As I scan the room filled with those who have gathered for Iftar (the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset) and I see many fabrics of rich brown, silky green, satin gray, paisley red, and vibrant florals.. These are all words to describe the beautiful head scarves pulled tightly to cover heads of the beautiful smiling faces of the women who were our guests. There were also Muslim women who chose not to cover their head and their hair flowed freely around their shoulders.
The gracious souls of Unity stepped aside to allow our friends from the Dialogue Institute who had fasted all day to be the first to walk the buffet line. Ilhan and Ayse, the lovely couple with whom I have shared time with over the past several months arrived with warm joy-filled greetings. We haven’t connected for several weeks and we quickly catch up with stories of our children and grandchildren. My friends tell me that their older daughter will be visiting from Turkey in the month of June and they are excited for me to meet their three grandchildren. Interestingly, their grandchildren are precisely the same age and my grandchildren. I gaze across the room again and I see everyone engaged in conversation and enjoying a lovely meal. Amidst the conversation in laughter and joy and the unmistakable feeling of love.
As dinner is complete Ilhan and numerous other men ask where they might go to pray. I guide them to the sanctuary to share in the sacred space where many have prayed for over ninety years. They admire the detail and rich beauty of our sanctuary and I close the doors behind them for private time of evening prayer.
The young women who are the media team for the Dialogue Institute have set up a video camera and go about interviewing numerous of the attendees. As their interviews are completed, we talk about the Unity Celebration Service and several are interested in attending to experience our Sunday service. I assure them, they are always welcome. The evening ends with shared hugs and much gratitude.
Stepping forward in time a few days, I have now traveled to San Antonio for the annual Unity People’s Convention. The theme of the 2017 convention is:
Keep Unity Wide Open ~ Freedom by Truth, Moving with Spirit.
The opening evening Keynote is Rev. Karen Tudor who shares an inspiring message and reminds us to study the traditional teachers and writers of Unity and to not be timid about reading these early teachings through the truths we know today. She encouraged us to know the teachings of other faiths and spiritual practices and that we need not be shy about incorporating them into our Unity practice.
This evening we sang, prayed, experienced a moving meditation (you might recognize this as dance!) and closed with the Peace Song salsa style - yes, we danced the Peace Song!
Tonight we began with a gathering of over 425 Unity ministers, teachers, board members, and others from across the globe. There was lively conversation, laughter, and again the unmistakable feeling oflove.
Interesting, I thought, how love permeates all. God permeates all. God is Love. It really is this simple. L-O-V-E!
Sunday is Father’s Day so please join me and Evin Wilkins as we honor the Divine Masculine. We will have refreshments and fellowship in Katherine’ Courtyard after the service. You know, it’s not the same without you!
Blessings of great love in all you do,