Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.

— Mr. Rogers

Greetings, Inspired Seekers!

We are on a pilgrimage. Of sorts. It was not planned, but here we are. And, like most pilgrims, the path is both known and unknown, comfortable and fearful, smooth and treacherous. The non-dual mind, while struggling, manages to hold these seeming opposites in a holy tension – trusting that faith and the Holy One will be working within us and will lead us to a good end.

On a pilgrimage, what is important is not where we start, but the path, the journey itself, the track on which we make our way. Spiritual teachers from many paths have provided leadership through the centuries and serve, today, as guides that encourage us rather than allowing us to remain within the parameters of beliefs that appear to provide safety, while keeping us bound and restrained.

Jesus, Buddha, Moses and Krishna are but a few who have served as great catalysts for great change and great spiritual development in times of great despair. But not everyone joined the pilgrimage. Where are we in this new journey that feels so unsafe, in the most uncomfortable times in our lives?

Are we being lulled back to separation and exclusion? Are we allowing ourselves to rest in a comfortable cage, fueled by fear, control, condemnation and guilt? Or are we taking in the guidance offered, listening to our inner voice and boldly, willingly making dramatic changes in how we live our lives? For the betterment of all? With a new and deeper sense of care and compassion?

This current pandemic has created a new playbook for all of us and the new rules are still being written while we are asked to see the world with new eyes and to live as spiritual beings in an expanded way. Let us listen to the voice of The Holy One. Let us continue this new, unknown path. And let us dust off our sandals and keep walking toward goodness and health for everyone. Through faith, with great trust, as pilgrims throughout the ages have done.

Grace, fully yours,
Reverend Deborah

Monthly Affirmation: I walk through times of uncertainty with faith, hope and compassion.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington has been offering spiritual support, gratis, to all who need it during this pandemic. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or 215 260 1611. Do not hesitate to reach out.