Tire-d

A companion on my spiritual journey asked me to come up with an analogy for ministry. It’s still a work in progress, and definitely nothing profound, but:

Ministry is like air in a tire. 

The air in our tires is something that is necessary. Without air in our tires, we would cause damage to the rims, possibly other parts of the vehicle (car, bike, whatever). And so we need to pay attention to the air in our tires.

Most days, everything is fine. Nothing needs to be done.

But sometimes, we start to notice the air is getting a bit low. And, if we don’t do something, we might get into trouble.

Sometimes we notice the air is very low—and that means there’s imminent challenges and potential damages unless we take action fast.

Sometimes a tire can be too inflated, causing the tire to stretch in unhealthy and unhelpful ways—a different type of damage.

Sometimes, a sharp obstacle or pothole can cause a tire to just blow out unexpectedly.

To be sure, a slow leak is more common, and more fixable, but you never know what is on the road ahead, or hidden under a puddle, and you can’t always avoid hazards, and who knows what inner, unseen stresses may be causing some weakness.

A flat tire is unhelpful for the journey.
A flat ministry is also unhelpful for the journey.

Ministry is like the air in the tires—it needs to be checked on a regular basis. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it needs a bit of a top up, sometimes it needs some immediate attention to prevent irreparable damage, sometimes damage can happen when we least expect it.

But the air in the tires, of our ministry, should always be checked as part of the journey.

May our ministry be examined and maintained like our tires are, and repaired when necessary, to ensure that the journey goes as smoothly as possible.

Holey Socks

There are times when I admit, I miss the obvious.

A few weeks ago, for instance...  I was attending a session in a shoe-free zone, and when I looked down at my crossed feet, noticed a hole in my sock. A reasonable size, it was unlikely to have just popped up during the morning. How had I missed that when I put my socks on?!

I changed the crossing of my legs, not wanting to show the room my hole-y sock. Imagine my surprise, doubled, when I looked and saw that the other sock also had a hole in its heel. Clearly, my powers of observation had been entirely absent that morning. 

This led me to reflect on what else I could be missing in my life. What else was happening, that would have been obvious and apparent, had I been open and aware to it?

The holes in my socks had not just happened suddenly; they must have been wearing down over time. I do not dress in the dark, so I could have seen the holes at any time. Why did it take a time when there was nothing else happening to notice that something so basic was left wanting attention?

So too, our spiritual journey is one that wants regular reflection and care. Is our prayer life in good condition, or Is it wearing in places? Are we looking for places of weakness in order to be more gentle with ourselves in those places? Are we looking to strengthen and maintain other areas? Are our practices just routine enough that we assure ourselves we have done them? Are we intentionally going sufficiently deep within ourselves to seek out this awareness? Are we spending enough time to be carefully reflective, amidst the busyness of life?

Whatever our journey, we know we can always do better. Our practices can always use attention, and maybe change. Whatever the format (or combinations thereof), we are challenged to greater awareness of self and of God; to our own benefit and to the benefit of the broader community.

Wherever we are on our journey, we know we are walking with God. My prayer is that my journey will be in better repair than my socks!

Names

Shadow the Fruitbat

I've been thinking about names this week; partly as Shadow's ears (and toothiness) have earned him the moniker "fruitbat," partly as ourt confirmation classes have discussed some of the ways we name God, some as I've learned names, forgotten names, and used names. 
Names matter; and how we use them matters.

We all know what it feels like to hear a loved one say our name; this is not simply a word, it is a relationship. Our names show the world who we are, be they our formal names or shortened versions or nicknames. Be it the declaration of a name in baptism or a friendly nickname earned through shared history, we know that names have power. Names highlight connection.

We show respect and dignity by getting names and pronouns correct and accurate, by communicating in with appropriate manners. We may need a few tries to learn or re-learn proper pronunciation or preference, but it is time well spent; and we appreciate the patience others extend when we fumble.

When we apply this to our faith, we recognise that names also speak of relationship with God. Our scriptures are full of people and places where the name tells us about character or activity (i.e. Esau’s hirsutism providing his name, or the Hebrew Ednah for pleasure having the same root as Eden).

