18. Yes, And...

Our parables today will remind us that though we may be the sower of seeds, and we are also the soil that receives the seeds, it is not we who are in charge of the way things go. We are only in charge of our own personal behaviour and response.  Perhaps a little more leaning on the everlasting arms would do us all good.

Two men who died recently on the same day, C.T. Vivian and John Lewis, were two that leaned upon the everlasting arms in their private lives, and gave generously of themselves to the public. They have much to teach us about what it means to be a person of faith. And they, along with Dag Hammarskjold, Paul the Apostle, and Jesus are our rabbis in today's podcast.

Anchor the eternity of love in your own soul and embed this planet with goodness. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates.

Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice.

And if you follow your truth down the road to peace and the affirmation of love, if you shine like a beacon for all to see, then the poetry of all the great dreamers and philosophers is yours to manifest in a nation, a world community, and a Beloved Community that is finally at peace with itself.

—  John Lewis, Across That Bridge