If I could talk to the Animals

          I have never purchased a dog. Rather, I believe God has put certain dogs on the path I have walked so that we would come across one another. I  met Bella on a cold winter's day. She was literally running down US 68 in front of a long string of cars. A tractor trailer, going in the opposite direction, spooked the dog sending her scrambling up a hill of rocks. I pulled over and tried to call her down from the top of the pile. When she would not come to me, I climbed the rocks to get to her. She was trembling so hard that she dug her nails into my collar bone as I wrapped my arms around her attempting to hold on to her. By the time we got to my driveway, the dog had fallen asleep in the front passenger seat of my car, her head in my lap. It was mutual love at first sight.

          I think Bella believes God gave her dominion over me rather than the other way around. She does not hesitate to tell me her opinion and if I do not appear to understand what she is saying, which is most of the time, Bella gets louder and more animated.  If only I had the talents of  Dr. Doolittle....

           I wonder, what is it that brings us into such close harmony with the creatures we welcome into our lives? I recently watched a video concerning a giant manta ray that was tangled up in a fishing net. The manta ray approached a couple of divers, swimming directly at them. Upon seeing the ray's situation, one of the  divers carefully removed the net that was beginning to cut into the ray's flesh. After it was freed, the manta ray immediately swam away, but then it turned around and swam back the diver who had freed it from the net. The ray came inches from the diver's face allowing the diver to stroke it, hovered there for several seconds and then swam away. In early summer, I read an article about an elephant that had been taken from its mother before it was weaned. The elephant had spent its life chained to a tree. Though many people had offered to buy the elephant, the person who owned it refused all offers. Several months ago, a group of people came in the night and cut the chains that were holding the elephant to the tree. People reported that when the elephant was freed and took its first steps void of the heavy chains that had held it for so many years, the elephant cried. Last night, I read an article and watched a corresponding video about a sea turtle that had become entangled in a fishing line. When a diver cut the line and unwrapped it from around the turtle's flippers, the turtle quickly swam away from the group of divers. But then, as with the manta ray, the turtle turned around and swam back to be face to face with the diver who had freed it from the line.

           Bella is one in a long line of dogs and other animals who have lived out their lives in my company. They have greeted me at the day as if I have I have been gone for months when perhaps it has been only a matter of minutes. They have listened patiently, sat up with me when I have been unable to sleep, kept watch when I have been ill and guarded  me when persons or animals unknown to them have crossed our path. . They have humbled me with the love and loyalty they shown me. I know I am not alone in the love I have for my pets.

          These past few weeks, as I have prepared for the Blessing of the Animals, I have observed, even more closely than usual, the relationships my pets have with me and with one another. Bella and company are blessings God has given me. I love them because I see in them a love they have for me. Each of the thirteen dogs that have lived their lives with me have been unique unto themselves. Though I have had dominance over each of them and am responsible for their care I have also shared an independence with them. They all have been and continue to be such blessings in my life. Thank you God for all the canine blessings you have showered upon me. Amen.

Finding Church Outside of Church

     Have you ever left a place and thought, “I think I was just in church even though I was not in my church?”  Walking to the Louisville Palace with Bernie this past Friday night to see Gladys Knight, or as she is sometimes referred to, the "Empress of Soul." was such a night. Upon walking down 4^th Street approaching the theater, we could clearly see that we were not a part of the majority population. Being way under dressed compared to most and of the minority race was obvious. As we moved closer the atmosphere was electrified with excitement and welcome.  The air breathed seemed to say, "we are all here for something memorable", and we were bonded instantly by this shared joy.

     It was a little while before the show began.  Gretchen, my immediate friend sitting beside me began to ask me about my life and commenced sharing some of hers...  After hearing that Bernie and I had both gone to the University of Louisville, realizing this common thread, she related that she had worked in housekeeping there for 26 years.  Before that she had been in New York, and related a few fun stories of her time there.

The lights went down and comedian Spike Davis entered the stage.  He asked that the lights be turned back on to reveal the audience.  Once revealed he said, "wow, isn't this great, so much diversity joined together for something special," followed by much applause.  Per his instructions, all who were Asian stood up, then whites, followed by Hispanics, blacks and Latinos. Spontaneous applause erupted after each group stood.  One woman, a Native American let him know that she had been left out.  She stood and all applauded.  When the comedy routine began there were quite a few mentions of his faith.  He said that Jesus was always with him - when he comes out on stage and then when he goes back out through the curtain.  He had come to know the gift of laughter at a young age and felt a call to bring that alive for people.

     Gladys then came on stage belting Gospels from her new album.  She said that she counts on being guided by the spirit on and off stage and her faith was the most important aspect of her life.  The reason for her being known as the Empress of Soul became apparent.  Between Spike, Gladys and Gretchen, I was experiencing more than a concert.  There was a soul touching between all.

     Throughout the show my new friend shared her binoculars and snack with me.  In this sharing we were somehow bonded.  We had truly communed through word, song, life and food.  I felt a twinge of sadness leaving her knowing that our paths may never cross again.  I however knew that I had been touched by something more and was left with a gift that I needed to live.

     Had I been to church?  I believe so.  I grew up learning that the church was not a building but the people.  Being in the minority, I never felt shunned, but was embraced in this communion of excitement, diversity, welcome, and joy.

     Is there a lesson in this experience for us?  There certainly was for me.  My prayer is that Christ Church Cathedral continue to live into being the church as I experienced the church at the concert.  May we see past clothing and anything else exterior and welcome all into communion with the body of Christ.

Change of Heart

I love fall; it’s by far my favorite season. I love the smell of the chilly, crisp air; the red, yellow and orange leaves; the start of a new football season; the start of a new school year; the hayrides and campfires; the carved pumpkins; pumpkin pie; caramel apples; apple cider; and sweaters, jackets, and boots. Fall brings many changes to your summer routine that you have gotten used to over the last few months. It starts a new chapter of the year.

Life is filled with chapters and changes. Summer to fall is just one of those many changes. In the last few weeks, I have been contemplating what it means to change and grow as a person, outwardly and inwardly. Specifically, what it means to have a change of heart. One of my favorite Bible verses is 2 Corinthians 3:18: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” We, as sinful human beings, are daily striving to become more like Christ. Each day, I believe Christ calls us to change and grow in Him. He does not want us to stay the same. He wants us to be “transformed into his likeness.”

As we spend time with Him and draw from His infinite wisdom, He lovingly and patiently asks us to let go of things that we might be holding onto. So, what does God want to change in your heart this fall? What has He been whispering to you? What does He want you to surrender and let go of? What in the past does He want you to forget? Does He want you to forgive? Does He want you to be more of a servant? Whatever He is asking for you to change this fall, don’t be afraid of it. Don’t be scared to let the Most High God into the deepest corners of your heart. He will take care of it, for He created you and loves you deeply.

“But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

~Isaiah 43:1