can we believe in both Barbie and belovedness

On this first Sunday of Lent, considering 55 years of Barbie (and Ken) as contrast to our own creation... as well as times of trial and transformation, and the temptation to trust more in what we think we know than to believe we’re forgiven and beloved.

Particularly in context of ministry with older adults, I'm wondering about where we get our ideas of what it means and our projections about what it looks like to age?

We have baby dolls and Barbie dolls... what about a senior Sarah or elder Ed doll?

What do we think we know about aging?

Do we still believe we're created in God's image and that we're beloved?

Let us pray…

Come Holy Spirit, lead us deeper into the wilderness this Lent. 

“Lead us not into temptation… save us from the time of trial”

Have mercy on us this season as we examine our beliefs

and objects of our trust and devotion.

Help the unrealistic and untrustworthy desires in us die

as we prepare to embrace your promise of new life

and learn anew to love others as you have shown us how to love.

transfiguring enlightenment for the sake of transformative mission

Lest we be fearfully fixated on or delightfully distracted by mystical mountaintop experiences, or tempted to dwell too long within the walls of our own constructions, God’s voice interrupts limited, albeit well-meaning, assumptions and calls us to listen to Jesus. In the midst of moments when we’ve fallen to the ground in awe, Christ comes over, touches us, and says “Get up” we’ve got uncomfortably transformative work to do back down in the vast valleys of life. 

[ref. Matt 17:1-9 and other lectionary readings for last Sunday after Epiphany]

our creator's mind is a terrible thing to waste

pondering 'transfiguration' in prep for Sunday's lectionary readings while musing both about something I heard yesterday attributed to Groucho Marx ("While money can't buy happiness, it certainly lets you choose your own form of misery") and a quote at the end of this TED talk from Paradise Lost by John Milton ("The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven...")

http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_bloom_the_origins_of_pleasure.html

fight, flight, or 'right'

Fight (annihilation) or flight (avoidance)... or ‘right’ (reconciliation and restoration)?  

Oh God, help me again and again with this third way, especially amid conflict.  

Help me surrender self-preservation and self-promotion.  

Motivate me toward protection of others and loving promulgation of your whole (in which we’re all neighbors, enemy, stranger, and fellow alike).  

[inspired by bible verses for Epiphany 7 A]

getting to the heart and roots of our character and conduct

Epiphany 6, Year A

We are the field/garden. To truly transform our landscape (rather than merely prune for 'curb appeal'), we've got to first dig deep and pull up some stuff by the roots... then plant some new seeds and, with the help of God's light and love, cultivate some new vines and fruit to share. Jesus challenges us to transform our character as well as conduct. Let’s humbly examine the heart of the matter - the very roots of our thoughts as well as our actions – as we discern what we need to pluck out, cast away, or let go of in order to truly choose life and walk in God’s ways... remembering that this isn’t about being perfectly righteous, but about daily discipline and practice of choosing to be more honest, faithful, forgiving, intentional, and compassionate in response to what we see in ourselves and others by God’s merciful and gracious light.

spread some salt (ref: Matthew 5:13-20)

Those who spread the good news like salt on the roads of life help keep our communal pathways from icing over, despite freezing rain that sometimes comes in the dark night.

inter-generational epiphanies

Given this Feast day’s readings (re: Presentation of Jesus at the Temple), we’re considering the Spirit’s work through inter-generational epiphanies... particularly how faithful, prayerful, and hope-filled older adults can help younger adults realize meaning and purpose through their encounters with God... and the gravitational pull of Jesus. May we be inspired to live lives of devotion and anticipation; always seeking, open, and available to behold godly mysteries and fulfillment in newborn and re-born relationships.

Rembrandt, c.1627 (Germany)