I was watching the NBC Nightly News (Weekend Edition) with Lester Holt tonight and he did an interview with Anita Hill, the former employee to US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. In the interview, Lester Holt stated that it has been 16 years since Justice Thomas’s confirmation hearings. I can’t believe it has been that long.
I remember watching the confirmation hearings and being in total disbelief that it was the woman who was being questioned, not the man, and even after all of the allegations that were brought out against Mr Thomas, our lawmakers still saw fit to place this man in a position of power. And now this particular man determines the ultimate fate of many of our laws. As I look back on the whole confirmation hearing fiasco, I wonder what on earth were the congressmen thinking (and I use the term congressmen, because yes, at that time most of them were men) confirming Mr Thomas.
[I'd like all of you to note that I am using civil language in regards to Justice Thomas. I may not like his decisions. I may not like his conduct, but he is one of our Supreme Court Justices and I feel that sometimes we need to be civil, and even respectful to our "opponents." This is the basis for practicing non-violent strategies.]
It is so difficult being a woman in today’s society, let alone a strong woman and to have your credibility shot in front of the whole world must have been the hardest thing for Ms Hill to have to put up with and then she had to watch Mr Thomas be seated on the Court. I commend Ms Hill (who has a J.D., or Doctor of Law Degree) for still standing up for women’s rights at Brandeis University near Boston.
As of today my brother B. has been deployed for 13 days. And boy do I miss him!
Tonight my parents come over and brought me some very yummy Chinese food from the Golden Panda restaurant in North Attleboro. It ’s an awesome restaurant, and no msg in their food. You can even get the basic menu items steamed (like chicken and broccoli) to make it healthier for you. (So if you’re ever in North Attleboro, try the Golden Panda- it has both an all you can eat buffet AND a chef makes it for you Mongolian Barbecue!) Thanks mom and dad!
My folks brought the food over because somehow I came in contact with something this week that I became highly allergic to, to the point of having hives. The itching was driving me crazy, so the doctors put me on Prednisone, much to my dismay. So I’m a little sleepy because of the drugs. After all it is fall in New England and with all of the leaves changing, anything could have triggered these stupid allergies.
As of today, my brother B. has been deployed for 12 days now.
In honor of the Red Sox, I would like to share the lyrics to the Rex Sox anthem, “Tessie.” It has been the official song of the Red Sox since the early 1900’s. Awesome!
Enjoy a little history session courtesy of Wikipdeia (The following comes from the Wikipedia site)
“Tessie” is the title of a Broadway song, as well as another song about how the singing of “TessWaterie” helped the Boston Red Sox win the first World Series in 1903. The name Tessie itself is a diminutive form used with several names, including Esther, Tess, and Theresa.
Broadway & Royal Rooters version
The original version of “Tessie (You Are the Only, Only, Only)” was written by Will R. Anderson and was featured in the Broadway musical The Silver Slipper, which ran for 160 performances between October 27, 1902 and March 14, 1903. The song was about a woman singing to her beloved parakeet “Tessie”.
While a popular tune, the song gained greater notoriety when it was adopted as a rallying cry by the Royal Rooters, a collection of loyal fans led by Michael T. McGreevy, or Michael “Nuf Ced” McGreevy, owner of the 3rd Base saloon. (McGreevy earned his nickname “Nuf Ced” due to the way he kept peace in his bar; when he grew frustrated with arguments over the Red Sox and the Boston Braves, he would pound his hand on the bar and declare “Nuf Ced!”) Boston Mayor John “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, grandfather of President John F. Kennedy, was another member of the Royal Rooters.
