Posted by Anne McCrady
With religious differences over lifestyles a continuing saga in this country, with religion at the center of most of the violent conflicts in the world and with a new round of presidential debates scheduled for next week, there is new talk about how the presidential candidates are each incorporating the issue of religion into their campaigns. (more…)
As American politicians and commentators search desperately for ideas to end the war in Iraq, the word “benchmarks” has become a household word. For the most part, the talk has been about setting benchmark dates for the Iraqi government to meet American demands for independence and stability.
Am I alone in seeing the irony of the U.S. unilaterally dismantling a country’s government, blowing up most of the infrastructure, inciting the insurgency of radical terrorists, failing to establish a secure environment, supporting a corrupt reconstruction paradigm and then righteously complaining that said nation get itself together or else?!
What about benchmarks for ourselves? How can we set parameters for other countries, especially those we have attacked, when we aren’t able to accomplish our own goals. (more…)
After celebrating a great Mother’s Day this weekend, I find myself thinking about mothers and their role in the Greater Good.
It is worth noting that I am still a card-carrying feminist who remembers the days of no birth control, no credit cards, no corner office. For that reason, I notice when news commentators, though often women, rarely interview women about politics or foreign policy. I notice that boards of regents at graduation ceremonies and boards of directors of public companies are still mostly men. I notice how testosterone-induced terminology and ideas still dominate international interactions.
Surely, I am not alone in that. Surely, around the world, other women realize that the same wisdom that raised our sons and daughters to be amazing, thoughtful people is wisdom that can raise the world to a new standard. (more…)
This May my family is celebrating two graduations: my son from college and my daughter from medical school. Even my youngest son is within sight of the finish line and will graduate next year. Of course, we still remember the special moments of high school graduations. What an amazing time!
In the face of these rites of passage, I am reminded of the many stories that have marked our lives. (more…)
This morning I was watching the news of the latest wildfires in California. After violent storms left hundred homeless in Kansas this week, it is wrenching to see families fleeing neighborhoods, landmarks and beautiful countryside that are, in fact, in the line of fire.
Thinking of that phrase, in the line of fire, reminded me of its usual connotation: being caught in the midst of battle. Battle, war, being another tragedy that sends good people scurrying from their homes in fear.
What a metaphor for us! (more…)
With all that the tragedy we see in the world, hope seems to be in short supply these days, yet it is essential if we are to believe we can change the world.
Where do you find hope?
Who is a source of hopefulness for you?
How can we instill hope in others?
I believe words used well can do a lot to keep hope alive: stories, poems, essays, conversations, sacred texts. Each week or so, I will be producing InSpiritry Podcasts for the Greater Good. I hope you will find hope there.
For now, believing in the power of poetry to inspire, here is a poem I wrote years ago that has become a mainstay of my inspirational presentations and performances.
Just imagine what this kind of health policy could do for the world! (more…)
Welcome to InSpiritry– your source of InSpiration for the Greater Good!
Here at InSpiritry, I believe being inspired just for the sake of personal well-being is not enough–inspiration, like all good things, is meant to be shared.
This blog is a great place to start. Join me here whenever you can for commentary that will send you out into the world to put InSpiritry into action for the Greater Good.
It’s a journey meant to be taken with others, so add your own comments and observations. Then think of someone you know who needs inspiration and pass the word:
InSpiritry: You Can Be a Blessing!
Anne