Our connection with God is rich in relationship; we share a history, we enjoy a current connection, we anticipate our interconnected future. And we recognise that this relationship is different than any other we have; for it is with the divine.

And so we name God differently. Whatever word we use, our spirits connect in a different manner than how we relate even to our most beloved here on earth.

Leonard Cohen writes (in Book of Mercy, #15): “This is the way we summon each other, but it is not the way we call upon the Name. … How beautiful our heritage, to have this way of speaking to eternity, how bountiful this solitude, surrounded, filled, and mastered by the Name, from which all things arise in splendour, depending one upon the other.”

Perhaps a sign of our spiritual maturity will be when we use names with one another in this earthly realm, with the same gentleness, beauty, and reverence that we save for The Name; for within each person before us is a spark of the divine, waiting keenly, patiently, to be called instead of summoned.

The right encounter at the right time...

About a week ago, Comet and I welcomed a new friend into the house. Comet had been getting a bit lonely, and after a few inquiries and meet-and-greets and applications, Shadow came to us.
He’s a rescue who was in a foster home, for longer than they had expected, with no discernable reason for the extended foster. But they loved him, and when Comet and I met him, it was a natural fit.

While the transition has been really smooth, it’s still a transition; there’s new patterns to develop, new areas for him to explore, new understandings of rules and boundaries, etc.
The right dog finds you at the right time.

I also believe that we encounter the right people at the right time.

I believe that God puts people in our path, and there’s the opportunity to learn and grow from these encounters.

Some folks may become long term friends and chosen family. Others may be short term associations. Some are situationally dependent. Others may be brief interactions that feel like chance.

Whatever they are, they are an opportunity for us to do the best we can. We can’t always know the impact we have on other people, but we can try our best.

We can avoid doing things that we know will be damaging; we can lean towards ways that build one another up. We can establish healthy parameters to minimise confusion or disrespect. We can collaborate towards justice and peace. We can advocate for those who are silenced or oppressed.

There’s lots we can do; but I think the main idea for me is to see each encounter as a learning opportunity: a chance to understand each encounter as being someone God has put in my path, and to do my best to do my best.

Shocking Stats and Holy Week

UNHQ at night

During CSW, it’s common for delegates from faith-based organisations to connect, both in planned and unscheduled ways. (For example, Ecumenical Women at the UN is a coalition of FBOs that gather for worship, shared advocacy, prayer and support, and deep deep friendships form).

Often in the conversations and debriefs we will share something we’ve learned that has stayed with us. Many are shocked by the statistics and stories of the extent and implications of gender inequality.

One such conversation this year had a first-time participant not only shocked by the statistic they were sharing, but by the response from some of us who have been doing this for some time: namely, (namely that we were not shocked by the statistic).

It isn’t that we don’t find such inequalities appalling, but that we have been in this forum long enough to have heard them many times. Our repulsion at these statistics fuels our efforts year-round. Someone this year (on their first day) commented “I’ve read the reports, but I have underestimated just how important and urgent this work is!”

Sometimes, a subtle shift in how data are presented can cause this shake-up. (An example; I recall when I learned that globally around 800 women die of pregnancy-related complications every day; yet when it was presented as comparable to 2 airplanes (747s) full of pregnant women crashing every day, everyone in the room gasped)

We go to CSW to be shaken up. And to shake up. We come home to continue to shake things up, as we continue to do the work that God has called us to.

This seems fitting as we enter into Holy Week: a time to ponder what is happening in our lives and in our faith; a time to be shaken up, to face the realities of the world we live in (and the world we want to live in).

The scriptures and liturgies of Palm Sunday and Holy Week are so well-known to us. We know the narrative, we do our best to open our hearts to the journey that we may grow spiritually as we journey towards the feast of the resurrection.

Perhaps this year God is calling us to be shaken up anew; to dive a bit deeper into the mysteries and meanings of what the scriptures are telling us. To think differently about this well-known narrative; to read it with fresh eyes, inquiring minds, and discerning hearts.