After the first four games of the 1903 World Series, Boston was down 1-3 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. (It was a best of 9 series; 5 wins were needed to win the series.) The Royal Rooters began rallying their team with every song they could think of; ultimately “Tessie” helped win the day. Pittsburgh outfielder Tommy Leach credited at least part of Boston’s win to “that damn ‘Tessie’ song.” He continued: “It was a real hum-dinger of a song, but it sort of got on your nerves after a while.” (Boston won Game 5 and went on to win Games 6, 7, and 8 to win the series 5–3; however, Boston only won two out of four at home and three of four at Pittsburgh, so the true impact of their home-town fans’ song is uncertain.) There are stories that the Royal Rooters actually traveled to Pittsburgh and hired a band to play Tessie to annoy the Pirates even at their home field.
The chorus to the original “Tessie” goes: Tessie, you make me feel so badly. Why don’t you turn around? Tessie, you know I love you madly. Babe, my heart weighs about a pound. Don’t blame me if I ever doubt you, You know I wouldn’t live without you. Tessie, you are the only, only, only.
[Harry MacDonough "Tessie" (.mp3) Recorded on October 5th, 1903 in Camden, NJ by Victor Talking Machine]
The fans began inventing their own lyrics to taunt the Pittsburgh players, such as Honus, why do you hit so badly? etc.
The Rooters stopped singing in 1918. The Red Sox won the World Series in 1918 but then endured an 86-year drought before winning again in 2004, the same year a re-release of “Tessie” was issued by the Dropkick Murphys.
Dropkick Murphys version
In 2004, the Boston-area celtic punk group Dropkick Murphys recorded a cover of “Tessie,” released on an EP of the same name. The Murphys said it was their intent to “bring back the spirit of the Rooters and to put the Red Sox back on top.” The goal of the Murphys was realized when later that year the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years. The song is also featured as the bonus track on their June, 2005 release, “The Warrior’s Code” with a lead-in from the WEEI broadcast of the final play in the 2004 World Series: “Swing and a ground ball, stabbed by Foulke. He has it. He underhands to first. And the Boston Red Sox are the World Champions. For the first time in 86 years, the Red Sox have won baseball’s world championship. Can you believe it?” -Joe Castiglione
The second “Tessie” — which featured backing vocals from Red Sox players Johnny Damon, Bronson Arroyo, and Lenny DiNardo, Red Sox Vice President of Public Affairs Dr. Charles Steinberg; and Boston Herald sportswriter Jeff Horrigan (who co-wrote the new lyrics with the Murphys) — has become a theme song for the Red Sox and tells the story of the Royal Rooters singing the original “Tessie”: Tessie is the Royal Rooters’ rally cry Tessie is the tune they always sung Tessie echoed April through October nights After serenading Stahl, Dineen and Young Tessie is a maiden with the sparkling eyes Tessie is a maiden with the love She doesn’t know the meaning of her sight She’s got a comment full of love And sometimes when the game is on the line Tessie always carried them away Up the road from Third Base to Huntington The boys will always sing and sway Two! Three! Four! “Tessie,” “Nuff Ced” McGreevy shouted, “We’re not here to mess around Boston, you know we love you madly Hear the crowd roar to your sound Don’t blame us if we ever doubt you You know we couldn’t live without you Tessie, you are the only, only, only” The Rooters showed up at the grounds one day They found their seats had all been sold McGreevey led the charge into the park Stormed the gates and put the game on hold The Rooters gave the other team a dreadful fright Boston’s tenth man could not be wrong Up from “Third Base” to Huntington They’d sing another victory song Two! Three! Four! “Tessie,” “Nuff Ced” McGreevey shouted, “We’re not here to mess around Boston, you know we love you madly Hear the crowd roar to your sound Don’t blame us if we ever doubt you You know we couldn’t live without you Tessie, you are the only only only” The Rooters gave the other team a dreadful fright Boston’s tenth man could not be wrong Up from “Third Base” to Huntington They’d sing another victory song Two! Three! Four! “Tessie,” “Nuff Ced” McGreevey shouted “We’re not here to mess around Boston, you know we love you madly Hear the crowd roar to your sound Don’t blame us if we ever doubt you You know we couldn’t live without you Tessie, you are the only only only” Don’t blame us if we ever doubt you You know we couldn’t live without you Boston, you are the only only only Don’t blame us if we ever doubt you You know we couldn’t live without you Red Sox, you are the only only only
The song is featured in the soundtrack to the 2005 movie, Fever Pitch, and is the song used in the closing credits to the VHS and DVD review of the 2004 World Series, a video that was produced by Major League Baseball Productions. The video game MVP Baseball 2005 features the song.
