Like most of you, I suspect, I've had many emotions this week. Anger at the gunman who killed so many at a Florida nightclub - and ideologies of hate. Frustration over how this shooting is being spun. Sadness knowing this will escalate racial, ethnic, GBLTQI, and religious tensions. Lamentation over the unbearable weight of empathy for the families and loved ones of the victims. Prayers for those recovering and fighting for their lives. Prayers for our families. Prayers for our country, our world, ourselves.

In times like these there is no escaping the heat of our emotions. Yesterday, a friend reminded me that the most we can do is "seek out the coolest place in the blast furnace" and allow the heat to be what it will be. We can't escape the furnace right now; all we can do is allow the emotions and feelings to surround us and penetrate our hearts to the deepest levels. Click here to read more.