary following a “laying on of hands” ordination ceremony.
These retellings of slow changes take time, decades, a lifetime. Now, April 2025, change after change comes come to us in a blur, another one before we have understood and absorbed the one before. In the midst of the fast moving, ever changing, even over-whelming number and significant changes we need anchors to secure us to parts of our life long true, still true, the “count on this” part of our days that got us this far.
So, think back, call up the persons and the events that anchor you, even in your drift, of being pushed and pulled in too many ways and all in a haste not of your own. These are moments to call, talk with, connect with the trusted ones you can lean into, and they in you. These are not paths to walk, to understand alone or be isolated. Each of us have anxieties, real worries, even fears. Anxiety is a shared experience of many, maybe most of those we encounter…shop with at markets, worship with, read their post on Face Book, or listen to different views on You Tube…a common ground.
Be brave…..Show courage…..Know of a faith that will lift you up and not leave you on the decisions, events, and changes to come.
Roy, anchoring you as you anchor me
My dear Mother was my anchor. She had such a tough life, but her faith never wavered and her compassion for others was a daily goal. She loved her children and provided for us as best she could. I was encouraged in every activity I took part in and was fiercely loved when I messed up. She has been gone many years but I still hold on to the ways she taught me. When I am anxious, bereft and confused I can hear her reciting Romans 8/28 “all things work together for good” I certainly hope she is correct.
Wonderful letter Roy.. you have had quite the path and journey!! Our anchors do keep us secure. My grandparents and parents, all long gone now.. all provided a nurturing childhood.. but also my four children, all doing well with their own families and strong in their faith.. past and future.. I am an optimist Roy, with much faith in American and Americans.. we’ll get through these rough times together.. thanks so much for your thoughts and words.. Happy Sunday from Palm Springs.. md
“Each of us have anxieties, real worries, even fears” This sentence rattles me. By itself the observation seems obvious. However, in the context of your letter… I contrast the challenging gradual changes with the of overwhelming changes… I feel frustrated with changes that evoke anxiety, worry, and fear – in me. Then, that sentence makes me wonder about the people who support the changes that provoke my anxiety. If “each of us” react out fear, what fears do those neighbors on the opposite side of fearful issues have that goad them? Maybe I need to be carful not to conflate the changes with the people experiencing change. Maybe I choose to anchor in real relationships with real, if imperfect, people. Maybe I try to understand and alleviate fear, rather than win arguments. Thank you Roy. You create beauty.
“winning arguments” a no longer relevant strategy. Arguments are for rational exchange.
Today 3 words in and interruptions take over.
I like the word “allow”
We allow, make room for each other to speak, maybe listen, but exist in co-equal places us and hopefully within others.
We do not “marry” our friends to change them, or anyone.
For me, however changing, it is the courage to engage and stay engaged is the art and craft of 2025.
And with you dear friend, continue presence from a front porch with chairs for we both and maybe one more…..RB
Very well said, Roy.
Tis supportive to know of your presence in memory, voice call with Beth, and Comments.
The Digital world keep us connected an that is good.
Take care and hello to that guy down the hall
RB
2nd Reply to Martha….
Scott and you brought us a Yugga stark from south TX.
We keep it until the inspects came to visit
So, a Thank You from long ago to friends of today…..RB
My goals each and every day are to stay steady and courageous rather than to fear; to be mindful and loving in the face of hate; to be grateful and happy in pursuing my calling with the professional canines who so willingly serve us humans. If I can remember each day, I can improve my state of being so that there is more goodness in the world. Much love to you always, and to Beth—you two are important anchors in my world. X/O
We 3 share the anchoring of selves and others
There is mucho anxiety among many or most
Your path wil be felt and seen by others…..lowering this part of each of us.
THe ones of 4 paws add their own sense of joy and disregard.
All this not easy nor short-term (keeping eating cheeseburger dear sir)
& we continue on…..health and we;;ness to all RB
Proud to have you as an anchor and friend! So many have impacted my life, some gone and some to celebrate including a fellow Texan at 94!
When we strip away everything else friends, connections, love and learning are what remains to celebrate and cherish.
Strong and for reaching Yes
More than a few, now gone, live within me in surprising ways.
Ise some of their words or tone. Makes me smile
I am poor at saying goodbye, obvious to my treasured SF threesome
Good comments …. as others read each will be also
Roy
Roy, thank you for your continuing conversations. “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood and I took the one less traveled by.” Roy and Beth, it is good to be on this road with you and Beth.
An edit to “one less traveled……”I took the one my friend Peter was on…..& we travelled on together, talking, listening to birds, smiling at those we passed.”
RB
So much shifting sand. We can certainly see that truth in these uncertain times. Not to sound too “preachy,” but my faith and understanding of God is my primary anchor. I grew up in a dysfunctional family where we moved every year. I have been stable in my adult life beyond age 30 but have been well prepared to deal with the instability of our world.
We have an illusion of control that creates a great deal of stress for many people. Thank you for this reflection, Roy!
Wed. morning….
I find my health and welln ess by being ongoing aware but with onlt a few parts of me allowed to drift into the dumb and dumb.
WE will keep saying our words and listening with wisdom and life experience.
Our boat is small but is our boat,floating gently just off shore.RB
Thank you for your words of wisdom and peace reminding me of where our strength lies. Jim and I are overdue for a visit with you and Beth. Looking to carve out some time to reconnect. We will be in the metroplex in May, sitting with the grandkids for the weekend, and I am hoping we can have lunch and spend an afternoon discussing fears, hopes, joys and all that makes up life.
And a quick Yes to May
You and family keep finding ways of being your best selves.
Glad you both are in our ongoing lives….RB
Suggested reading: “How We Learn To Be Brave” by Mariann E. Budde. (Bishop Budde)
Wonderful. During these confusing, conflicted days brave and courage needed and a missing part of transactional persons language and heart.
Good suggestion fot follow-up…….