June 19, 2015

Unbelievable! It’s really the only word I can use to describe my experiences today at Triennial. 

I have made so many new friends.  A casual conversation in the lobby of the hotel carries into a deep connection, bound together by the thread of sisterhood.  How can two strangers sit together and end up having the most profound conversation?

I met Mother Sherman, a dignified lady, originally from Liberia now living in Brooklyn, New York.  Her lyrical voice, ringing with truth, spoke of her love of God and her hopes for the Daughters of the King.  She reminded me that not only should we sing out praise to our God with our voices, but most importantly, with our hearts.

The Daughters of the King stands at a pivotal time.  Now more than ever we should raise our voices for peace, for justice, for love.  As Daughters we must take our vows of prayer, service and evangelism out into the world.  Even though Mother Sherman is unsteady in her gait, her spirit is strong and her faith unwavering. 

What an inspiration she is to me! And how I wished to live just a little closer so I could have the opportunity to routinely sit beside her. She is surely Shining the Light of Christ!

Another friend I made today comes from another part of the world torn by violence and mistrust. Mahmad Ghazal, a vendor who owns Ghazal’s Antiques in Samaria is a frequent guest at Episcopal Gatherings. I first had the chance to meet him in Colorado at the General Diocesan Convention.  This time I had a chance to really talk with him about the issues dividing Palestine and Israel.  Mahmad is an American citizen living in Palestine, and holds a thoughtful regard to what is happening in his country.  He speaks with the voice of hope, believing that all faithful people can live in partnership for the common good. 

For me, Mahmad has become the face of this polarizing issue. I see him as a friend, as another traveler on the journey.  God has put us together at a Triennial Gathering in Midway, Utah for reasons known only to God.  How fortunate am I to have had the chance to become his friend.

For you see, the lesson I’m learning at Triennial is that we must go through life with our arms wide open!  As you open your arms to another in a hug, you meet heart to heart. You connect on a very real level.  So often I have gone through life with my arms close to my sides, unmoving, not letting anyone in.  However, when opening my arms in invitation, I invite in love, laughter and compassion.  Truly I am safer with my arms wide open than by having them locked at my side.

What amazing lessons I am learning at Triennial (and it hasn’t even formally started! That’s tomorrows’ story...