An Approach to Challenging Times

January 20, 2017 – Day of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration

Our nation is deeply divided as Donald J. Trump becomes our 45^th President. Americans on all sides are frightened, angry, resentful and uncertain. We also face chaos and turmoil abroad.

I ask myself: how may I approach these times in a constructive way, not succumbing to fear, anger, hatred or despair? How do I stay centered in my own power so I may contribute to a peaceful America that includes and honors everyone?

To answer, I turn to the example of Nelson Mandela. After 27 years in prison, he walked out a free man in spirit as well as in body. He transcended his own rage, hatred and desire for revenge to lead his country in a process that embraced everyone, faced the truth and reconciled the past.

As we face challenging times, I offer the sentiments of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi to serve us all.

Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace,
that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.

Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted;
to understand than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Join me at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington DC for the Circle of Meditation and Healing.  In the 2017  series, “Spiritual Practices in Challenging Times,” we will work together to stay centered, clear and focused on a vision of peace for the world.  If you do not live in the D.C. area, you may access these meditations on the following link shortly after each Circle.

Blessings to everyone.

© Susan Beilby Magee, 2017. All Rights Reserved.