Perhaps we could spend some time this week, reading and praying over the word of God. Imagine if we had a conversation with someone else about how the scriptures are speaking to us; about connections we see with modern events, about ways that we feel God is speaking to us.

Imagine how much more we might learn and be inspired by the scriptures, in this already very deeply spiritual time; imagine how much more joyous our Easter Gospel might sound if we allow God to show us how important and urgent the spiritual work of Holy work is.

May God bless us on this Holy Week journey.

Politics and Sausages (and Dog Parks)

There’s an adage that politics and sausages are two things one wouldn’t want to see being made. That’s because they’re messy and often include some unappealing bits, though the end result is somewhat smooth and desirable.

As someone who embraces her inner political animal, and actively engages in politics, I don’t disagree with the adage. Having spent the past few weeks attending the UNCSW, and having done much reading and advocacy ahead of time, I can share that this CSW was messier than most in process and purpose (as we are facing greater pushback against equal rights). The road to Agreed Conclusions was bumpier than normal, with shifting political practices and alliances; and a decrease in civil discourse and decorum (even in the Chamber!). I have opinions.

A few days of reflection has me considering a different adage than sausages… I think this year, politics at the UNCSW (and elsewhere) is more like a dog park in March.
(Comet gladly came with me for some ‘research’ into this analogy)

The dog park is a great space – lots of room for roaming around, within well-established (and fully fenced) parameters. There are some high spots and low spots, some trees, and some well-worn paths. The opportunity to connect and interact with others is abundant, depending on who is there at any given time. Normally, all goes well, but sometimes skirmishes can occur between pups – these can be resolved by some distance (either going to a different part of the park, or someone going home), and at times some outside intervention (from the respective humans)
The analogy doesn’t need much explanation here.

Presently, the dog park landscape is both the same and different: the March Melt is upon us. This means things are a tad messier than normal. The fencing is less secure in the weakened soil, creating a potential disruption in the security of the parameter. In the low-lying spots, large puddles have formed, which leaves uncertainty about what exactly is in there (including sharp edges on ice)… it also makes for a splashy mess when someone goes in/through. The pathways are far from smooth, as in sections there is really oozy and smelly mud (the kind that tries to suck you in, and even after you’re through it lingers); and in other sections there are some unexpected slippery parts where black ice remains a hazard. Staying on the areas where the snow build-up remains is no longer the solid place it was, as the foundation has started to destabilise, and it’s common to fall through. And, the thawing snow often reveals quite an abundance of ‘surprises’ that had been deposited (and were either unseen or ignored – or intentionally hidden) are no longer covered by the snow. (In politics as at the dog park, poop happens.)
Sadly, I don’t think this extended analogy needs much explanation either.

What this highlights for me is the potential to clean up. For those doing the work of justice, it can look intimidating and ugly and uninspiring. Yet we are committed to the work, the work that we have been called to: be it at home or in larger political spaces. It’s messy, and takes time and effort, but it is holy work. And as with the dog park, we know the safe space and beauty that we can return to – where all who come can benefit and flourish.
In the meantime, we still go to the park – we just bring towels for some immediate cleanup.

Collared

In my last CSW blog, I mentioned the perception of context, and suggested I’d write a separate blog about that.
And here it is!

There are many ways that people demonstrate their position on issues, or where they’re from; t-shirts, flags, pins, uniforms, colours (for example, Thursdays In Black is a global campaign where we wear black in solidarity, advocating for a world without rape and any form of Gender Based Violence). Formerly we would load up our UN Grounds passes with badges and insignia of organisations and causes we support, but as those are no longer permitted, we have found other ways to communicate our stance.

During CSW, I wear my collar. A lot. Many clergy do (if we come from a collar-wearing tradition); when we are there representing our denomination or tradition, it’s a good and simple way to witness even if we don’t say a word. The context of women in a collar at these events speaks volumes.

In meetings with other advocates and civil society organisations, it situates us as to what brought us to the Commission. On Mission visits, the collar is a great conversation starter (at the Canadian Mission reception, for example, more than one person looked at me and asked – “Anglican?”).

