Triumphant Entrance

I can't recall a time when I walked into a room triumphantly.  Especially given all the criticism that would likely follow. Can't you hear it....

...Who does she think she is?

...What's so special about her?

I often wonder about the reception of Jesus as he approached Jerusalem on his journey from Galilee.  Many received him so well- shouts of joy and praise- but what about those who MUST have been asking themselves the same questions above.

Isn't that what being a believer is all about, though?  Holding oneself in high esteem because there is a deep inner knowing of value...LOVE...and purpose.  Jesus knew this, more profoundly than we can ever imagine.  So, I would hope we could take a page from this Palm Sunday.  Enter that room triumphantly (well, perhaps without all the pomp and circumstance) but with a deep inner knowing that we are good and created in and by Love.  And whatever lies ahead, we can handle it.

Freedom Rings

As Americans, perhaps we forget the privilege of freedom on a daily basis.  We have the ability to practice whatever faith tradition we like, where so many people across the globe do not.  As many of our Jewish and Christian friends prepare to celebrate the religious holidays of Passover and Easter respectively, we should take a moment to recognize and honor the message of freedom in each of these honored traditions!

Our Jewish sisters and brothers begin Passover at sunset of 3/25 which commemorates the story of the Exodus, where ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt.  Our Christian sisters and brothers honor the beginning of Holy Week with Palm Sunday on 3/24, which marks Jesus' triumphal entrance to Jerusalem and begins the journey to his eventual death on a cross.  Easter Sunday (3/31) is the celebration of Jesus' resurrection, which offers believers freedom from death by this promise of new life after death for all.

Let us ALL pause to let freedom ring.

Giving Voice

I wonder how many women can say that about themselves...

Not really speaking of singing voices (although maybe some would say they love theirs), but instead, I am referring to that uniquely given- more than just the combination of sound and vibration that comes out of your mouth- "voice" that speaks your truth and your authentic self.

I can think of thousands of times when my voice was quieted, either by my own fear and anxiety or by someone else's dominance.  That feeling literally takes your breath away.

So perhaps it's fitting that Sacred Threads is supporting the sound of a woman's voice during this Lenten season.  We hope you can join us: Register here for our Women's Voices Lenten evenings of reflection.

Maybe it's time the voice of women resonate just a little louder.