In addition to the straight version of “Tessie,” the EP includes “The Fields of Athenry,” “Nut Rocker” (the very first instrumental rock version of The Nutcracker’s overture, which later inspired The Ventures‘ similar work named ‘Nutty’, which itself is closely identified with the Boston Bruins pro ice hockey team), “The Burden” as performed live on WBCN, “Tessie (Old Timey Baseball Version)” in which the song is accompanied primarily by a ballpark organ, as well as a music video for “Tessie.” Proceeds from the sale of the EP went to benefit the Red Sox Foundation.
“Tessie” is one of three songs played after every Red Sox win at Fenway Park, the first being “Dirty ” by The Standells. The third is “Joy To The World” by Three Dog Night.
The Dropkicks tell this version of the story in the liner notes for The Warrior’s Code:
We recorded this song in June 2004 and after giving it to the Red Sox told anyone that would listen that this song would guarantee a World Series victory. Obviously no one listened to us or took us seriously. We were three outs away from elimination in game 4 at the hands of the Yankees and receiving death threats from friends, family, & strangers telling us to stay away from the Red Sox and any other Boston sports team and get out of town. Luckily for us things turned around for the Red Sox and the rest is history.
Yeah, the Boston Red Sox just became the American League East Division Champions for the first time since 1995 (they’ve gotten to the playoffs by being the wild-card the other times.) It was quite a game. The Sox beat the Minnesota Twins here in Boston at Fenway Park, but the NY Yankees had to lose at Baltimore, but when the Red Sox game ended, the Yankee-Oriole game was still in the 6th inning.
So the Sox management began playing the Yankee game on the scoreboard so the fans wouldn’t have to go home, and if the Yankee’s lost people could celebrate with the team. Almost 2 hours later and in the bottom of the 10th the Orioles ended up beating the Yankees! The crowd in the stadium erupted and the players got the champagne showers.
Let’s go Red Sox!
As of today my brother B. has been deployed for 11 days
Find a comfortable place where you can sit, relax and be alone for a few minutes. Slowly close your eyes and take a few deep breaths at your own pace and level of comfort.As you relax, visualize your loved one who has been diagnosed with some form of cancer.Begin to come in touch with your feelings. Acknowledge your reaction when you first found out about their illness. Know that anger, sadness, frustration and guilt…even questioning your faith, are all normal human responses to difficult news. Have compassion for yourself. Open your heart to your own humanity and promise to give yourself the same gifts of kindness and respect that you will be giving your loved one on this journey you are about to undertake together. Know that you also have resources and support to help you with your needs as you help your loved one.Sense or visualize yourself gathering information and resources to assist your loved one. See yourself speaking with doctors, social workers, counselors and clergy, researching in libraries or on-line, and learning from others in support groups. Remember to only share with your loved one that which is asked for and appropriate.In your mind’s eye, remember a time when you were sad or afraid and how good it felt when someone listened…really listened…as you expressed these feelings. Visualize yourself giving this very precious gift to your loved one. See yourself creating a safe, loving space for this purpose and quietly listening, listening with both mind and heart, as they express what are they are going through. Sense your strength and ability to refrain from the need to respond unless it is truly appropriate. Give the gift of the open and non-judgmental heart and mind.As your loved one comes through treatment, see yourself encouraging them return to life’s routine and rituals. Whatever the norm may be for them, living life to the fullest is a wonderful natural therapy.
