"Let sorrow be the door to an open heart."  Jennifer Berezen

Some of us grieve, others rejoice. Through what lens do you look upon our world? Through a lens of separateness and fear or through the lens of love? I suspect for most of us see through the lens of both shadow and light. Yet, with mindfulness we begin to catch glimpses beyond the mote that obscures our sight.

We pause to express of our grief, come together to share the state of our heart. As we speak the truth of our experience we  discover the light of our essence giving rise to mutual hope.

It seems that more than ever our prayers are needed; collectively positive intentions are a powerful force that can overcome darkness and oppression.

The recent turn of events has been a wake-up call for me, no longer can I linger in complacency. We all need to be awake, alert to take notice and stand up for what matters.  Our polarized views results in a detrimental paralysis. We need to reach out to people of differing views,  beyond self-interest, in search of a middle ground.

Yesterday, Sr. Carol Keenan from the Catholic Health Association offered congratulations to President elect, Donald Trump. She acknowledged the responsibility we all have to work together for the good of our country. She stressed, that although the Affordable Care Act can be improved, it has been a first important step in providing healthcare to millions of Americans. She advised caution when considering making changes because healthcare is essential to the well-being of people in our communities. Unfortunately the ACA has been the most politicized program in our history, creating significant barriers to its success.

Keenen emphasized, “This election has confirmed that we must get beyond this pattern and begin focusing on the people's business. We at CHA commit ourselves to working with all people of goodwill in this new administration to make health care delivery worthy of the dignity of all the people of our country. We must not allow their health care to continue to be politicized. Too much is at stake. We can and should proceed with caution and concern as we deal with this important issue.”

Healer of Our Every Ill

Breathe in and among all of us who dwell in this land.

Sooth our wounds. Calm our fears.

Mend our divisions.

Hope for all tomorrows,

Open our deaf ears and fill us with compassion.

Tender our hearts.

Inspire creative ideas to address the cries of our sisters, brothers and Earth herself.

Send forth your Spirit of Love and Unity.

Transform pointed fingers of blame into hands open in reverence to receive one another.

Fan into flame the gift of our founding

And let us be known again as a people

United for goodness, justice and peace of all people forever. Amen

Anon

Life is too short for anything less than Love.

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Photo of Tree by ~liz