HELLO!

But my life is more than a vision. The sweetest part is acting after making a decision. I started seeing the whole as a sum of its parts. Hammer and Nail by the Indigo Girls

What makes your day? For me, it’s witnessing, hearing about/from persons who were once strangers, who now are kin. As much as we like to use expressions like “charity begins at home” and “family first” we underestimate the power of newfound love. I am thrilled by the messaging of the United Church of Canada, of our health care and educational systems, by Canada’s efforts, to make diversity and inclusion part of the fabric of our social life. Obviously, this effort grows from the recognition we have a long history of racism, sexism, and homophobia. When people are waxing nostalgia or prefacing their remarks with “these days” I like to remind us “the good old days” were not so good for a lot of people. I will never forget attending the Historical Society of a Nova Scotia town, early in my ministry. The speaker that night was an Archivist. Nathan shared with us a bylaw, from that specific town, where African Nova Scotians were required by law to be out of the town limits by evening. I was shocked. If I knew my history better, I shouldn’t have been. The United Church now offers webinars on racism in the church. I have attended a few. We have come along way, and we have a long way to go. When we see each other as God sees us, we come to know love is in our DNA, and love is most inspiring when it comes as a surprise.  Want evidence? Read the Good Samaritan. Who is our neighbour?

I received this short note and photo from Fay Gunter. Many know the story of how the Gunters and the Torishnias became kin. If you don’t, ask Gerry and Fay, or make a point to attend our Maundy Thursday service in the downstairs Community Hall on April 2^nd at 7 pm. Fay wrote me, “This is a picture from last night where the family helped celebrate Gerry’s birthday supper.  So much fun and love to have them share this occasion with us. This is the 4^th Gerry’s birthday celebration with them since they arrived in Canada”. I believe the photo reveals all. They are truly kin.

My one and only cautionary note, when it comes to inclusion and diversity messaging is…without the act of hospitality the “feelings” lack follow through, action, connection. Too often we sentimentalize diversity and inclusion without the hard work of welcoming by name, inviting others to our table, knowing each other’s stories, laughing together, crying together, learning together. My mother took me to many, many funerals. When tears were shed, words offered, by grieving friends, my mother would turn to me and say, “some will follow up, some will not”. She held herself accountable, it was never “they” or “them” or living in “the land of hurt feelings” passively and waiting for others to care for us. It was a covenant, where one day she was the host, the one who called, visited, and when the time came, she received the same care from others.

I sometimes think this is why, despite the fact my vocation includes many words, it is deeds, action, follow through, that most inspires me. I give thanks for the kinship of the Gunters and the Torishnias. Peace, Kevin