And finally, give your loved one the gift of spirit. Pray in whatever your way of praying may be and offer to pray with them. With their permission, submit a prayer or spiritual healing request to a local group or one of the many on-line volunteer organizations that perform this loving service. And know that you are never alone…that the spirit of divine love is always with you.
Begin to slowly return to the present, take three deep and comfortable breaths, and when you are ready, open your eyes.
May you be blessed on your path.
Here are some tips too…
How to Hone Your Spiritual Support SkillsThe news that a loved one has cancer may arrive in many forms. It may come by phone, email, person-to-person, or directly from the doctor. It may come by total surprise or with signs and symptoms leading up to it. No matter the source or the events leading to the information, it will have a profound effect on both you and your loved one who receives the diagnosis. Here are five basic skills we are all capable of honing. These will prove to be invaluable as you join your loved one in facing their challenge.
Consider Your Reaction: When possible, deal with your feelings first. Think of when the flight attendants prepare for take off and remind you that if the oxygen masks should appear fasten your’s first before that of a child or someone else. You need to be centered and breathing calmly before you can be available to others. In the same manner, confront your feelings and emotions first. After receiving the news, take some time for meditation and prayer. Face the natural feelings of hurt, pain, denial and fear and process them so that you can approach your loved one with clarity of purpose and their highest good your primary focus. If you are with your family member or friend when the diagnosis is received, quickly center your self and be emotionally available to them in that moment. When the opportunity presents itself later on, give yourself the time to process. Consult with clergy, counselors, physicians and others in your support network. Remember that you are not alone in this work.
Gather Information: If your loved one asks, begin to gather information about resources that are available to help with the challenge. Doctors, social workers and clergy often have libraries of information and networks of service providers and agencies, experienced in the needs of cancer patients. Volunteer to help but never force information or your personal opinions on someone who is emotionally vulnerable. Avoid the tendency to use expressions that project an outcome you can’t guarantee. Telling someone that “everything will be fine” serves no purpose and ultimately may be emotionally harmful and break the bond of trust between you.
Listen and Be Present: Perhaps the greatest gift we can give anyone with a health challenge is our loving presence and a non-judgmental ear. Give your loved one the room to express everything they are feeling and never deny them the ability to voice and release anger, pain, fears and tears. Remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to processing the emotions of a health crisis. We each have our own coping mechanisms ranging from hysterical crying to hysterical laughter and every shade in between. While listening, create sacred space by opening your heart and surrounding your loved one with a “bubble of love” and always listen to what they are truly saying. Remember that listening in this way does not require a response, just a loving witness.
Use Prayer, Meditation, and Spiritual Therapies:First let me say that etched indelibly into my code of ethics is a phrase I learned from one of my beloved teachers, Rabbi Joseph Gelberman, who founded the New Seminary of New York, “Never instead of; always in addition to.” I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of people in healing crisis seeking out and following the advice and protocols prescribed by their doctors and other traditional western healing professionals. That being said, prayer, meditation and complimentary spiritual therapies have become customary additions for those seeking spiritual enhancement to the traditional approach. Each of us has the ability to pray and meditate, and I believe that we all also have the ability to channel healing energy for ourselves and others. At a minimum, these practices are relaxing and stress reduction goes hand in hand with traditional medical practice. If you seek out a practitioner of these arts, apply the same criteria you would as a consumer seeking out a physician. Beware of incredible claims and run, do not walk, away from anyone telling you to abandon traditional western medicine.
Return to the Familiar: One of the best ways to support your loved one in a healing mind set is to assist them in getting back to the routine of life. Several years ago, my sister-in-law was treated for breast cancer. My wife and I discussed what we could do to aid her in getting back into the flow of her life. My sister-in-law is a wonderful elementary school teacher and she always takes pride in having a beautiful and stimulating class room setting for her students. The school year was a few weeks away from starting and I suggested that we fly out to California and assist her in setting up her classroom. She welcomed the idea and the helping hands for this annual ritual that means so much to her.
