I always find your newsletters healing and full of hope and joy - even when you write about difficult things. Did you know that donkeys are often placed with horses to protect them from predators when they are in open pastures? I learned this recently, and was reminded of it when reading your sermon. Symbols of peace and protection.
I loved this. Feel like no matter whose sermon I hear this weekend,I have been fed already. Thank you. And I finished “Wholehearted Faith” last week - a beautiful book that made me both sad for Rachel’s death (again) and grateful for her words. So beautifully curated that I could not discern where hers stopped and yours began. A wonderful tribute to your friend, Jeff. Well done.
Jeff, I loved your sermon excerpt on the way of the donkey. It captured my imagination and helped me think of humility as an invitation. You are such a gifted writer, preacher, and pastor. You are so called- I hear the Spirit in your words and I give thanks for you.
I really respect your ask to not be given the elevator pitch for other denominations. I confess that I've done that a time or two for the ELCA, but I think what you said speaks perfectly to how we can still find community amongst those things that are not always up to where we need them to be.
My sister recently had to put down her beloved bassett hound, whom she had named Eeyore - and the name fit him perfectly. He may have been a dog, not a donkey, but I realized halfway through reading your sermon here that it was Eeyore the dog I was seeing, and it fits so well. Maybe his name helped him to take on some of that aura of the patient donkey, or maybe it was just his own sweet, placid personality, but whatever it was, that was what I saw as I read this and I had to go find tissues before I could finish reading. My family doesn't have donkeys in our everyday life, but we did have this very good dog, and I'm re-appreciating today what good lessons he taught us.
Thank you, Jeff. Your perseverance in what you face with the RCA is quite moving to me. I hope you can hang in there as change is on the way. Many of us look forward to the exodus of a divisive faction. Regarding the donkey, I think I heard once that a horse will allow itself to be worked to death, while a donkey, stubbornly, will not. Keep up your great work! You are a blessing and inspiration to many people.
thank you Jeff. I wonder if you saw this poem this week on "unfolding Light" by Steve Garnaas-Holmes. I adore donkeys and have three burro companions......
A Christian colleague of mine just introduced me to your writing. How I wish you could come and be an Episcopal priest alongside me in my tradition. God needs your voice and creativity! Keep on keeping on, dear one.
Holding space for you and sending you love in this. On donkeys: someone near us owns about 10 (I’ve never actually counted), and I love seeing them out when we drive by. They’re all different, all beautiful and peaceful. I want to go talk to them, but I’m guessing I have to meet the owners and get permission first? (Ewe, people)
Your words bring so much peace, so much to think about, and so much admiration for your insights. Your ordination process sounds so disappointing, frustrating, and frankly unfair. I am sorry you are having to endure this. Sending you hope for an eventual good resolution.
Your writing brings me comfort, but this time it also brought me a laugh - "oh what a gorgeous donkey." That is a short, funny, and powerful reminder for me to look for the beauty in the mundane and to see God's glory in creatures (including me) just doing what we're meant to do. Thank you for sharing yourself.
I always find your newsletters healing and full of hope and joy - even when you write about difficult things. Did you know that donkeys are often placed with horses to protect them from predators when they are in open pastures? I learned this recently, and was reminded of it when reading your sermon. Symbols of peace and protection.
I loved this. Feel like no matter whose sermon I hear this weekend,I have been fed already. Thank you. And I finished “Wholehearted Faith” last week - a beautiful book that made me both sad for Rachel’s death (again) and grateful for her words. So beautifully curated that I could not discern where hers stopped and yours began. A wonderful tribute to your friend, Jeff. Well done.
Jeff, I loved your sermon excerpt on the way of the donkey. It captured my imagination and helped me think of humility as an invitation. You are such a gifted writer, preacher, and pastor. You are so called- I hear the Spirit in your words and I give thanks for you.
I really respect your ask to not be given the elevator pitch for other denominations. I confess that I've done that a time or two for the ELCA, but I think what you said speaks perfectly to how we can still find community amongst those things that are not always up to where we need them to be.
My sister recently had to put down her beloved bassett hound, whom she had named Eeyore - and the name fit him perfectly. He may have been a dog, not a donkey, but I realized halfway through reading your sermon here that it was Eeyore the dog I was seeing, and it fits so well. Maybe his name helped him to take on some of that aura of the patient donkey, or maybe it was just his own sweet, placid personality, but whatever it was, that was what I saw as I read this and I had to go find tissues before I could finish reading. My family doesn't have donkeys in our everyday life, but we did have this very good dog, and I'm re-appreciating today what good lessons he taught us.
Thank you, Jeff. Your perseverance in what you face with the RCA is quite moving to me. I hope you can hang in there as change is on the way. Many of us look forward to the exodus of a divisive faction. Regarding the donkey, I think I heard once that a horse will allow itself to be worked to death, while a donkey, stubbornly, will not. Keep up your great work! You are a blessing and inspiration to many people.
Thank you. Your writings always leave me feeling more hopeful and connected.
“It’s a donkey that carries the sick soul to safety and security.”
Thank you that even in your struggle you share and encourage others. Humility and commitment to the task because we have faith in Him, not ourselves.
thank you Jeff. I wonder if you saw this poem this week on "unfolding Light" by Steve Garnaas-Holmes. I adore donkeys and have three burro companions......
The Beloved needs it
“You will find a colt that has never been ridden.
Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you,
‘Why are you untying it?’
just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
—Luke 19.30-31
A humble donkey, not glamorous or powerful,
maybe not even noticed,
but, Loving Mystery, exactly what you need.
So many parts of myself I overlook—
an extraordinary talent or simple presence—
gifts I’ve been given I undervalue;
but you need them
for purposes I can’t yet see.
Beloved, what gifts of mine do you need?
Help me know what humble donkey you require,
and untie it.
Breath prayer:
My donkey … for you
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
Published April 5, 2022
A Christian colleague of mine just introduced me to your writing. How I wish you could come and be an Episcopal priest alongside me in my tradition. God needs your voice and creativity! Keep on keeping on, dear one.
Holding space for you and sending you love in this. On donkeys: someone near us owns about 10 (I’ve never actually counted), and I love seeing them out when we drive by. They’re all different, all beautiful and peaceful. I want to go talk to them, but I’m guessing I have to meet the owners and get permission first? (Ewe, people)
I am obsessed with the UC Berkeley falcons! Annie's resilience this year is inspiring.
So grateful that you "keep showing up in this fractious, odd family of faith."
Your words bring so much peace, so much to think about, and so much admiration for your insights. Your ordination process sounds so disappointing, frustrating, and frankly unfair. I am sorry you are having to endure this. Sending you hope for an eventual good resolution.
Your writing brings me comfort, but this time it also brought me a laugh - "oh what a gorgeous donkey." That is a short, funny, and powerful reminder for me to look for the beauty in the mundane and to see God's glory in creatures (including me) just doing what we're meant to do. Thank you for sharing yourself.
Blessings+ on your ordination journey. The obstacles you are facing will make you a stronger minister.