The meeting was a tribute to activism. They were able to
table the negative letter to the governor about SB54. Lots of advocacy for the
undocumented workers in the county. Hollie seems more herself due to work on
the clean-up at the house. I know that working around a disaster gives back the
feeling of control over ones life. The insurance is helping. They found a cabin
in Hiouchi to stay in rather than the motel. She needs to fix real food.
The Lenten Season brings practices such as fasting and
abstinence, Bible reading, and works of mercy. There are other ways of
observing Lent. One way would be to keep a carbon fast by consciously using
resources sparingly: walking when possible, buying less and choosing less
packaging, and making sure that household uses of energy are conserved. Another way it to remember that our bodies
are God’s temples and respect that temple with extra self-care such as regular
exercise, nutritious food choices, and expressing gratitude for this wonderful
masterpiece that is a gift from God.
Years ago Millicent Niesen, a long-time member of St. Paul’s
congregation, was worrying about what to sacrifice for Lent. She already lived
a simple life filled service. She called herself “a feeder” and indeed she did
feed many people. I reminded her that she had a box full of poems that she had
written over the years. “Your poetry is a gift from God. How about putting the
poems together and making a book that you can copy and give to your family on
Easter Sunday.” She did and it was a
wonderful collection of her life experiences and deep insights. That’s an
example of doing something rather than deleting a behavior or activity. It’s a
time when homelessness is an issue. One way to help is to visit a thrift store
that supports the homeless. Take something that can be resold and buy something
that someone else donated. Keep the need in mind when buying groceries and take
an extra portion to a shelter. Here in Del Norte, take contributions to Daily
Bread Ministries. Donating is an easy way to support those who need it most.
There is also a womens’ shelter where children are often residents too. Take
games, coloring books, read a story, or listen to their stories.
There is much more to keeping Lenten disciplines than extra
prayers or giving up a food item or entertainment.
No comments:
Post a Comment