In sessions, it serves to quickly identify who we are and who we represent. In the current political climate, it’s especially important to identify as faithful feminists (not as part of the growing anti-rights movement). Often in sessions we endeavour to ask panelists how they engage with Faith-Based Organisations to work against the anti-gender and anti-rights movement.

Because there are many agencies and organisations wishing to partner with people of faith; we are constantly finding new ways to align values and priorities.
(An aside, this is where ecumenical connections become so helpful, as we share vast knowledge and experience through amazing people who have collectively been in this forum for decades, and whose ministry spans the globe in ways that far exceed any one denominational capability)

After one session where we did not get the chance to ask our question in plenary, one of the speakers approached us, commenting on the positive influence of having female clergy in the session. It had become apparent that we were not there to disrupt the session, but to learn from it and support the good work that was being shared. (There were a distressing amount of individuals this year who were there to protest equal rights, especially around sexual and reproductive health.) We had a most intriguing conversation with these staff, who have requested ongoing conversation and collaboration; an opportunity that may not have otherwise come up.

Being easily identified as clergy also opened up a number of conversations where people asked for a blessing, or for prayer, or to speak with us about things that were weighing on their hearts. CSW is normally a time of heavy topics, and this year’s discussions seemed heavier than normal (given the emphasis from some nation states to push back women’s rights); many strangers simply stopped us from time to time for a brief moment of holy connection with us and God.

Perception matters: in a context and climate where the some are claiming their religiosity as an excuse for hatred, oppression, and division, we chose to ensure it was a symbol of acceptance, advocacy, and solidarity. Our faith calls us to stand for peace and justice, and what a blessing to carry and share that reminder in a small collar.

Can you hear me?

In the conference and meeting rooms at UNHQ, seats at the table have microphones; ideally when a meeting is taking place the speaker turns on their microphone and is thus more easily heard by others (while simultaneously keeping others quieter, as their mics are not turned on). This also provides the option for chairs to maintain time limits of speakers.

Throughout the rooms, all other seats are equipped with ear pieces. They’re not classy, nor are they particularly comfortable. But they are ubiquitous; and highly functional! When sessions include interpretation (real-time conversion of the speech), attendees can listen to the presentation in the language of their choosing (as it is available – not every session provides interpretation into all 6 UN languages)

These small pieces seem simple, but highlight some of the realities of attending global sessions. What is said and what is heard is incredibly important; and ensuring consistency between those two aspects is critical to comprehension.

In my experiences this CSW, some of the speakers have been rather quiet or there is background noise, and I have used the ear pieces to hear the English – without interpretation. My middle-aged ears appreciate the option of increasing the volume during sessions.

I am also challenged to listen carefully to the speakers; even in my native language, if I am taking notes or distracted by something else, I recognise that my listening skills may not be as honed as they might be; my notebook has abundant half-quotes as I was not sufficiently swift to transcribe or make my written commentary before my attention is struck elsewhere.

The interpretation is itself amazing; in larger sessions the ability to click a button and receive the same speech in multiple languages is impressive. It allows delegates and speakers to communicate clearly in their most fluent UN language, while ensuring that the essence of their message is communicated in a timely manner for the deliberation. (Formal statements are translated – the conversion of the written word – often before they are delivered).

Yet sometimes, things seem “lost in translation” – the interpreters are human, and as good as they are, sometimes words are minimised or nuance is lost. Speakers aim to avoid idioms, but they inevitably creep in. Regional dialects, accents, and speedy speakers can also add to the challenge of comprehension. At times I rely on the interpretation as my linguistic skills are inadequate to the level of discourse. (For example, I can follow some Spanish dialects, others are entirely beyond my scope!)

Then comes the discernment. The movement beyond just audibly and logically receiving the words, and understanding and responding to the message. Some of the debates and discussions have come from contexts that are very different from my understanding; the language spoken by one presenter was not the problem in my comprehension, as he described a society without homelessness (though it is widely known to have nearly half a million displaced persons); another person’s speech of the equal access to justice fell flat until I realised that they did not count those stranded in a refugee camp within their borders as citizens worthy of that access.

And beyond the discernment comes the perception of context… but that’s a blog for another day.

