Sunday Musings – June 7, 2020
I have written extensively this week about my perspective on why we in the United States are experiencing such angst by people on all sides of the issue of racism. It is interesting that Covid-19 has, for many, taken such a back seat. Many places in the United States and in some other parts of the world continue to experiment with opening up various services. In some places the number of cases continues to rise while in others the death rates are reduced. Most places have not tested the general population. Here in Wheeling, West Virginia for the first-time testing is available to those without active symptoms. This testing is, however, voluntary and will not give us any better idea of the percentage of people infected or the percentage of those getting infected who become seriously ill.
It seems as if our ability, as humans, to live in a crisis or even high alert mode has been taxed. I do, of course, realize that there in a need to earn a living so as to house, feed and generally take care of oneself and, for many, one’s family. This is not an easy balance to maintain. For some of us who are still working and getting paid and/or have another source of income, the financial concerns are not as great thus making it easier to fall into the trap of judging those who must be concerned about economics and other practical issues of survival.
Our history in maintaining high alert status for aggressively tackling racism has historically in the United States and most other places been superseded by our desire to avoid the discomfort which necessarily precedes the spiritual evolution which demands that we settle into our fear of letting go of our historic belief that we need others to be less than so we can override our fear that we are not enough.
It is indeed momentarily comforting to sit here on my peaceful porch with no television, radio, internet news coverage or any other reminders that there is a larger world which must be faced; to whom I have a responsibility. The temporary peace I am enjoying is largely possible because I have food, utilities, and many other luxuries made possible by those in the larger world. I can hardly claim to be self-sufficient or independent.
Already this morning I have been told that “the real issue is reverse racism”; that so and so leader is a bigot and, thus a hypocrite with whom one cannot have a conversation; that the issue is the rageful looting and burning rather than the long history of false promises.
Once again on this Sunday morning I am reminded that we have much to learn from each other. One does not have to be an Anglian or descentant of the Anglian church or even a believer in a divine being to appreciate the value of confession and recommitment to all that is best within us.
A more universal general confession
Almighty and most merciful universe: We have erred and strayed thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of immediate gratification. We have offended against all that is just. We ae left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And we have given away our health which is the health of all of us. Universe, be patient and have mercy upon us, the slow learners. Help us to acknowledge what has not brought us and the rest of the universe any lasting peace or health. Help us to heal ourselves and each other according to the laws of the universe that we may live in peace with ourselves, each other and the rest of the universe(s). So it be. (Amen)
Written June 7, 2020
Jimmy F Pickettc
coachpickett.org
I have written extensively this week about my perspective on why we in the United States are experiencing such angst by people on all sides of the issue of racism. It is interesting that Covid-19 has, for many, taken such a back seat. Many places in the United States and in some other parts of the world continue to experiment with opening up various services. In some places the number of cases continues to rise while in others the death rates are reduced. Most places have not tested the general population. Here in Wheeling, West Virginia for the first-time testing is available to those without active symptoms. This testing is, however, voluntary and will not give us any better idea of the percentage of people infected or the percentage of those getting infected who become seriously ill.
It seems as if our ability, as humans, to live in a crisis or even high alert mode has been taxed. I do, of course, realize that there in a need to earn a living so as to house, feed and generally take care of oneself and, for many, one’s family. This is not an easy balance to maintain. For some of us who are still working and getting paid and/or have another source of income, the financial concerns are not as great thus making it easier to fall into the trap of judging those who must be concerned about economics and other practical issues of survival.
Our history in maintaining high alert status for aggressively tackling racism has historically in the United States and most other places been superseded by our desire to avoid the discomfort which necessarily precedes the spiritual evolution which demands that we settle into our fear of letting go of our historic belief that we need others to be less than so we can override our fear that we are not enough.
It is indeed momentarily comforting to sit here on my peaceful porch with no television, radio, internet news coverage or any other reminders that there is a larger world which must be faced; to whom I have a responsibility. The temporary peace I am enjoying is largely possible because I have food, utilities, and many other luxuries made possible by those in the larger world. I can hardly claim to be self-sufficient or independent.
Already this morning I have been told that “the real issue is reverse racism”; that so and so leader is a bigot and, thus a hypocrite with whom one cannot have a conversation; that the issue is the rageful looting and burning rather than the long history of false promises.
Once again on this Sunday morning I am reminded that we have much to learn from each other. One does not have to be an Anglian or descentant of the Anglian church or even a believer in a divine being to appreciate the value of confession and recommitment to all that is best within us.
A more universal general confession
Almighty and most merciful universe: We have erred and strayed thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of immediate gratification. We have offended against all that is just. We ae left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And we have given away our health which is the health of all of us. Universe, be patient and have mercy upon us, the slow learners. Help us to acknowledge what has not brought us and the rest of the universe any lasting peace or health. Help us to heal ourselves and each other according to the laws of the universe that we may live in peace with ourselves, each other and the rest of the universe(s). So it be. (Amen)
Written June 7, 2020
Jimmy F Pickettc
coachpickett.org
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