It's Spiritual Journey Thursday and this month Maureen Ingram is hosting with the theme, Community. This is particularly pertinent to me since we recently moved into a new community that has shared interests, values, and hopes. Many settled here before me to be closer to their families. I did the same and am grateful that there is a sense of belonging and acceptance in my new neighborhood.
It is necessary when being part of a community, whether it be a social, educational, or political one, to find a common bond. People do not have to be of the same personal mindset but have common goals for the betterment of all within.
Mother Teresa spoke in inspirational terms about communities, alluding to the fact that we need to bond together in peace and love. "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Mr. Rogers reminded us that we need to bring kindness to our neighborhoods. Both inspired people to do, not just be. As Mother said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” A tiny ripple can cause a change in attitude, as can love and peace.
I feel a great need to live in peace, to be part of a community of faithful individuals who understand the value of being neighbors, friends, and co-workers. One of the songs of the late 60s, "Get Together" by the Youngbloods, inspires me to continue to be community-centric. These stanzas are relevant then and still today.
If you hear the song I sing
You will understand, listen.
You hold the key to love and fear
All in your trembling hand.
Just one key unlocks them both.
It's there at your command.
Come on, people now
Smile on your brother.
Everybody get together.
Try to love one another right now.
I created a blackout poem from the lyrics to Get Together. The words remind me to find the right measure of positivity as a member of my community.
Love's song sings.
Mountains ring.
Smile everybody now.
We are a moment.
Love now.
Get together.
Try, people.
Get together.
Hear, understand, listen,
Unlock.
Love now,
right now.
©CVarsalona, 2022, black-out poem
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In the early morning, I send out my thoughts to my Spiritual Journey Thursday community of faithful friends. Thank you, Maureen Ingram, for hosting and choosing a theme that let me ponder. I look forward to reading all of the different blog posts.
Peace to All.
Carol, your blackout poem is gorgeous - such a wonderful source, as well. I am awed by the simple one word line "Unlock." which struck me as a request to 'surrender,' to give in, to the power of something larger than oneself. I also love Mother Theresa's wisdom that connects community to peace - just beautiful. Thank you for your sharing here!
ReplyDeleteMaureen, thank you so much for your gracious remarks. I also liked the word unlock and played around with its placement. I like your interpretation about surrendering. I certainly try to do that when I get overwhelmed. I spent time researching quotes and in the end felt that it was time well spent, I am glad that we have such an active community of writer friends.
DeleteCarol, finding that common bond is the building block of any community. "Smile everybody now" What a different world this would be if everyone did this. I am touched by your reference to Mother Theresa because Kathy and I had a chance to see her and hear her speak when she came to Mahanoy City to visit her sisters there. How moving and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteBob, you are the first friend to have been in Mother Teresa's presence. She did come to my diocese on Long Island but I could not join the group who hear her speak. She must have been so inspiring. How blessed you must have felt to be in her presence. I was going to add another Mother Teresa quote to my post that touched my heart, “Keep in mind that our community is not composed of those who are already saints, but of those who are trying to become saints. Therefore let us be extremely patient with each other's faults and failures.” The last line reminds me that families and educators would benefit from hearing this message. Have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteCarol, that blackout poem is incredibly powerful! The familiar song, so condensed here, really pops: We are a moment. Love now. Try, people. Unlock. -- this is exactly what we need to hear. As are the reminders from Mother Teresa and Mister Rogers, both of whom operated from a place of profound faith and service. "People do not have to be of the same personal mindset but have common goals for the betterment of all within" - that is exactly what a true community is and does. Thank you for the bright threads you weave together to create another inspirational, resonant post.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Today is MY son's birthday. Since he's away at college, I'll be sending him a birthday text every hour for 19 hours...lol. I love this thread of community. Every post has been heartfelt and insightful. What a great text for blackout poetry that you chose! You really nailed the essence of community.
ReplyDeleteCarol, lovely post, as always. I appreciate the shout-outs to Mother Teresa and Mr. Rogers. They are always good role models. I was singing along to the lyrics of the Youngbloods' song. What a great classic of the 60's; beautiful lyrics. (I think it was part of the movie Forrest Gump, which I watched recently.) Your black out poem is beautiful as well, and you have pulled out the heart of the lyrics and the importance of community.
ReplyDeleteNow I have an earworm, Carol, but it's a welcome one! As we enter the educational season of DEVOLSON (dark evil vortex of late September, October, November), I may make "Get Together" my sustaining song. Teachers are already taking mental health days, so I know it's coming.
ReplyDeleteDevolson & earworm, I never heard of these words, Chris, so thanks for the new jargon. Get Together is definitely one of those songs that reruns in my mind. On another subject, it is disturbing to hear that teachers are already needing time off. Nature usually helps calm me down when I feel anxious. Students probably need an antidote also.
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