I woke this am to listen to Erwin McManus, who was featured on the on-line 10 Day Servant Leadership Summit (FREE! BTW) and was enthralled with his message. At first I saw this fellow, who is the founder and lead pastor to Mosiac a Los Angeles Church, who looked to be pretty comfortable in a pretty ‘rich setting’. I thought hmmm, okay, he is endorsed by Ken Blanchard BUT is he one of these snake oil salesmen type of religious leaders?….Hmmm. I waded in listening with scepticism but his message is compelling and he really does seem authentic and exude integrity. I believe a grounded force to be reckoned with, as he calls us out on our thinking. Take a look: https://erwinmcmanus.com/.

This was followed with the five minute global prayer session coordinated by spiritual great Marianne Williamson. I just love this lady! Her wisdom, strength and commitment to be a miracle facilitator makes her one of our global spiritual leaders (and btw for those of you who didn’t follow she had the lady kahoonas to run for the Democratic Leadership Race). Take a look https://marianne.com/.

Today, I pray with thanks for our Doctors and Nurses, First Responders, our Essential Workers who are keeping our communities functioning, AND Everyone who is doing their part to fight this battle through their social distancing and effective choices. Today with this gratitude, I am also welling up with sorrowful tears for all those who have lost the fight…tears of grief.

So on that note I will share a last photo of one of my dad’s simple paintings and a poem I wrote specifically for the piece and with thoughts of my dads own battle with a fatal disease.

The Inviting Bell Mary Catherine Rolston © 2009
 
Hollow strong majestic inviting
Bong
Awakening

Infant coos while water cleanses

Entry to a baptism in faith
 
…..The journey has begun
 
Hollow strong majestic inviting
Bong, bong,

Forgiveness
Child’s head bowed in humility
Entry to reconciliation
 
Hollow strong majestic inviting
Bong, bong, bong
Contrition
Small hands extend to seal the commitment
Entry to a communion in faith
 
Hollow strong majestic inviting
Bong, bong, bong, bong
Responsibility
Youth standing strong upon the gentle slap
Entry to a confirmation in faith
 
Hollow strong majestic inviting
Bong, bong, bong, bong, bong
Prayer
Celebrations of support and inspiration feed
Entry into a community of faith
 

Hollow strong majestic inviting
Bong, bong, bong
Devotion
Adults relinquishing the status quo, dawning simplicity
Entry to leadership in faith
 
Hollow strong majestic inviting
Bong, bong
Vows
Woman, man, unconditionally united souls
Entry to marriage in faith
 
Hollow strong majestic inviting
Bong, bong
Whispers
Weak, illness, tears drop, while arms extend
Entry to an anointing in faith
 
Light  Embraces in Love
 
The journey ends…
 
Hollow strong majestic farewell
Bong