Hot Spots and Peppers!

I'm heading out shortly to have coffee with a local grassroots organizer and the head of a minister's alliance in my city.  The purpose of our meeting ~ to discuss a request from our police department to have teams of citizens PRAY in gang 'hot spots'.  That's right, PRAY!




It's going to be modeled after successful prayer-walk efforts in the city of Salinas, CA. and Boston, MA.  called "Night Walks".  Apparently, those involved with violence prevention programs believe that involving the faith-based community is essential to impacting neighborhoods.

I've been invited to "the table" because I founded and facilitated an intercessory prayer group, CityWatch, that met monthly and prayed for ten years for our city.  I'm humbled to be a part of this huge step in the "church of the city" connecting with city government for the purpose of transforming community.

In the meantime, I'm making pico de gallo from some of our garden peppers.

Hope you're having a great Monday!

Counting My Blessings

xo  Susy

Finding Our Way Home...

In the aftermath of Friday's tragedy, there has been the compelling pull toward family and friends; the desire to hug and say "I love you", to bridge gaps and reconnect and remain connected to all those I hold dear.  Happily, I spent the weekend with or talking to family. It was good medicine for us all.

A business contact shared these words from an unidentified source.  Perhaps you've heard them already; they were new to me and they resonated ~

 

 "The very brokenness, the lump, the silent inexpressible grief arising in our collective soul reminds us that we human beings long for something purer than the isolated selfish ways we normally live.  When pushed by calamity we want to live with our better selves… Let us hold each other up even as we weep.  Let us step out into the darkness, light a candle, say a prayer, forgive, reach out, put our children on the bus, and risk love.  We have no alternative.  There is no grand scheme; only small actions that light the path, dispel the darkness, and offer renewal."

 

Counting My Blessings,

xo Susy