These processes are merely a glimpse into the context and nuance of the discussions that we are able to witness and participate in. And they are applicable to our witness and participation in CSW and other such forum, and beyond them. As part of the Anglican delegation, in this context, we are careful to always be mindful – after all, the Anglican Communion is comprised of 85 million people in 165 countries.

But even in our daily interactions, as people of faith, we can all do our best to be intentional about our conversations. We can consider if we are properly hearing and actively listening; if we need interpretation or if things have been lost in translation; and of course if we are framing the conversation in the same way as those who are on other sides of the story – the discernment of facts is so crucial in our lives, our churches, our world.

Our prayers are also active communication, and we can challenge ourselves to put this practice under the same scrutiny. Are we hearing God’s voice, and are we listening? Are we seeking to understand, and discern a faithful response? How is God inviting us to act for justice?

Choose Your Own Adventure

The Rev Lizzi Green and I attend a Side Event in the ECOSOC chamber

Being at the UN CSW is like an extended insertion into a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ narrative. With over 700 events to consider, each day is a careful discernment of how to spend our time and energy. We consider the topics, speakers, hosts, and themes of Side Events (events on UN grounds, usually panels by nation states) and Parallel Events (in surrounding buildings, led by non-governmental organisations and civil society). We contemplate what we hope to learn, or with whom we intend to network, ally, and advocate, along with concerns of access and space.

In all our time here at the UN, we connect with one another to share our experiences, our learnings, and the lessons we will take home to implement real change for increased justice in our homes, churches, and communities.

CSW changes us, and we get to participate in the selection of the trajectory of that change.

As we heard during the opening session on Monday, equality is an active choice… and that the systems and structures rolling back and eroding women’s rights and gender equality is also an active choice. We know why we need equal rights; we are being challenged to consider why we are not taking action.

 It’s a choice. 

I am reflecting on choices; the choices we make as individuals, families, churches, communities… the things we choose to do and say, and the things about which we choose to stay silent or inactive.

It’s a choice. 

So what is our choice, as the church?

We have the option to make gender equality a fully integrated reality in our shared institutions. We can choose to shape change in our church in ways that uphold the dignity of every human being. We can choose to make gender justice not simply a box to be checked off, but a value to be actively implemented.

We can do this through our prayers, our re-understanding of scripture from a feminist perspective, in how we involve the members in our liturgy, and how we reach beyond our walls. 

The world sees us, and sees how we treat all people. Will we be known to ignore or diminish half of our society, or will we choose to fully engage and cherish the fullness of humanity that God has blessed the world with.

It’s a choice. 

Let us choose for justice. 

International Women’s Day 2026… some foggy reflections

There’s any number reflections and articles being shared today, International Women’s Day. 

I awoke this morning in central New York, here again to attend and advocate at the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Looking out my 17th floor window, I saw the Empire State Building… at least, most of it. 

There’s a low cloud cover this morning, which impairs visibility of the some of the taller buildings. So we know they are there, and can see the basic structure amongst the skyline, but they seem to fade in and out as the mist floats by. 

The potential for a full view is there… yet it’s denied. By something amorphous, ambiguous, slightly insubstantial… yet still strong enough to be a barrier.

This is analogous to the fight for gender equality. The rights for women and girls  exist; yet for many. women and girls, they are just not accessible. At times, they appear to be within reach, until something floats in between. At other times, they exist in theory but the practical application is absent or inadequate. God help us, but in recent years we are seeing equality decline, as rights are diminished or removed altogether. There is no country that has achieved gender equality, and at the current rate of progress, it will take hundreds of years to get there. 

The church is, like so many institutions, reflective of society. One need not look far or deep to find expressions of misogyny, bullying, sexism, and violence. 

Yet we know we can do better. And this is why the church speaks out against unjust systems and structures. We are called to shine the light, a light so strong that it would burn off the mist that shrouds equality and justice from over half the world’s population. 

So we advocate, we pray, we speak up. We do our best to share the news of what the church CAN do: to uphold the dignity of every human being. Everywhere, every time, every occasion where inequality looms - we speak up to normalise the push to equality.

