|
Greetings!
One of my very first lessons I learned when I started on this spiritual path was to step into resistance or fear, to not let things hang and pretend (this is the non-spiritual form of denial) nothing is wrong. My teacher went on to say when you step into the issue, you dissipate the power and more importantly you learn not to hide from life. On this journey we all do the best we can in every situation and sometimes, though our intent was clear, in hindsight we might have chosen a different path.
On Tuesday we agreed to an outside group to use our facility to stage a rally. They contacted us last week and said the title of the rally was Love Trumps Hate. As an old hippy from the 60's this has been a slogan used many times over the years. I was a little naive. We agreed to allow the group to use our space and they asked to have the rally on Tuesday. Over the weekend Donald Trump announced he would be coming to Louisville for a rally at the convention center. We talked to the rally organizers and it was made clear that as an inclusive spiritual community we did not oppose or were not against anyone and were assured that this was not the intent of the rally. The intent was in the midst of a environment that appears to be polarizing pitting groups and individuals against each other they wanted to have a family friendly rally that embraced inclusion and diversity and love.
And for those that attended the rally that is what it was. Later the media decided to get involved and to clarify our position we provided a press release to all four media outlets...
Our community's mission is to transform ourselves and the world through love. We do this by offering a positive path on our spiritual journey through love, inclusion, compassion, empowerment, and living prosperity principles. We are align in love. We are not against anything or anyone; we stand in love for peace and compassion.
For those who attended the rally it was a beautiful thing. There were children and families and people from many cultures and countries. We read poetry, played music, beat drums, and danced. There were tears of gratitude and joy and the organizers intent was fully realized. One transgender woman said this was the first time she had come into a church since she was five years of age because she never felt welcomed or accepted. She said she received both in our beloved community and she was grateful for the outpouring of love and acceptance she felt.
My understanding, I did not see it myself, is that this is not how the rally was portrayed in the media. That the local news organizations linked the rally with the protesters at the convention center even staging the film to give the impression that the two were somehow linked together. The media will do what the media does and one of the things the media likes to have is a good story. Maybe in their mind a number of people, in the range of 200 with 30 or more children, coming together to express love, joy, and acceptance is not a good story but it is our story.
Finally, we knew that we were pushing right up to the line in allowing the rally in our space. Knowing the organizers, some who are members of our congregation, and getting clear on their intent had us believe we were on safe and solid ground in having the rally. Would we do it again. Yes on one condition I would request the name be changed to be less provocative. Yet, as the spiritual leader of our church I must be more aware of how we are perceived by the outer world and temper my enthusiasm to support others and to have our space become a community asset with the wisdom to know when we go to far.
These are difficult times and I know in my heart that the organizers and this community believes in the power of love and inclusion and the rally was not a reflection on anyone person or group but rather an attempts to say to all people you are welcome here. My only regret is that everyone was not able to attend and experience the love and acceptance that I felt in the room. I appreciate those in the congregation who contacted me to express their feelings from what they saw in the media and giving me an opportunity to respond and be aware of the situation.
Sunday we conclude our series on spiritual gifts. Rev Ray will wrap up the series with a talk on Connecting Your Spiritual Gifts. Carly Johnson&Diego Lyra will provide the special music and Lisa Wilbanks will lead the meditation.
| 
