The interfaith blog roundup spotlights uplifting and thought-provoking posts from a variety of religious bloggers.
Rickety Contrivances of Doing Good
Luciano Pavarotti, you have left us all a dazzling legacy. Your memory will not fade as long as anyone listens to your music, and we will be listening to your music as long as we have ears. And because you were fortunate and happy, you have taught us that it is not necessary to suffer to produce great art, that art can also bloom from love and joy.
Moving Mountains
At a distance I've been witness to such courage, and faith in action. Qualities I'd wish to emulate, ones we would all no doubt wish to emulate. And if any should doubt in the merit of sustained practice that doubt can be dissolved in the light of these past months. Let us bow in gratitude to the highest Truth.
CancerDiva
Patient Terry Hayes discusses the flowers in her room in this video update.
Care of the Soul
Art is but one form of spiritual expression. Art, such as painting, sculpture, and poetry, are a way to express one's soul. Artists often state that they "created" whatever because "it was in them and they needed to get it out". To express the essence of what was in their soul. One of the artists stated that we find a need to organize things to make sense of them, but just because you find a system that works for you, doesn't mean that you can/should impose on the world as the only way that works .I guess this can apply to the variety of artforms. What appeals to one may not appeal to another, hence the statement "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
A Christian Perspective
Folks, if you are suffering from depression, I have good news for you: Jesus Christ is the answer. He has promised that He would not leave you comforftless, that He will comfort you. He has promised that he will sustain you in your trials and will make a way out of every situation you find yourself in, no matter how dark. He has provided mankind with a remedy for depression that brings a peace which surpasses all understanding.
Exploring Hinduism
Readers not-so-familiar with Hinduism might be wondering - how come almost every other week Hindus have a celebration !! There was Rakshabandhan, and then Janmashtami and now Ganesh Chaturthi (which will be celebrated this Saturday --September 15, 2007). Oh well, we must tell you, there is lots more to come in the near future, in fact the Fall-festival season is only just beginning !! and really speaking almost every day is auspicious in some way or other for the Hindu..
The Episcopal Chaplain at the Bedside
Some 26 years ago, in my first Clinical Pastoral Education residency, one of my periodic responsibilities was orientation of new nurses to working with chaplains. It was usually a straightforward process - some description of the work, of policies and practices, and how to access us, followed by a few questions, and then a pleasant farewell until we met on the floors.
Spirited Chat
Need some extra inspiration during what would have been your lunch hour? Or do you simply want to learn more about Ramadan? Check out Muslim American Society Youth's daily episode of "In the Shade of Ramadan - Season 2." Tune in daily as different speakers share their reflections during the holy month.
Gentle Whisper
It has been quite the year. My husband has been gone the entire time, either preparing for mobilization, or actually deployed to Afghanistan with the US Army Reserves. Meanwhile, I completed the first six weeks of the Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Jackson and I'm starting my third semester of seminary. I think this might have been a tad bit easier if my husband were home. Maybe that's why I said the last part of the oath…“So help me God."
The Muslim Voice
It's amazing to me that the water sinks right before the waves come crashing, or that the fish swim so close to my feet in the shallow water, and the seagulls are able to swoop down with razor precision grabbing bread from my hands. Those moments of solitude, floating in the sea, helped me to reconnect with my Creator. Reflecting upon all that I saw, from the bubbles in the water to the sand on the shore gave me a greater appreciation of His design.
Velveteen Rabbi
It is the day which will become the eve of Rosh Hashanah. My mother and I are cooking together, a rare occurrence; I had little interest in cooking until after I had left home, so we never did this when I was growing up. I shape loaves of challah, round like the cycle of the year. She slices zucchini, minces parsley and mint, and tells stories about my grandparents. When we gather family around the long table, set with the silver my mother chose in 1954, she lights candles and I make kiddush and together we all sing blessings over bread and over the first fruits of local apple trees.
