Piloting Faith: On being authentic...

A Word for the Day...

Recently I attended the Parliament of the World's Religions in Toronto. During one of the sessions, I posed this question: "How do we create conditions so that what is best in each of us is brought forth as a gift to all of us?"

I've considered this since leaving the conference. What can I do that invites you to show up fully as your real, authentic self? I've also considered, "What courage must be demanded of us to allow us to show up as our authentic selves." It works both ways.

I don't think we lack in "showing up." I think we do lack in being authentic in the act. Let's work on this together. I'm fairly sure the world doesn't need more people showing up as pretend contributors. What we all need, more than anything, are those who come ready to bring their best. The challenge is: our best is always what's most deeply authentic. You have to know the difference.

- Rev. Cameron Trimble, CEO of the Center for Progressive Renewal

Prayer for the Week

God of all that is good,

When we look around this world, we see great beauty–echoes of
heaven, evidence of every good and perfect gift.

But we also see terrible pain–tragic shootings, broken relationships, abused power,
malnourished children. And so we pray…

May your will be done today, on earth as it is in heaven, and let it
begin with me.

Loving Creator, grant us strength to be instruments of your goodness.
Show us what to do and how to do it.

May your will be done today, on earth as it is in heaven, and let it
begin with me.

Give us, your people, the conviction to do more than just pray
your will be done–as though it were happening outside of us, and
carried out by other people. Let this be our most heartfelt desire
and deepest personal commitment.

May your will be done today, on earth as it is in heaven, and let it
begin with me.

Amen.

(adapted from The Prayer Wheel by Patton Dodd, Jana Riess and David Van Biema)