So here I am. In New York. At another CSW. With other Anglican delegates, with ecumenical and interfaith partners, with faith based organisations, with civil society organisations, with non governmental agencies and with government representatives… all upheld by the prayers of countless people in countless places.  

Because until all can have access to justice, Women’s Day remains a call to faithful action. 

Stay In Your Lane

One of the phrases of recent years, that invites folks to focus on their area, is “stay in your lane”. It has the connotation of driving along a road, yet without that context. It instead is meant to admonish those who extend outside of their normal boundaries – even when (especially when!) they know better.

Often, it comes when someone lacks the skill or ability to engage where they are trying to; or when they are ignoring the parameters that have been set for them. What is generally not lacking in these circumstances, however, is an overdeveloped confidence.

I was thinking about the phrase last week when I headed out snowshoeing; I had decided to go alongside the track that the nordic ski club had set at a local golf course. I say “alongside” intentionally – following the request of the ski club (and common sense), I kept off the ski tracks, as I know that snowshoes can cause harm to the groomed trails – and therefore create unnecessary problems for the skiers.

So I trekked out; beside the ski trails, making tracks of my own. Several skiers passed me, there were plenty of friendly ‘hello’s and smiles. Everyone stayed in their lane; everyone had a good day out.

Staying in our lane in other areas of life can also be beneficial; a healthy humility and self-awareness can keep us exercising our ministry in ways that are helpful, healthy, and fruitful to what we have been called to. When we veer into others’ lanes, like traipsing over a groomed ski trail, we can cause damage to the ministry of others; overstepping into someone else’s lane (even with the best of intentions) denies them their ministry.

Our lanes are there; and we all have them. God is always calling us onward, giving us opportunities to go and grow and serve. God is also always reminding us that we are accompanied on our journeys by the others in our lives – who are following their own lanes.

May God grant us discernment and wisdom to stay in our lanes!

A LOTtle

 

Last week, we had a foggy day. Ice fog usually means hoarfrost, where everything gets coated with a sheen of moisture, resulting in gorgeous sparkling when the sun shines.

It doesn’t take much; a slightly higher than average humidity leads to trees covered in diamond-like brilliance. With fog in winter, a little humidity means a lot of beauty.

Likewise, we can reflect on how in our lives, some little thing can become significant to us.

A small gesture of kindness can brighten a dull day; a small act of compassion can encourage in the midst of struggle. A friend making time to listen when we need a shoulder to lean on; a small note of thanks acknowledging our efforts – it all adds up.

On this Freedom Sunday, when we commit to fighting against the scourge of Human Trafficking, a little education can help us to recognise when evil is in our midst; a little courage can help liberate someone who is trapped.

Whatever our context, every small action has the potential to make the world a better place.

Our faith inspires us to love God and love each other; and there is no loving action that is too small to matter. Each small act of love may be an answer to someone else’s prayer; and every connection opens a door to a potential relationship.

As we enter another week, let’s celebrate every little thing that is done in love: it means a lot.

“Rabbi Tarfon would say:
You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief.
Do justly, now.
Love mercy, now.
Walk humbly, now."
(Quoted in Wisdom of the Jewish Sages by Rabbi Rami Shapiro)

Oversharing

Emblem of the 2026 Winter Olympics; Public Domain

I have not been watching the Olympics very much this week; but I have been watching some ‘highlight reels’ – and wow, there have been some fascinating things happening!
The ‘chirping’ at the curling events was unusual (especially with multiple claims of double touching by Canadians?!); the accomplishments of all of the athletes is inspiring a new generation of athletes (hello Gilles and Poirier!); the supporters have been amazing (who will forget Maia Schwinghammer’s father going viral); and really, no one quite knew how to react to the suggestion of the ski jumpers’ injected …enhancements. (Other than “ICK!”)

One of the standout moments, however, came from the unlikely interview with a Norwegian bronze-medal winner, who used his interview to lament his recent infidelity to his ex-girlfriend. Reports indicate she was less than pleased with his public revelation, and he went on to further apologise for his indiscretion about their personal issues. (Fortunately, the media have respected her wish for anonymity)

Oversharing is a reality in our world; and usually something that is a reaction (not a response), that’s clearly not been though through. It can violate boundaries, create awkwardness and discomfort, and can lead to damaged relationships and reputations in future.

