Volume 13, Issue 7 | July 2024 | |
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Hi!
Woo wee—talk about change! This month we have all been witness to plenty of ups and downs in the world theatre. It’s felt like a roller coaster ride to me, particularly in reference to the U.S. presidential election scene.
Now I want to be crystal clear: In the past I have voluntarily ridden a roller coaster, so I surely know what it feels like. However, I'm no fan, so you’ll probably not get me on another one anytime again soon—unless it’s the kiddie ride! Still, I have no problem recalling what it feels like.
Here’s a list of some of the peaks and valleys of the U.S. presidential campaign roller coaster ride (you'll have to decide which is which for you, a peak or a valley!):
- Saturday, July 13: Former president and presumptive Republican Party 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump was mildly hurt in an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania
- Monday, July 15: Trump named J. D. Vance (who once called former president Trump “America’s Hitler”) as his 2024 vice presidential pick
- Wednesday, July 17: President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and flew to his home in Delaware to self-isolate and continue his duties from there
- Thursday, July 18: Trump accepted the Republican Party’s nomination for president
- Sunday, July 21: President Biden announced the end of his 2024 presidential re-election campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate
- Tuesday, July 23: Kamala Harris hit the campaign trail for the first time for her own 2024 presidential candidacy
And now, boy, have the dynamics of the 2024 presidential election been shuffled around! What a wild ride!
In my own life, at the beginning of this month I experienced a plethora of job opportunities to apply to via LinkedIn; then they dwindled to practically zilch (of course, there are other resources I tap). My Tuesday and Wednesday evening commitments (adult literacy tutoring, choir practice) had been paused for a spell, providing some more quiet, alone time and less running around; since I enjoy those commitments greatly, it’s great to have them back on the calendar.
Life circumstances are up and down, like a roller coaster—and sideways too sometimes it seems! It can feel scary and really out of control, sapping one's joy.
But when I remember that Spirit flows in, through, and around all beings and all things, everywhere and everywhen, then I know Spirit is riding the roller coaster of Life right alongside me—and you—and can better enjoy and appreciate the ride.
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I was surprised to come across several songs about roller coasters and enjoyed this one in particular, especially the opening guitar music.
Simply called "Roller Coaster," this song was written by Danny Polfliet, known professionally as Danny Vera, a Dutch singer-songwriter and musician.
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Spirituality
Finding God in the Roller Coaster of Life
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In my research, I found quite a number of articles focused on Spirit, faith, and roller coasters.
In the one noted below, the author, Jessica Brodie, writes about what she realized when her roller coaster riding days were over after having children.
Read “Finding God in the Roller Coaster of Life.”
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Inspiration and Contemplation
Life and Roller Coasters
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People—and Other Beings—Making a Difference
Acts of Kindness in Their Hour of Need
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Especially during these roller coaster times, acts of kindness are not only extra appreciated, but a reminder of the good in people and in the world. I personally sense Spirit more readily in such acts.
Reading “12 little acts of kindness: what friends and strangers did for each other in their hour of need” published recently by The Guardian, my heart was warmed by all the stories. Here’s one of my favorites:
During the terrible 2017 California fire season, our entire neighbourhood was threatened by multiple wildfires. From our house, we could see the fire line and the planes dropping orange-coloured retardant; power was cut off and the police toured the area warning residents to evacuate. With some difficulty, because cellphone connections were bad, my wife and I rented a lovely, if expensive, house in San Francisco, one of the few still available. The owner greeted us and as soon as I told him about our circumstances he stated emphatically: “Stay as long as you need to. There will be no charge for your stay.” His kindness is seared into my memory.
—Gabriel Baum, Sonoma
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We have no control when we’re riding a roller coaster—of any kind. We can be in fear or we can go with the flow and enjoy the ride as much as possible.
Today’s reading from the Daily Word seemed most apropos. I trust it may bring you some comfort especially during turbulent times.
Daily Word, Monday, July 29, 2024
Let Go, Let God
I release control and relax in the divine flow.
When I feel as though I have too much to handle by myself, I may try to remain in control of myself and exert control over others.
Today I remind myself God is always with me and I am never alone. There is a deeper truth underneath the things I know, and I am part of a much larger picture than I can see. That brings me comfort and helps me stay centered in faith as I do what is mine to do and release the rest.
Letting go and letting God is a dynamic process that empowers me to better focus on what is within my power to do and discern what to leave to others. No matter who is doing what, God is present in each person and every situation. I do not have to control the outcome because I trust in the omnipotence of God.
“And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?”—Matthew 6:27
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e-newsletter designed, developed, written, and published by Joyce S. Kaye | |
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You, Me, and Spirit
I was a devout atheist until 34 years ago when I "came to believe" in a Power greater than myself. Thanks to hearing the novel idea (well, at least it was to me!) that one could choose their own concept of God—and name too (Spirit, The Great Mystery, All That Is, etc.)—and the workings of synchronicity, I embarked on a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of being in the world and with others. It impacted all aspects of my life and relationships.
Since that time of commencing my conscious spiritual journey, I have endeavored to remember The Presence in all that is, all whom I meet, and all that I do—including working with clients in my own business, academia, and the corporate world. I strive to be of service and to nurture the human spirit in all environments.
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