Today's honoree is one of my very favorite people, and my favorite priest. I met her[ yes, HER} in August of 2010 when she came to Beach Parish as the new rector. At the time I was attending Small Parish, but really enjoyed Christie's conversation and company.
When I moved to Beach Parish she became my priest, and to this day she's the priest who has had the most effect on me. Christie taught me to embrace my human foibles . She knows she isn't perfect--- and because of her " real-ness" I learned to be more authentic in my dealings with people. Christie is such a good priest mainly because she's unapologenically authentic--- a trait that I admire.
I also learned from her that a strong woman need not buy into the ' strength is not feminine' bullshit that is put out by are media and culture. She's " all girl" yet displays a strong and capable presence .
I miss her terribly here on the Coast, but I know God will do great things through her in her new parish and position.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
March 3 Rev Cathy Zappa
Today's honoree is someone whom I just learned about recently. Her name is Cathy Zappa.
She is an Episcopal priest serving at The Cathedral of St Philip in Atlanta who is also the spiritual director of the only woman on Georgia's Death Row. [ that is fodder for another essay entirely}
Rev Zappa, as a prison chaplain, ministers to and with some of society's most-despised citizens. While I do not condone what many of the people in America's penal system have done, I DO believe it is our duty as citizens of a civilized society to respect the dignity of each and every person. And ESPECIALLY as people of faith, those of us who follow Christ as our Lord and Savior are MANDATED to serve the downtrodden and the despised. There are many examples in the four Gospel lessons of Jesus our Savior serving those in his society that were "untouchables". Whether we like it or not, we are also called to do the same here and now.
I shall admit that prison ministry is NOT something that I am called to do. But all of us can support those such as Rev Zappa who ARE serving among those in our prison systems. She is doing what very few people will do and for her service I commend her.
Amen.
She is an Episcopal priest serving at The Cathedral of St Philip in Atlanta who is also the spiritual director of the only woman on Georgia's Death Row. [ that is fodder for another essay entirely}
Rev Zappa, as a prison chaplain, ministers to and with some of society's most-despised citizens. While I do not condone what many of the people in America's penal system have done, I DO believe it is our duty as citizens of a civilized society to respect the dignity of each and every person. And ESPECIALLY as people of faith, those of us who follow Christ as our Lord and Savior are MANDATED to serve the downtrodden and the despised. There are many examples in the four Gospel lessons of Jesus our Savior serving those in his society that were "untouchables". Whether we like it or not, we are also called to do the same here and now.
I shall admit that prison ministry is NOT something that I am called to do. But all of us can support those such as Rev Zappa who ARE serving among those in our prison systems. She is doing what very few people will do and for her service I commend her.
Amen.
Monday, March 2, 2015
March 2 " Grandma" Jeanne
Today's honoree has passed on to the next life. I think of her often and still miss her, especially when I return to the lake for my summer visit.
Although I refer to her as ' Grandma' , she actually was of no blood relation to me. ' Grandma' Jeanne was my Godfather's mother, and I loved her as though she were my blood relative.
She and I were as different on many levels as two women could have been, and I shall admit to feeling frustrated by and downright mad by her words and actions on some occasion. But Grandma Jeanne taught me some good life lessons, and for these I am grateful for her influence in my life.
She taught me the value of hard work and how to manage time. I remember working at the snack bar at the campground that my Godparents own on Sundays waiting for Gram to arrive in her golf cart. She made sure that I, as well as the rest of the staff, stayed busy while 'on the clock' and did not waste time. I learned to be a good employee under Gram's watchful eyes.
Another valuable lesson I learned from Gram is to have an eye for natural beauty. As an artist, she was fascinated with the natural beauty of the lake and had an observant eye for detail.
RIP , and thanks so much, Gram.
Although I refer to her as ' Grandma' , she actually was of no blood relation to me. ' Grandma' Jeanne was my Godfather's mother, and I loved her as though she were my blood relative.
She and I were as different on many levels as two women could have been, and I shall admit to feeling frustrated by and downright mad by her words and actions on some occasion. But Grandma Jeanne taught me some good life lessons, and for these I am grateful for her influence in my life.
She taught me the value of hard work and how to manage time. I remember working at the snack bar at the campground that my Godparents own on Sundays waiting for Gram to arrive in her golf cart. She made sure that I, as well as the rest of the staff, stayed busy while 'on the clock' and did not waste time. I learned to be a good employee under Gram's watchful eyes.
Another valuable lesson I learned from Gram is to have an eye for natural beauty. As an artist, she was fascinated with the natural beauty of the lake and had an observant eye for detail.
RIP , and thanks so much, Gram.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
March 1 My Grandmother
Today I want to honor my paternal Grandmother, " Anne"
Truth be told, Grandma Anne is actually my Dad's stepmother. Dad's birth mother died when he was just a baby, and my Pap married Anne when Dad and his older brother were small children. Pap and Anne had four more children, and all six of said children produced 15 grandchildren. I am the eldest of the 15 grandchildren, and spent a lot of my early childhood with my paternal grandparents.
Anne is a retired emergency room nurse who earned her Physician's Assistant degree. Her entire career was spent working in the emergency room of Small Town Pennsylvania Hospital, , all while raising six children at home. Grandma Anne taught me early on that it is not only acceptable, but ADMIRABLE for a woman to be a wife and mother as well as successful in her career.
My family is blessed to still count Grandma Anne among us, and I am grateful for her presence in my life. even in her 8th decade, she's feisty and I love her spunk!
Truth be told, Grandma Anne is actually my Dad's stepmother. Dad's birth mother died when he was just a baby, and my Pap married Anne when Dad and his older brother were small children. Pap and Anne had four more children, and all six of said children produced 15 grandchildren. I am the eldest of the 15 grandchildren, and spent a lot of my early childhood with my paternal grandparents.
