Jesus, thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.
~ Hymn words of Charles Wesley
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God,
and God in them.” 1 John 4:16
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Have you signed the Charter of Compassion?
The video tells you what it is:
https://www.charterforcompassion.org/charter
Followed by an opportunity to Affirm and Share
Timeline photo
I will not stop caring, whatever the cost.
I will not cease loving, no matter the consequences.
The political winds may howl above me,
scattering people like leaves in a storm,
but I will hold fast to the common ground,
the wisdom that once formed us.
Difference is not a crime. Diversity is not a threat.
Disagreement is not a failure.
Community requires of me what it requires of others:
a commitment to share in the process of justice.
There are no expendable human beings in that process,
only a sacrifice of privilege.
For the sake of the many, I will not stop caring for the few.
~ Steven Charleston
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Today let us pray for those with physical and mental
challenges and act with loving kindness knowing that
as we strengthen one another we strengthen all
of humanity.
Anna Lin +
Even though it’s an add ~ it’s a great story
When The Best Of Us Steps Up, Our Nation Stands A Little Taller…Share this… Credit to: Canadian Tire
There is an enormous task ahead of us ~ ~
We are each being called upon to share what we can. . .
and we can do this!
May God grant us generous spirits and hearts of compassion.
Lord, hear our prayers and show us the way to acts of mercy.
~ Anna Lin
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”
~ Mother Teresa.
UN says the world faces the largest humanitarian crisis since 1945http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/world-faces-largest-humanitarian-crisis-1945-46055937
The God of All Comfort
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ,
so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV)
In our prayers today let us remember all those throughout the world who are suffering and in need of God’s comforting care. May we be someone who can bring comfort to another in their time of need.
Although the following video comes from a faith tradition different from most of us gathered here,
I find it deeply moving and helpful in prayers for those who suffer throughout the world.
I invite you to use it in the spirit of One God and Creator of us All.
Anna Lin +
“God’s mercy is greater than our sins. There is an awareness of sin that does not lead to God but rather to self-preoccupation. Our temptation is to be so impressed by our sins and our failings and so overwhelmed by our lack of generosity that we get stuck in paralyzing guilt. It is the guilt that says, ‘I am too sinful to deserve God’s mercy.’ It is the guilt that leads to introspection instead of directing our eyes to God. It is the guilt that has become an idol and therefore a form of pride.
Lent is a time to break down this idol and to direct our attention to our loving Lord. The question is: ‘Are we like Judas, who was so overcome by his sin that he could not believe in God’s mercy any longer… or are we like Peter who returned to his Lord with repentance and cried bitterly for his sins?’ The season of Lent, during which winter and spring struggle with each other for dominance, helps us in a special way to cry out for God’s mercy.”
~ Henri Nouwen (from A Cry for Mercy)
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Last year, when the world was lured into becoming more mean-spirited than I have ever seen in my lifetime, I felt compelled to offer prayers of compassion every day . . . sending Christ’s love and mercy to heal our world. I created a little Sanctuary of Prayer to carry with me, so when I walk the Prayer Paths I am prompted to stop and move into this realm of grace.
When we want to shift our focus from our deep concerns and agony over the cares of the world it is helpful to have a spiritual practice that immediately moves us into God’s peace and presence.
It can be as simple as placing your hand over your heart;
or turning a ring on your finger;
some wear bracelets that they switch onto the other wrist;
you may pause and breathe in the peace and love of Christ’s presence;
or repeat a breath prayer of words that are meaningful to you.
Whatever feels natural and gently moves you into the sanctuary of your heart ~ ~ do that!
May blessings of peace and mercy be upon your path this day.
With love to you ~ ~ Anna Lin +
“If we are absolutely grounded in the absolute love of God that protects us from nothing even as it sustains us in all things, then we can face all things with courage and tenderness and touch the hurting places in others and in ourselves with love.”
~ James Finley
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Healing Soul Streams 