“In all things, give thanks… ”
Those words are found in the apostle Paul’s closing to the people of Thessalonica. Some iteration of this phrase is commercialized by being placed on everything from coffee mugs to bumper stickers to offer a gentle reminder about the importance of gratitude as a state of being rather than something occasionally visited.
“We’ll make heaven a place on earth.”
Belinda Carlisle sang those words. At the height of her career in the ‘80s, Belinda’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” hit #1 and solidified her as an American music icon. Besides its flowing melody that held the words to this love song, the song’s use of “Heaven on earth” invited a new understanding of that phrase outside of the Christian understanding.
“Please know I’m asking from a place of love.”
Well, I know how this is going to end.
Although October 31 is one of the most loved family traditions, the distraction around costume creations, trick-or-treating plans and the search for the most delightful of treats to offer the revelers could mean we miss the wisdom this week is offering us.
Pause with me as we visit our ancestors and the sacredness — of all things — Halloween.
There are many paths of rituals and traditions in human history that converge to cross the bridge to our modern day Halloween traditions.
The first time the “I’ll pray for you” exchange happened, I’ll admit it stung -- for I had never been on the receiving end of one of those smackdowns. For years, I had been the deliverer, wielding my Biblical wisdom as if I was the only one qualified to be judge and jury to the world.
Not entirely my fault -- it’s part of the indoctrination received inside the evangelical church.
Someone said to me the other day they feel like they’ve lived five years here in 2020, and it’s only September.
I concur.
Is there a spiritual perspective that can help us find firm footing in this year?
Hate the sin — love the sinner.
My God. Can we please remove this phrase from our lives? I’m going right for the jugular this week. This phrase has done more damage than it ever has done good.
Prove me wrong.