I just got a call from my mom and she talked to my cousin Kent. His wife Gail just got out of surgery for her breast cancer. She came out of the surgery well. The surgeon said that she had “matted lymph nodes” which I think means that she has stage III breast cancer. I did some research and there is a great article at the American Cancer Society’s web site. ( http://www.cancer.org/downloads/CRI/Breast_VIII.pdf )
I am praying for her speedy recovery and that the chemo and radiation will be easy for her.
Here is some great advice I found for family and friends of those with cancer:
“When you or a loved one is faced with the frightening diagnosis of cancer, it’s natural to experience feelings like hopelessness, fear, and despair. In those moments, we are most in need of simple words that can bring comfort, faith, and the hope of healing. Let th[ese]… prayers, mantras, and healing words bring some peace into the cancer journey.
Freedom From Suffering
May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses. May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free. May the powerless find power, and may people think of befriending one another.
–The Buddha
Blessing When Receiving Chemotherapy
Blessed are You,
Compassionate One,
For giving me
these droplets of
(name of chemotherapy drug),
Like refreshing dew
and healing rain,
may they save my life.
–Diann L. Neu
Questions
Dear God,
I have developed a disease which I have often feared. I am afraid. I am lonely. Questions crowd my mind: Will I be cured? Will there be pain? How long will I live? How will my family handle this? I ask with all my heart that I be healed. But, if my healing is not in Your great plan, I trust You to be with me through it all. I trust You to give me peace, to let me live with hope, to relieve any pain, and to let me know Your presence. Amen.–Courtesy of
As part of their humor section there is an article about creating a “Lutheran” Party to add to the political mix. Since we are mired in politics these days, I thought I’d reprint the article and let you all decide for yourselves. Can you see it now… Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent and now… Lutheran party. Hmmm?
Enjoy!
“The Lutheran Party by Eric Iverson
Two weeks ago I was idly browsing the personals, when I saw an ad for a Lutheran Party. Now I don’t normally respond to these things, but I couldn’t help noticing that I not only happened to be Lutheran, but was also a great lover of parties. It seemed like the perfect match, and so I wrote the following letter:
Dear People,
I was heartened and a bit surprised to see your ad for the Lutheran Party, as I was not aware that such a party existed. I am currently a Democrat, but after this latest election I guess I’m willing to try just about anything. To show my devotion to your cause I have drafted the following:
A POLITICAL PLATFORM FOR THE LUTHERAN PARTY
In many ways a political platform for the Lutheran Party goes against our grain. What with our motto “Anything worth changing is probably just as worth keeping the same” and all, a piece of paper with a bunch of big ideas on it just isn’t the way we do things. In fact, under a Lutheran Administration, about the only thing that might change is that we might get to that fence out back that needs a coat or two of paint (that is if we can decide on a color). Nevertheless, here are a few things we as the Lutheran Party could maybe think about doing.
PAN-SCANDINAVIANISM
Under a Lutheran Administration, all US residents would be declared legally Scandinavian (or at least slightly Germanic on their mother’s side). To signify this, residents would in addition take on a new Scandinavian name. In cases where the resident refuses to do this, an auxiliary pseudo-Scandinavianization will take place. This is a simple process wherein one or more “j’s” will be inserted in unlikely locations in the person’s first name, while a “son” or “stad” will be appended to the persons last name. For example, the following are good Scandinavian names:
Kjerstin Rustad
Hjalmar Andbjornson
Gjertrude Aslaksonwhile below we see the fruits of pseudo-Scandinavianization:BEFORE AFTERMiguel Hernandez Mjigjuel Hernandezson
Gina Cabrini Gjina Cabrinistad
Malcolm X Mjalcolm Xstad
Prince PjrincesonMind you this process can be dangerous in the hands of improperly trained personnel, so watch out:
John Jones Jjohjjkjjn Hjkjonestadson
ABBA AAAABBABBABBB
Paul Hanson Isadora Lutz
BIG GOVERNMENT
Unlike its alphabetical predecessor, the Libertarian Party, the Lutheran Party does not favor a radical reduction in the size of the Federal Government. (Well I suppose you could reduce the size a little, but only if it’s not too much trouble.) Instead, the Lutheran Party advocates increasing the size of the Federally Governed. This can be accomplished through a national diet filled with white sauce, granulated sugar, butter and of course hot dish. After all “yew can’t have a big strong government if yew aren’t big and strong yerself.”
