Can I Hear A Hallelujah

Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash

I tuned in to watch the Democratic National Convention this week and several times found myself moved to tears. The chance to see the ground-breaking nomination of the first woman of color to the top of a presidential ticket felt so historic. The kind of experience that years later people remember exactly where they were when it happened. I also found myself powerfully moved to see such multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-faith, multi-generational, gender affirming gathering of spirits. After years of divisive, racist, misogynistic, plain old mean-spirited rhetoric, I didn’t realize how much I personally needed to witness politics being done in ways that felt positive, forward thinking and deeply welcoming. It was empowering to hear the language of spiritual tradition reclaimed in the name of love, in the name of welcome, in the name of loving our neighbors as ourselves. I felt like I was witnessing the emergence of a new and powerful conversation in America.

I couldn’t help but think that this might just be a taste of what love as public policy actually looks like.

I’ve been been giving myself a break from all the immediate online opinions and analysis for a few days. I decided to turn down the noise, lean into the risk of being truly hopeful and breathe. For months so many of us have been trying to navigate a lot of swirling anxiety and worry. Breathe. Its ok hold close and celebrate what has been a long time comin’ and here.

Yes, there is good work to do, good trouble to make - and I know we will all do what we can in large and small ways. But let’s give ourselves this moment. It’s ok everyone to breathe and smile and rejoice. Its part of what sustains us when the going gets hard.

I remember a time when our local community worked very hard to stop a serious polluting project from being built in the watershed area of a sensitive environmental area and city water source. Plans for the project had happened quietly and in the 11th hour, the alerted community mobilized, culminating in a large public concert and rally. The project was scrapped. I remember my teenage daughter, (who had joined her folk singer mother at countless good cause events) saying, “Sometimes it works….Wow sometimes it really does work.” Because positive change often requires hanging in there for the long haul, its important to recognize forward movement and encourage one another. Justice has a long arch, but hallelujah, sometimes it works.

Can I hear a hallelujah.

(We are having a great time sharing hopeful greetings in the comments and chat! Please share this post with anyone who might like joining in all the inspirational stories and affirmations!)

---

Practice

Sit for a moment and take a few deep breaths. Remember a time or experience that you turn to when you need encouragement or inspiration. Be with that memory. Said aloud softly or with gusto, “Hallelujah…. hallelujah….yes, hallelujah.”

Question

No real question today. But if you want to add a Hallelujah or description of a person or experience that continues to be a source of encouragement and inspiration.

---

Upcoming Shows & Retreats

For more Info & Tickets Visit My Website Tour Page

I’m doing limited events this fall and shows are filling up, which is very exciting….but do get your tickets early! Hope to see you there!

I have two very exciting String Quartet shows in September! Here’s the links

Sept 14, 2024 The Buskirk Chumley Theater, Bloomington Indiana. With Gary Walters, The Gathering of Spirits String Quartet & Special Guest Jason Wilber

Sept 29, 2024 The Old Town School of Folk Music - With Gary Walters and The Gathering of Spirits String Quartet

Retreat - Just Posted

There is very limited space for the retreat. Reserve you space soon. Here’s the Link for more information and reservations

.