This is the way of peace: Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.

— Peace Pilgrim

Greetings, Inspired Seekers!

This has been a difficult month to endure. The violence we have witnessed in this country and in the wider world is heart-breaking and recalls past times when hatred lived and breathed among us.

As people of many faiths, what are we to do? How are we to respond and contribute to healing that is so desperately needed? Well, without sounding too idealistic or too much like an old hippie, I suggest that, yes, Love is the answer. But not simply with words, although that is a good start.

Authentic spirituality, authentic faith, and authentic belief recognize that there is a deep relationship between what is seen and the seer, and, what we have seen this past month will not be able to be “unseen.” It is imprinted in our memories and in our hearts forever - as it must be.

When violence, pain and suffering abound, I cannot help but remember the prayer of Francis of Assisi, who prayed, “Who are you, O God, and who am I?” That prayer, in its perfectly brutal honesty, probably reflects our innermost thoughts more than any other, in times like these. Regardless of our traditions and the doctrines that differentiate us, at times this is the only prayer or meditation that makes sense in the midst of our painful confusion.

All mystics of all traditions recognized the unity between the Divine and the human and recognized the connector as love. This unity, this oneness, this love, must be what carries us through these dark days. Offers of compassion, comfort, aid and solace will far outweigh any retaliatory acts of hatred. We must allow our faith to make us bigger than that. More whole. For we are Spiritual warriors.

Spiritual warfare is the force of love and peace in a world that would prefer we respond differently. Spiritual warfare does not contribute to the vitriol that spews forth like a blast from a hydrant. Spiritual warfare requires grace, through us, to rain down, cleanse and nurture. It is not easy. It is not for the faint of heart. It is for people of faith. Many faiths. You and I together, walking beside each other into the next month fueled by faith, centered in hope and grounded in love.

Grace-Fully Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Monthly Affirmation: Through Spirit, I will be the calm in the storm, the peace in the war, the love in the agony.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington is really not very political. But she recognizes the pain of people of all faiths and serves to ease it. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.