Loving Day
June 5th, 2008 by Anne McCrady
Bigger than We Can Imagine
May 31st, 2008 by Anne McCradyThe God that we serve is so big
that we don’t have to be limited
by the world that we now see.
This quote by Mariama White-Hammond was part of a recent post on the always insightful and encouraging blog, God’s Politics.
Ms. White-Hammond is the inspiring young executive director of Project Hip-Hop (Highways Into the Past—History, Organizing and Power), a youth-led, secular, nonprofit organization that provides a space where predominantly young people of color from traditionally low-income communities in Boston can develop and exercise their individual and collective leadership. The blog entry is excerpted from an interview with her that appears in this month’s issue of Sojourner magazine in a feature about young Christians who are making a difference in the world.
This particular quote came in answer to the question, What would you like to tell other Christians? While I think it is a great statement of faith, for me it is more than a Christian guidepost. Read the rest of this entry »
Science Without Borders
May 14th, 2008 by Anne McCrady
The first day or so we all pointed to our countries.
The third or fourth day we were pointing to our continents.
By the fifth day, we were aware of only one Earth.
Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud, astronaut
This perspective from space offers wisdom for us here back on earth. Unity sounds simple, but when we are distracted by family issues, social concerns and our national interests, it can be hard to remember there is “only one Earth.” In fact, there may be no more important thing for us to remember than this: all of us on the planet are neighbors.
Thankfully, there have been positive moves toward that recognition. Read the rest of this entry »
Poetry: An Invitation
May 6th, 2008 by Anne McCradyApril was National Poetry Month, and what a heart-warming celebration the past few weeks have been for me:
The New Generation Gap
April 16th, 2008 by Anne McCradyBe the change you wish to see in the world. Gandhi
With the Republican nominee decided and the Democratics yet to find consensus on a candidate, the Presidential primaries have offered some interesting revelations:
- Women are not all voting for the only woman running.
- Blacks are not all lined up behind the one Black candidate.
- Experienced Senators are having trouble getting credit for long careers of hard-fought accomplishments.
- New young voters have turned out in record numbers for a candidate who seems young.
- The buzzword has been “change.”
What is going on?
I would suggest that we are experiencing the early pangs of a syndrome we, Baby Boomers, should recognize:
A Generation Gap!
Yes, there is growing evidence that the country is divided along generational lines with a disconnect between old and young. Think about it:
Leaving for Iraq
April 8th, 2008 by Anne McCradyOn a rainy afternoon this week, as I worked at my desk, I got the phone call I had been dreading for months:
”Anne, it’s me. I thought I better call. I am leaving tonight for Iraq.”
Who Is Blameless?
February 4th, 2008 by Anne McCradyThese days, whatever your nationality or political leaning, it’s easy to feel a sense of despondency about the condition of our world.
- American leaders blame Arab extremists.
- Arabs accuse the West.
- The Jews fault the Muslims.
- Iran suspects Christians.
- Democrats indict Republicans.
- Republicans blame China.
- China complains about American liberals.
- Liberals point to Conservatives.
- Christian conservatives say it’s God’s will.
In our fear and anger, we all demand action, but when it’s time for action, we ask indignantly,
Who me? What can I do? Read the rest of this entry »
Today is the Day
January 21st, 2008 by Anne McCradyToday, January 21, 2008, is Martin Luther King Day, the only American national holiday to commenorate an African American. As you celebrate it, consider the idea that this could be the day you have been waiting for — the day you decide take up Dr. King’s challenge to follow your heart and make a difference in the world. Indeed, today is the day: Read the rest of this entry »
The Power of Passion
January 9th, 2008 by Anne McCradyDon’t ask what the world needs.
Ask what makes you come alive, and do that…
because what the world needs
is people who have come alive!
Howard Thurman (1900-1981)
Howard Thurman was an author, philosopher, theologian and educator, who after meeting Mahatma Gandhi became passionate about the ideas he heard from the great spiritual leader. Back in America, he went on to work for civil rights and to write about non-violence in words that informed Martin Luther King’s thinking and inspired other civil rights leaders of the mid-century.
As we make our resolutions for the New Year, plan our futures and even consider the politics of American presidential race, Thurman’s suggestion about doing what makes “you come alive” may be just what we need to hear! Many of us lead lives that, while addressing the needs of the world, can feel…well, uninspired. How can we change that in 2008? Read the rest of this entry »
Blessed are the Peacemakers
December 21st, 2007 by Anne McCradySleep in Heavenly Peace…
During this last week of the Christian Advent season and near the end of another violent year in the world, true Peace deserves our consideration more than ever. That said, for spiritual people of all traditions at any time of the year, there is no greater hope and no more essential calling than Peace. It is our most pure path to God.
But what is Peace? Read the rest of this entry »