I recently started reading Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone, by one of my favorite authors/speakers/thinkers, Brené Brown. I have been leading workshops on “Belonging” in our schools of late, and this resource is a great add to my toolkit. Dr. Brown’s Ted Talk on “The Power of Vulnerability” transformed my leadership style over a decade ago. I highly recommend you view it here if you’re not familiar with this insightful, entertaining and thoughtful presentation.
Dr. Brown’s book introduced me to a style of bluegrass music that I was previously unfamiliar with- High Lonesome Bluegrass. Below is a link to a song called “Gloryland,” which aligns with my vision of the Kingdom of God. This vision involves a sacred place where all are welcome…are happy..and belong.
I am pleased to share the below prayer for your reflection. I hope we can all carve out the space and time to listen, unclutter, and recognize God’s beauty…I was able to do so this past weekend, with a visit to the Dahlia Garden at Golden Gate Park with my family (depicted above). Blessings on your week ahead!
A Prayer for Discernment
Lord, help me now to unclutter my life,
to organize myself in the direction of simplicity.
Lord teach me to listen to my heart;
teach me to welcome change, instead of fearing it.
Lord, i give you these stirrings inside me,
I give You my discontent,
I give You my restlessness,
I give You my doubt,
I give You my despair,
I give You all the longings I hold inside.
Help me to listen to these signs of change, of growth;
to listen seriously and follow where they lead
through the breathtaking empty space of an open door.
Common Prayer Pocket Edition: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals
Paperback – February 11, 2012
by Shane Claiborne (Author) and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (Author)
Keeping the Faith 