Articles on Community
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A Beautiful Soul
Today’s blog is by Ernest Yau. “The meaning of earthly existence lies not, as we have been used to thinking, in prospering… but in the development of the soul.” (Alexander Solzhenitsyn) As I gaze at him, every inch an ordinary man, I spot something extraordinary: an alive body, a surrendering mind and a loving heart.…
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A Space for Silence & Prayer
Article by Judy Walsh-Mellett – September 2019 eNews As a child walking in the woods, I was not compelled to ponderous thinking or righting the world’s wrongs. I simply walked and paused breathless if a deer or a rabbit passed by. Or gazed in awe if I chanced to see a Lady Slipper’s rare glory,…
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Miracle, Light and Considerable Magic
Article by by Carrie Newcomer – August 2019 eNews “Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign?” (Mark 8:12) Albert Einstein said, “There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” I know when the world feels anything…
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Leaning Against Trees
Today’s post is by Melanie Weldon-Soiset One cloudy Friday this past March, eight Sojourners fellows and I gathered in my DC living room to seek divine presence. We participated in the Howard Thurman Retreat Day, an online opportunity with Shalem. Lerita Coleman Brown facilitated reflections for us about Howard Thurman’s life and teachings, reflections that…
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Beginnings
Article by Jane Sharp – July 2019 eNews It all began with longings. A longing to continue learning. A longing for the community, conversation, and contemplative wisdom I found at Shalem. A longing to share such connections and deepening with others. Arriving home having completed Shalem’s long-term program Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats,…
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Evening Visitor
by Bryan Berghoef “Meow, meow, me-ooow,” came the sad call from outside my window. A farm cat had wandered over the neighboring field and was now circling my backyard office shed. It was a forlorn call, and he was right underneath the window where I was holding a pre-marital counseling session with a young couple.…