The consequences of oversharing don’t have to be extreme to be perceived as negative. Even the best of intentions can be quashed by someone’s revelations that are untimely or inappropriate. Context matters!

As people of faith, we are invited to be circumspect in what, and how, we share. We are certainly called to share our faith, but to practice discretion and wisdom in how we do this. We are stewards of our personal lives; and when the time is right, we can focus on appropriate sharing within our community. If we ignore boundaries, however, we may inadvertently push people away, thus defeating our intention and our calling.

When we rely on our spiritual maturity and attentiveness, we understand the benefits of sharing with purpose (consider the advice of Ephesians 4.29: Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear; or Proverbs 12.18: Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.)

May God keep our sharing to be for the building up of community; may the Spirit hold our tongues before we overshare!

Not-So-Super Bowl

Like most major sporting and entertainment events, there is always more happening than just the game on the field/ice/stadium/whatever. There are half-time shows, parties, tailgating, the list goes on.

Unfortunately, large events like this are also notorious for illicit actions as well. Human trafficking rates are known to rise substantially at large events; and while increased awareness initiatives and more careful policing does help to curb some of this evil, it still happens.

Anywhere and anytime that thousands of people are in one location, some/many of whom may be impaired, others who may personally profit from turning a blind eye – it’s a forum for the commercialisation of humanity.

A horrifying fact of human trafficking is that it is a by-demand system – meaning that before a human is trafficked, someone has already paid for that human to be trafficked. Unlike other exchanges, traffickers do not have ability or inclination to maintain surplus supply.

While the majority of people who are trafficked are enslaved in sex trafficking, there are also a large number who are targeted for labour trafficking. Globally, there are an estimated 28 million people trapped in human trafficking any day.

In Canada, February 22 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Here in Saskatoon, there will be a flag-raising, solemn walk, and panel discussion about the realities of human trafficking in our midst (February 20, beginning at City Hall). We may not be the Super Bowl, but this darkness creeps across every community.

The good news is that we are making a difference: by shining the light into the darkness, by refusing to look away when it becomes painful or awkward; by doing what we can to re-affirm the dignity and rights of every human being.

This is modern-day slavery; and as Christians we are called to stand against this commodification and exploitation of our kin. We can do this through education and advocacy; learning about what human trafficking looks like in our own contexts, and committing to respect the dignity of all – praying for those who are trapped, survivors, and for those who work with them. We pray, too, for those who engage in illicit acts, and for the traffickers – that God may turn their hearts.

May God give us the strength and courage to be informed advocates for justice.

Isa. 61.1-2 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.

Reflections from the Dog Park

At a trip to the dog park this week, Comet discovered a stick that was frozen in the ground. Try as she might, she was unable to dig it up and chew it apart.

After consulting with some of her doggy friends, she found another stick – this one, however, was already in the mouth of another dog – who was not inclined to share.

A few zoomies later, she found a stick just lying on the ground. A BIG stick. A log, really; so large that she could not pick it up. She was able to drag it a little, and tried to keep it away from the others, but it was simple too much for her.

Eventually she gave up, and the dogs all returned to chasing and frolicking sans sticks.

Despite the adorable nature of a dog’s life, her stick adventures can be revealing.

Sometimes, what we want may be just below the surface: yet still inaccessible to us – and we simply have to move on. For if we get stuck with something unavailable, we’ll miss out on other opportunities right in front of us.

Sometimes, what we want is already being used by someone else. It can be frustrating, but we’re not always meant to have whatever we want. And, from a justice perspective, our practice of self-control and self-minimalising means others can have their enjoyment as well. We all deserve to be happy, and stealing someone else’s stick can cause substantial issues and broken relationships.

Sometimes, what we think we want is just too much; and biting off more than we can chew can leave us unsatisfied, exhausted, and annoyed. Whether it’s filling our calendars too fill, or focusing on something that really is beyond our scope, we can’t do everything by ourselves. Unless we build our community and set ourselves realistic expectations, we are bound to be disappointed.

