Spiritual mentors set the bar higher for all of us

Do you have spiritual mentors, leaders or teachers who deepen your belief, stretch your spiritual muscles and simply make you a better person? I bet you do! And so, dear readers, I entreat you to pause, picture them, give thanks and offer them a blessing.

The Dalai Lama, Jesus and Gandhi are just a few who have informed and expanded my faith. And theologians such as Fr. Richard Rohr and Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber are contemporaries who, through their writing and teaching, crack open my heart, engage my brain and soothe my soul in the aftermath of those dark nights of spiritual exhaustion from pondering and discerning.

I believe that Spirit places people on our path who provide us with a sense of historical continuity while lighting our present-day, personal path forward. The past provides us with a foundation that leads us to the present, where the teachings and presence of these mentors set the bar higher for all of us – no matter which ones influence you.

This became abundantly clear to me recently. Two years ago I had the privilege of meeting and spending time with Fr. Rohr at a conference; it was spiritually life-changing. And, this past week, meeting with Rev. Nadia here in Lansdale, at a stop on her National Red State Revival Tour, was affirming and challenging at the same time. Graciously hosted by Trinity Lutheran, the church was packed and our spirits soared through singing, listening and soul-opening sharing. People were hungry for grace as well as a brief respite from the weariness of the world. And, for that brief evening, we shared that respite.

Spiritual teachers of all traditions invite us to rest a while and refuel while on this journey of peace as they reach out to help and support us. Yet, at the same time, they ask that we think beyond ourselves, expand our self-imposed spiritual limits and, not so simply, do better.

It is not easy work. It requires thought, discernment, the wrestling with our oh-so-treasured-tenets as well as living with faith rather than fear. This is the stuff of spiritual superheroes and – dare I say it – saints.

In their time, Moses, Jesus, Mohammed and The Buddha challenged the beliefs and statutes of the day and sought to help people evolve. Their work – and the work of their followers – was ridiculed and fraught with intimidation, fear, hatred and even persecution. And yet, their teachings have survived through the generations.

If, as people of many faiths, we truly desire to be better and to do better, we must stretch beyond our human condition and wade in the waters of the Spirit; waters that wash away intimidation and fear. Look around. Who is leading you into a more loving, compassionate and merciful life? Who, among us, is building community through unitive endeavors? Let us join these helpers in the efforts of peace and compassion. Let us join them faithfully, lovingly and with great and joyful hope.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington helps to build community through the Interfaith bridges that connect us. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com for speaking engagements, sacred celebrations and Chaplain Services.