Dearest dancing monks, artists, and pilgrims,
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Luther E. Smith, Jr. who will lead the Crossing Identity Boundaries: Where Hope Enlivens Us to Life retreat this Friday, November 21st. Luther offers this reflection.
The spiritual journey takes us to our hearts and the hearts of others as we pursue and experience the beloved community that God dreams for us. The journey entails crossing identity boundaries—the boundaries of other persons, and our reception of persons crossing our identity boundary. Encouraging journeys across identity boundaries is the work of hope.
The retreat will highlight exercises (things we can do) to clarify our own identity boundary; name identity boundary crossings that are most challenging and those that are taken with ease; determine our readiness for crossings; address mistakes made in boundary crossings; and reflect upon how we receive others who cross our identity boundary. Whether one self-identifies as an introvert or extrovert, to live faithfully relies upon our engaging all relationships with care.
The beloved community that God dreams for us is not only experienced in successfully connecting with other hearts. The joy of beloved community, through the work of hope, is also experienced in the process of embracing others. This retreat is designed to facilitate our commitment to “the process”.
Crossing identity boundaries is about how we are transformed, and not just about increasing the number of boundaries crossed. . . . How are we sensitive to the social circumstances (e.g., poverty, discrimination, incarceration) that influence identity? How might we be in solidarity with others to overcome systemic forces that oppress persons we now know? What are we understanding about ourselves in these crossings? What are matters of etiquette and hospitality in boundary crossings? How do we perceive God’s presence on both sides of a boundary? If these journey questions are ignored whenever we cross an identity boundary, we could cross a thousand boundaries with no greater wisdom and heart transformation. . . .
Crossing identity boundaries is so elemental to beloved community that Howard Thurman concludes every effort must be made to eliminate any personal attitude or cultural barrier that prevents people from being in caring relationship. The love-ethic depends on such meetings. Thurman writes:
The experience of love is either a necessity or a luxury. If it be a luxury, it is expendable; if it be a necessity, then to deny it is to perish. So simple is the reality, and so terrifying. Ultimately there is only one place of refuge on this planet for any [person]—that is in another [person’s] heart. To love is to make of one’s heart a swinging door. [Disciplines of the Spirit, p. 127]
Hope enlivens us, as hosts and guests, to the hospitality invitation of the “swinging door.” The journey through the swinging door leads to a place where we are formed for beloved community. Hope is here in crossing identity boundaries! [Hope is Here! Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and Beloved Community, pp. 128-129]
We had a conversation with Luther about his book Hope is Here! for our Lift Every Voice Book Club and are thrilled welcome him back. Join us Friday, November 21st as we invigorate our commitment to beloved community.
With great and growing love,
Christine
Christine Valters Paintner, OblSB, PhD, REACE