At times, there will be the right stick for the right time. And we will find a use for that stick, and ways to engage with others to ideally build up our community. It can take discernment to figure out what to do with something we find or are presented with, and it may not happen in our expectation. But I believe there’s always the right stick – and I pray we’re all wise enough to find it when it will lead to joy.

Updated

Sermon preparation processes look different for each preacher, and often fluctuate from week to week. Sometimes, the final form of my sermons are scripted and presented from a written document.

When this happens, I often use my iPad to bring that up. I can adjust the size, the colour, etc., to show where I wish to make my offering of a sermon.

Part of my preparations, when I am using said device, is to ensure the tablet is fully charged, and in my bag the night before, often with the sermon text already called up on the screen. On Sunday mornings, I usually test the device prior to the early service, and also have my phone in the prayer desk in the highly unlikely event that the iPad simply does not function.

Last Sunday, I was quite surprised when, after proclaiming the Gospel and opening the iPad, I was greeted with the words “Updating”…

For what it’s worth, that word was not part of the sermon!

The system needed several updates, and after it had done them, it wanted to walk me through all the changes – before I could use the device.

In the moment, frustrated, I just chose to collect my phone and use that for our worship time. (Fortunately, in the time between services, I was able to get my iPad to the point that it showed the sermon.)

For me, this was a reminder that sometimes, we all need to update.
Our minds, our bodies, our spirits: we benefit when we tend to ourselves, checking in on what might be signs that it’s time for an update.
And so often, we have reminders for ourselves...
Should I read some non-fiction? My mind says yes when I realise I’ve spent more time in novels (or scrolling) lately.
Should I call a friend? Absolutely – what a great way to boost my mood!
Should I drink more water? My body says yes; hand lotion only goes so far.
Should I go for a walk (even in -30)? My dog says yes; enthusiastically!

We do our best to be in tune with the hints we receive for our minds and bodies; and then we do our best to respond to those.
But when was the last time we were intentional about a spiritual updating? Do we read scripture daily? Study it, and pray?
In addition to our personal petitions, do we pray intercessions for the world, recognising our connections beyond ourselves?
Do we discern, in prayer and in community, how God is calling into action, to be the loved and loving people we were made to be?

There’s always room for improvement, of course; perhaps my iPad last week was reminding me of the opportunity to do my own updates before they became so urgent that nothing else could be done before they’d been tended to…

Perhaps my prayer this week is for the wisdom to do my own updates, and to prioritise them on a regular basis.

Nice and/or Kind

I recently had a conversation with someone who suggested that if everyone would just “be nice” then the world could be a better place.
On the surface, I could understand, I suggested to my friend that perhaps we should focus on being kind.

She and I then spent some time defining the distinction between the two (which, admittedly, can easily overlap!)

Nice is defined as pleasant and agreeable.
Kind is an adjective meaning a demonstration of friendly or considerate nature.

I proposed that being nice happens when people choose not only to avoid ‘rocking the boat’ but who at times will go to countermeasures when other factors are causing such rocking. And that ultimately, that’s not always the healthiest way forward.
Kindness, on the other hand, is meant for the betterment of a situation, whether it’s what’s wanted to be heard or not.

An example: if a friend asks my advice on an outfit, and it’s not flattering or appropriate, it would be nice to just say “that’s nice” or something agreeable. But, allowing a friend to wear an something objectionable or ill-suited to the event would not actually be kind.
A kind response would need to be just that – kind: perhaps complimenting the colour but suggesting a different style might be better suited to the event, and in fact allow the friend to better shine at the event.

I think a true friend would prefer the best for their friend, and so would prefer kindness: it increases genuine concern and care for one another.

In today’s political climate, I think our faith encourages us to find ways to be kind. Even when we have differences, we can look for ways to build one another up, support one another, empower and encourage each other in ways that are for the benefit of all. If we’re just nice, especially in the face of adversity, we may experience diminished credibility in all we do.

It can be a challenge to find ways to be kind, and certainly ‘being nice’ can feel easier at the time, but God calls us to be authentic in how we move forward. May our faith guide our pathways, where kindness flourishes.