Greetings, Inspired Seekers:

Spring is right around the corner and yet many are not feeling very springy. The world is a difficult place to be right now, regardless of a specific address on the planet. And still, the snow drops and crocus are beginning to appear – fearless in their breakthrough growth spurts and renewed energy. Lucky for us.

This juxtaposition of winter suffering and hopeful spring revival seems to help us understand the thin places between the seasons and the spiritual thin space that so many of us have experienced; that place where the physical and spiritual world edges meet.

During difficult times such as these, we can be challenged to find the faith, grasp the grace, or pray the prayers for courage and strength; when we want to cover and hide, or turn and run, we must remember who we really are. As pilgrims of many traditions, we must meet the challenge. We must continue to walk as a way of transforming our suffering and pain, and not transferring it to those who will follow. We shall not leave the pain as an inheritance for the future.

Our sacred work is to use these struggles to guide us on a path of compassion, courage, strength and wisdom. We cannot allow ourselves to be sucked into the fallow ground of despair or to deny the valor of our True Selves.

The Old and New Testaments are filled with examples of excruciating pain and overwhelming courage. The Buddhists practice holy detachment as a way of combatting suffering and emanating loving-kindness, while our Native American brothers and sisters sit around sacred fires and share stories of bravery during brutal times with next generation tribal members. All of this is a vital reminder of our spiritual histories, shared with others, from which to learn and to create a better future.

Suffering affects us all and so does the generosity of compassion and courage. Let us choose wisely that which we will embrace, while we watch, in admiration, as Nature springs to life in the thin space that rugged winter leaves behind for spring to gently tuck up against. Renewal is ours.

Grace, Always Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Question of the Month: Will you reach up and speak out with compassion and strength?

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington speaks on the power of Interfaith relations to ease the suffering and expand compassion in the world. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611 for speaking, sacred ceremonies and Chaplain Services.