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Along the Journey  |  

HOW DID YOU GET ALONG WITH THE PEOPLE with WHOM YOU LIVED?

Cohabitation is a sort of cosmic dance,

me and you—

hands outstretched,

reaching for the other

as we waltz and sway in circles

around and around as we try

to find our footing,

our place,

in this relationship to one another.

 

And like the planets circle the sun,

we are pulled into revolving relationship,

sometimes moving closer

and other times drifting apart

because let’s be honest—

sharing space, sharing stories,

being unashamedly ourselves is the hardest part

of being in community.

 

And in the small, still moments

sometimes minds drift to wondering thoughts

of safe homes,

comforting places,

and tight hugs that never let you go

because everyone deserves warmth

and sweet affection.

 

In and amid this holy and divine cosmic creation,

everyone deserves to have a safe place

To rest their head at night

And not have to worry if who they are

will be affirmed without question.

 

God, just as you created us in full authenticity and humanity,

hear our illuminating prayers and songs

as we dance through complex relationships.

May we continue to cultivate beautiful

and vibrant community

And let us feel the love of our chosen families

surround our dwelling places.

 

~Courtney Anne Henry, MAPT/MDiv Dual degree student

 

Breath Prayer for Holy Wednesday:

Breathing in:      when I wander alone

Breathing out:   keep me brave, bring me home

Breathing in:      when I’m lonely on the way

Breathing out:   accompany me with dancing


This blog is part of a 16-piece series for MIGRATION & HOLY WEEK composed by the students and instructors CTS Contextual Immersions J-Term 2022 Courses on Immigration at the U.S.-Mexico Border. Because of COVID, both the planned travel seminar and the virtual seminar joined for a fully online zoom-based two-week seminar. Instructors compiled, edited the offerings into this series.  We hope that this series that integrates our studies and themes of Lent will pose questions for all of us to contemplate and respond to in our life of faith.

Along the Journey