
February 2021
“Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may continuously return.” Thomas R. Kelly, A Testament of Devotion
For those, like me, dusting off our spiritual voice can feel uncoordinated – as if learning a new language. But this time reciting a devotion to God. I have sure footing amongst seminary colleagues but speaking outside this community is where I can struggle. It is not for lack of listener interest, but I still work on speaking clearly about faith in a manner that does not ring of proselytizing, at least to my ears. I traveled everywhere in New York City by subway. I embraced the energy. This included the public transit preachers who would diligently work their way through each crowded subway car spreading a message of repentance and salvation. Many, including me, would sigh and simply accept it as the tapestry of public life. But they had a plan and knew how to exactly time their plea from leaving one station to entering the next. The doors would open and off the messenger went like an arrow of destiny through the crowds to another captive audience.
I no longer live in New York City and likely hold a more generous recollection of such moments. Perhaps softened by age but my memory now sees these tellers as quite brave in the surety of their call for eternal grace, albeit in a self-styled pitch necessary to compete for urbanite attention. I raise this in consideration for my own voice and its deepening connection with God. The journey is exquisite, rich with affirmations of eternal love. I want to share this with others so they too can find charitable peace, moral purpose, and devotional resilience. Quakers refer to this as bearing public witness; an active listening for that of God within someone.
What I wish to impart here is that we listen to each other. To encourage the unique temper of one’s “inner sanctuary” as a bridge to common humanity. Of course, it is not always opportune to speak of such intimate matters but make the time to reach out, ask about the spiritual health of your community. Provide friendship and objective counsel. I am often pleasantly surprised how many people are willing to voice the light of God if invited.
This writing is dedicated to my father, Robert Jr., who teaches me to listen to the inner light.
Peace and blessings,
Christopher
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