CURRENCY REGULATIONS
In order to pay back the federal deficit, new sources of funding must be found. One way is to restructure the US currency system in a manner more in keeping with the traditional pioneer values that made this country great. In this spirit, the Lutheran Party recommends that the new value of the US dollar be based on that of sod. This would not only immortalize the numerous sod homes that once dotted the Prairie, but would also act as an incentive for people to keep their lawns properly cared for so as to protect their investment. We also propose that new coins bearing the likenesses of long dead Danish and Norwegian Kings actually be made of sod; as the sod’s natural mottled green color would most likely better represent these Kings’ natural appearance.
THE ENVIRONMENT
One of the Lutheran Party’s prime environmental goals is to inform the country that Lutefisk is actually not a toxic waste, and can in fact be eaten. In order to do this, we propose creating a new character: LeRoy the Lutefisk who will resemble a talking cod soaked in lye (actually a cartoon cod soaked in cartoon lye) and will say things like “Give a hoot, eat yer Lute” or “Der’s no risk in Lutefisk”. If this doesn’t work, our new president will begin making speeches at Rotary Club gatherings about how Lutefisk tastes even better than sod. (See Currency Regulations.)
DEFENSE
“I tot I tode yew I’d paint de fense in da spring! Can’t yew see it’s still vinter?”
In common word and sacrament,
Eric Iverson”
As of today my brother B. has been deployed for 6 days
Thanks to all of you who enjoy the Lutheran humor that I’ve been providing. I’d like to think that I can find the great jokes about being a good Lutheran. I’ve found some jokes that I’ve seen someplace else, so enjoy!
A minister was completing a Temperance sermon. With great emphasis he said, “If I had all the beer in the world, I’d take it and pour it into the river.” With even greater emphasis he said, “And if I had All the wine in the world, I’d take it and pour it into the river.” And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, “And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I’d take it and pour it into the river.” Sermon complete, he sat down. The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, nearly laughing, “For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365, “Shall We Gather at the River.”
Do you know the definition of the word “Bible”? Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
Today my little brother Ben is being deployed to Iraq, and it’s scaring me out of my mind! I am so proud of him and his Marine unit, but we’re going to miss him so very much. I’m planning on keeping tabs on how long he’s gone.
For some of you, you’re thinking, hmm KM doesn’t have a younger brother named Ben, she only has a brother Dave, well Ben sort of adopted himself into my family about 7 or 8 years ago. Dave was away at grad school and my parents needed someone to help with the lawn care and doing projects around the house and Ben was a teenager at my church, and needed a job. Very quickly Ben began calling my parents ma and dad, which has stuck ever since. So I sort of got rid of a Dave and gained a Ben. I think I got a great deal out of it.
So Ben and I began referring to each other as brother and sister, sharing pieces of ourselves with each other as siblings do. When his daughter Hailey was born my folks and I were at the hospital within hours to greet my new niece (and their first “grand child” ) We’ve had the pleasure of watching Hailey grow, now into a beautiful 6 year old.
So I leave this post with a prayer for Ben:
A PRAYER FOR THE ARMED FORCES
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace, strengthen them in their trials and temptations, give them courage to face the perils which beset them, and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. http://www.beliefnet.com/prayeroftheday/more_prayers.asp?paid=70&faid=68
Today is September 11, 2007. Six years ago today was September 11th, 2001. The day that our world changed. I think I will always remember where I was when I watched on the TV the second tower get hit by an airplane and then watch the towers come down. In honor of September 11th I post this video. I have seen this video before and every time I see it, I am moved to tears. A note: watch the video knowing that painful images of September 11th will appear, but know that you too will be moved.
