An irresistable sense of mission...perhaps

What a day to travel. I had to remove my toothpaste and moisturizering cream along with everything liquid or gel. I feel grateful that my flight is undisturbed. So far, it is on time.

We processed our experience today. Mostly I was so greatful to be with this group of brave, caring clergy who want so badly to serve to alleviate dischord, hate and to provide connection and love. And we didn't do it perfectly, but we attempted. There were risky conversations and fear but more than anything there was the commitment to listen and to be present. Even at times to put on the shoes of the other even when it was painful and eye opening. Compared to the WorldPride experience, these folks with all of our flaws managed to create a shared community.

We spoke of the need for a more feminist discourse and ways to make other voices present. Balancing needs of this and that. But the hope for progress of queer folks (including straight allies) to bridge gaps that most shy away from is so tangible. I look forward to working on the expansion of this pilgrimage during my sabbatical.

And then there was the WorldPride rally that was at first a gentle gathering with none of the intensity of the wall. People mulled around and hugged each other. People of all ages and ethnicities holding rainbow signs, pink armbands and the like. It was almost like a big queer family picnic.

However, it was disrupted by a band of queer folk who protested because they felt Jerusalem should not have been the home to WorldPride. In red and black they spoke out of the unfairness of the occupation--mind you many of the WorldPride people had signs that also protested the wall and the occupation so draw your own conclusions. A small tussle broke out and people started running, especially because people were on edge. Someone fainted. We left (mostly because I had to in order to catch my plane).

As I travel I leave you with this Chinese Poem by Shu Ting

for the loneliness of an author
Perhaps...
Perhaps these thoughts of ours
will never find an audience
Perhaps the mistaken road
will end in a mistake
Perhaps the lamps we light one at a time
will be blown out, one at a time
Perhaps the candles of our lives will gutter out
without lighting a fire to warm us.

Perhaps when all the tears have been shed
the earth will be more fertrile
Perhaps when we sing praises to the sun
the sun will praise us in return
Perhaps these heavy burdens
will strengthen out philosophy
Perhaps when we weep for those in misery
we must be silent about miseries of our own.

Perhaps
Because of our irresistable sense of mission
We have no choice