We are living in dark times. I know this because people are saying it to me all the time. We are living in dark times. We reach for that metaphor because we are frightened and we need big language. "Dark times" has a pageantry, an epicness to it. Yes, children, gather round and Grandpa Irwin will tell you about the Dark Times.
It Is What It Is (!)
Of course, "It is what it is," this over-used, over-articulated cliche, would not be an unreasonable translation of YHWH, our under-articulated name of God. YHWH, another 4-letter word, works out in Hebrew to sound like a great big IS. With a hint of was in the middle and a gesture toward will be at the front. YHWH. Was-Is-Will-Be.
Read moreRachel Weeps (and Leaps) for her Children
We also live in a broken time. We walk the streets filled with grief. We are in exile from our highest vision. Our dreams of peace and justice lie in ruins. Now, more than ever, we need Rachel. We need to be Rachel, changing history by following her example.
Read moreWhat is Well Aged
I remain torn between what feels like my duty to be the keeper of memory – if I don't remember my maiden great aunts, who will? – and my desire to have a life that's based in the present, with room to actually move around and dust-free air to breathe. I want the air. And I still want the basement.
Read moreThe New Year and the Doorposts of Freedom
The ways in which we are enslaved, each of us, are often invisible to us. Our narrow-mindedness about who knows what, our blindspots - whether they are political, personal, religious, familial - these are so commonplace to us that we sometimes don't see them.
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