Anne is a retired emergency room nurse who earned her Physician's Assistant degree. Her entire career was spent working in the emergency room of Small Town Pennsylvania Hospital, , all while raising six children at home. Grandma Anne taught me early on that it is not only acceptable, but ADMIRABLE for a woman to be a wife and mother as well as successful in her career.
My family is blessed to still count Grandma Anne among us, and I am grateful for her presence in my life. even in her 8th decade, she's feisty and I love her spunk!
Friday, February 27, 2015
In celebration of women, 2015
It is hard to believe that February, 2015 is almost over. These past couple of months have been wrought with transition for me in many ways, and as anyone who knows me well can attest---I HATE TRANISTIONS . I mean I HATE transitions of any way, shape or form. But in hindsight, these 12 months of transitions have been good for my mind and soul.
Yet, as I prepare to leave February 2015 in my " rearview mirror" I must admit that these whole past 12 months have been one long transition. Since last February I've discovered who my real friends are [ and who are the "posers" , so-called friends who are more fake than Kim Kardashian's entire body!
I am grateful for the women who have came into my life and also for those ladies who are still part of my life. Since March is traditionally Women's History Month, each day I shall honor one woman, famous or not, who has played a big role in my life. I wish to celebrate the accomplishments of women who are known worldwide, as well as honor the ladies whose lives and work have impacted me on a more personal level.
Amen.
Yet, as I prepare to leave February 2015 in my " rearview mirror" I must admit that these whole past 12 months have been one long transition. Since last February I've discovered who my real friends are [ and who are the "posers" , so-called friends who are more fake than Kim Kardashian's entire body!
I am grateful for the women who have came into my life and also for those ladies who are still part of my life. Since March is traditionally Women's History Month, each day I shall honor one woman, famous or not, who has played a big role in my life. I wish to celebrate the accomplishments of women who are known worldwide, as well as honor the ladies whose lives and work have impacted me on a more personal level.
Amen.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Forgiveness is hard
This Lenten season, I am focusing on forgiving others as I have been forgiven.To be honest, this task has been more challenging than I'd anticipated.
A lot has happened in the past 12 months, and although I am grateful for where I am and with whom I associate with now, I've discovered that my heart still harbors some bitterness and anger towards certain people who have hurt me. This bothers me for two reasons:
1. Christ calls us to forgive, as He has forgiven all of us.
2. I want to be free of the bonds laid upon me by my unwillingness to forgive certain people. My anger towards these individuals has my stomach literally tied in knots every time I recall them in any capacity. Anger holds ME down, not those at whom my anger is directed.
How can I walk towards forgiveness when all I think about when their face shows up in my mind's eye is anger at their lies and innuendos? Does forgiveness mean that I have to " make nice" with these people.
Best Dude says " everyone is different" and that I should learn to accept that some people do not have the same mores as I do. But just because some people think lying about, gossiping and ostracizing others who are different from their little clique is acceptable doesn't mean I do. Or does it?
I do not accept mean people. Sorry, I just do not and shall not .
But does forgiveness need to encompass condoning someone's bad behavior?
Only God knows.
A lot has happened in the past 12 months, and although I am grateful for where I am and with whom I associate with now, I've discovered that my heart still harbors some bitterness and anger towards certain people who have hurt me. This bothers me for two reasons:
1. Christ calls us to forgive, as He has forgiven all of us.
2. I want to be free of the bonds laid upon me by my unwillingness to forgive certain people. My anger towards these individuals has my stomach literally tied in knots every time I recall them in any capacity. Anger holds ME down, not those at whom my anger is directed.
How can I walk towards forgiveness when all I think about when their face shows up in my mind's eye is anger at their lies and innuendos? Does forgiveness mean that I have to " make nice" with these people.
Best Dude says " everyone is different" and that I should learn to accept that some people do not have the same mores as I do. But just because some people think lying about, gossiping and ostracizing others who are different from their little clique is acceptable doesn't mean I do. Or does it?
I do not accept mean people. Sorry, I just do not and shall not .
But does forgiveness need to encompass condoning someone's bad behavior?
Only God knows.
Monday, February 23, 2015
what I did this weekend.... Convention 2015 Reflections
First of all , let me say that it was an honor and a privilege to represent YOU as an alternate lay delegate at this year's Convention. even though I did not get to vote, the experience was a blessing and a gift and again I say thank you for this opportunity.
After the first business session I went to a meeting on the Commission for Youth, of which I am a member. I am excited to serve our diocese in this way, and I shall update everyone of this commission's activities regularly.
I watched the election of our fourth bishop in ' real time' from the parish hall at Trinity Episcopal. The process began with a prayer, and delegates were asked to remain silent during the voting.
The election process in itself fascinated me, and I was impressed with the orderly fashion in which the election occurred. As many of you already know, the Reverend Dan Smith dropped out of the election process the day before convention met so the voting delegates were left with a slate of only three candidates.
Canons require the winner required a majority of two-thirds in each ' house [ clergy and lay voters} to become elected. after each ballot, each candidate was phoned with the results and asked if he wished to continue in the process. Reverend Ed OcConnor dropped out of the election after the second ballot, so that left Rev. Chuck Treadwell and Rev Russell Kendrick as the choices on the third and final ballot. Reverend Kendrick accepted his election and will be installed as our fourth bishop this summer.
In closing, this was a wonderful, faith-affirming experience.
Pax Christos,
Sarah Beth
Alternate Lay Delegate
St Francis of Assisi , Gulf Breeze
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