There is news that will enrage your mind and raise your cortisol,
leave you limp as a doll while you lower your face into your open hands;
and everything within you calls you to retreat from the world, and you do,
and it’s good, and the healing in that hour, steadies, readies you to reenter.
There are centering moments when Love floods and breaches the barriers
of the mind, encompassing the body; and the body, with its demands,
and betrayals, large and small, are suspended, then held,
then released to the wash.
There are minutes that stretch to hours when Love drifts like the laziest river,
and you in your canoe, overcome with an abundance of time, break free
of your plans and rest in the light, kindness, and shade of your own heart.
A Christic gift — so not of your own making — but of your availing.
There are horizons so vivid, so overwhelmingly blue, as to take your hand
and walk you back into the world, so near as to arrest your weariness
and awaken tenderness: a compassion for self, and compassion for others —
two sides of the same manifestation.
There is a Love so embodied as to move you to ever-moving stillness,
so connected as to dismantle any egoistic motive — which calls you to charity,
for both neighbour and enemy. This fearless Love, that without hesitation
yet aware of the cost, compels you to stand and call out the cruel rot of injustice.
Yes, Stephen.
Thank you, and thanks for reading, Amrita.
Thank you for this tender and needed reflection
Thank you for your kindness, Sue.
Fearless Love… the core of good, is not a trait many people possess these days as many are hesitant to stand up and stand out. You sir, are a brave heart Stephen.
Thank you, my friend. I’m grateful for you.
Very beautiful, thank you, Stephen.
Thank you so much, Slavka.
I’m reading your words dear Stephen.
My sleeves are wet.
As always, you exquisitely express
the depth and texture of a sorrow
that leaves me speechless…
Thank you.
I’m humbled, Miriam. And deeply grateful.
Such gentle, yet powerful words. I needed that today. Thank you Stephen.
Thank you, Peggy. Your words warm my heart.
Thanks for this call to compassion – my thought went now to the shooter: how is he living with the knowledge of having killed another person. What moral injury has he inflicted upon himself? Or has he given himself over to the principalities and powers of this world?
But we grieve with the family of Nicole Good!
Those are important questions. Thank you, Sam.
Dear Stephen,
from a weary heart
Thank you,
for this <3 -^-
Tamara, thank you always.
Yes. Yes and amen.
Thank you, Joyce.