Litany of Remembrance, Penitence and Hope
One: When we remember the stockbrokers, office workers, maintenance workers, bystanders, window-washers and all the others who worked together so valiantly to help each other, we can say together:
All: We remember great courage.
One: When we recall the firefighters who rushed upstairs as most everyone else was racing out, we can say together,
All: We remember selfless service.
One: When we recall the police officers who stood to protect and defend the people and performed their duties until the towers came crashing down on top of them, we can say together,
All: We remember selfless sacrifice for the safety of others.
One: When we recall the thousands of workers, women and men and, old and young, single and married, American-born and those born in countries around the world who did not escape the buildings, we can say together,
All: We remember the loss of human life.
One: When we recall those citizens who rushed to help, did all they could to help, we can say together,
All: We remember and give thanks for dutiful commitment to those in distress.
One: When we recall the people who stood in line at the nation’s blood banks to make living donations from their very bodies, we can say together,
All: We give thanks for those who live on to pass on life and love.
One: When we remember the millions of Americans who gave so generously of their life and labor to endow funds to help the survivors and their families recover from their losses, we can say together,
All: We are grateful for generosity.Remembrance begins with deep, personal identification. It begins with remembering the affliction of our brothers and sisters, and marking their pain as our own. Remembrance is a sacred moment when we raise up and hold to the light of the eternal moment, the good who have passed.
We light a candle, in penitence, recognizing that we have not done enough to address the sources of anger, hate, dehumanization, rage and indignation that lead to acts of violence.
One: In our sadness, horror and shock we acknowledge that our own fears turned murderous and we have sought revenge, sometimes against even the innocent.
All: We confess and regret our own anger and recognize its dangers to our spirits, our health, our community, and others.
One: In the midst of the aftermath of the events of September 11th, 2001 we have been tempted to seek only our own good, hear only our own truth, acknowledge only our own suffering.
All: We know that peace will come to us and to our children only when the concerns of justice anywhere become the subject of political and social will everywhere, and that no justice leads to no peace.
One: In striving for national security and domestic peace we run the risk of confusing might for right and participating in the very behaviors we condemn.
All: Guard and guide our country that in our search for security we may not trample the rights of the innocent nor disregard the rule of law. Let us not confuse leadership within the global community as the voice for the whole community.Repentance means to turn away from wrong deeds. Repentance means choosing instead deeds which require moral restraint, and are more beneficial to all persons who suffer.
We light a candle to light the way to a better world for our children and our children’s children, and all the children of God.
One: We recall with joy the unity we felt in the outpouring of help, kindness, thoughtful words and deeds from at home and around the world.
All: We must hold firmly to our unity, borne forward now not of tragedy but of loving kindness.
One: We place fresh confidence in international organizations and conversations that bring the diverse gifts of the world to the problems of poverty, injustice, terror and strife.
All: We long for wise policies that fore-go short term gain for long term stability, justice and peace.
One: In a year filled with tragedy we dare to hope for an era yet to come in which the slaughter of innocents, greed, the ambitions of power, and cultural, racial and religious bigotries are but memories of a dim and unenlightened past.
Unison Prayer:
God of the ages, before your eyes all empires rise and fall yet you are changeless. Be near us in this age of terror and in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who work and watch and wait and weep and love. By your Spirit give rise in us to broad sympathy for all the peoples of your earth. Strengthen us to comfort those who mourn and work in large ways and small for those things that make for peace. Bless the people and leaders of this nation and all nations so that warfare, like slavery before it, may become only a historic memory. We pray in the strong name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.
–Liturgy by Rev. Eileen W. Lindner and Rev. Marcel A. Welty, National Council of Churches.
) We’ve had the pleasure of watching Hailey grow, now into a beautiful 6 year old.
