Dear TRUU Members and Friends,

One of my favorite hymns is #389:

 

Gathered here in the mystery of the hour,

Gathered here in one strong body,

Gathered here in the struggle and the power,

Spirit draw near.

 

As a minister, I almost always come to tears singing that from the pulpit and looking at the loved faces of the congregation in front of me. And our 7th Principle, which refers to our

“respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part” articulates that our beloved Body is the entire Earth and all of its beings. There are so many visible and invisible ways that our bodies, as well as our Body as a Whole, are connected. Coronavirus has brought that sacred truth home to us in  poignant and painful ways. And so I share the open below, written by Alla Renee Bozarth, one of the group of 11 women first ordained as Episcopal priests. Take good care and may each of us be a part of the wellness of that is unfolding in the midst of this strange time.

– Rev. Laurie

 

“There is no difference between

healing your body and healing the Earth

or helping another to heal.

It is all the same Body.

 

There is no difference between

healing Earth’s body and healing your own

or helping another to heal.

We are all the One Body.

 

Begin anywhere.

Begin with one tree, or a bird.

Begin with your own heart or skin, clean out your liver, clear your mind.

Begin with the growth of a child, your family’s food.

Then continue to include one small part of the time.

You will be healing the Whole.”

 

-Alla Renee Bozarth, The Book of Bliss