Journal of Sacred Work

Today's meditation was written by Cathy Self, Senior Vice President for the Baptist Healing Trust.

     "We're all lovers, and we're all destroyers. We're all frightened and at the same time we all want terribly to trust. This is part of our struggle. We have to help what is most beautiful to emerge in us and to divert the powers of darkness and violence. I must learn to be able to say, 'This is my fragility. I must learn about it and use it in a constructive way.'" – Jean Vanier

      A practice seems to be re-emerging around the world for creating intentional sacred space among people – a set-apart-from-the-ordinary space of community and relationship in circle. Community circles, sometimes known as peacemaking cirlces, have been traced back to Native American and First Nations members. The philosophy of Circles acknowledges that we are all in need of help and that helping others helps us at the same time. The collective wisdom that rises from Circle is understood to draw from the wisdom of everyone in the circle. Circle brings together the ancient wisdom of community and the value of respect for individual gifts, needs, and differences in a process that honors the presence and dignity of every participant, that values the contribution of every participant, that emphasizes the connectedness of all things, that supports emotional and spiritual expression, and that gives equal voice to all.

     The principles of Circle are often lived and expressed through the lives of the most gracious of caregivers such as Irene Sendler, profiled earlier in this journal by Erie Chapman. Healing that finds expression through a sacred encounter seems well described in the principles of Circle – honoring and respect, valuing, connectedness emotionally and spiritually, equal voice and participation. Circle seems representative of the potential of every sacred encounter, engaging all aspects of our human experience – spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical. Circle, whether among two or twenty, offers the promise of shared joy and pain, struggle and triumph, vulnerability and strength.

     In this season set apart from the ordinary, we each hold the promise of Love. We are all in need of Love and in that sharing of Love we may discover that we, too, are loved. Each day holds gifts for those who give care – gifts of joy, sometimes of sadness, often of shared pain. As you work, look closely under the tree or at the table – look deeply into the eyes of those you serve…look carefully and you may find your own image. You may find Love.