Everyone.
Everyone.
Everyone.
Those are the opening lines of one of my current favorite poems.
Written by the poet John Roedel, it’s a simple but powerful call to action when the world feels off kilter, cruel, confusing and overwhelming like it does right now.
Last week, I had the distinct honor to be invited to give the reflection at Jubilee! Community in Asheville, my former spiritual home when I lived here between 2001-2007.
It’s been a while since I’ve spoken in a church and this was the first time I received a standing ovation for what I had to share.
Many people came up afterwards and hugged me. The feedback I received included:
“It was just what I needed to hear during these challenging times.”
“I especially love the poem you read. Who wrote it again?” (answer here)
“Thank you for being the light in these dark times.”
“Thanks for the reminder to have GRACE today and everyday.”
In it, I included themes of poetry, loving our neighbors, Renee Good, Hurricane Helene, Sacred Celebrations, extending grace to others and ourselves and the importance of rituals to stay centered and grounded.
I won’t tell you much more, just listen for yourself. If you don’t have time to watch it, just listen while you’re cooking dinner or driving in your car or folding your laundry. I hope it gives you comfort and inspiration to keep showing up with compassion to everyone, everyone, everyone.
(You’ll hear the full poem from John, that I share, around the 39-minute mark.)