mental-health
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Wounds Into Wisdom
Beloveds, today we turn toward a tender mystery: Why do we sometimes carry fears, reactions, and emotional patterns that we cannot fully explain? Why do some of us startle at joy, as if joy were something dangerous? Why do some of us feel the need to stay vigilant even when life is going well? Why…
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A boy and his father were walking along a road when they came across a large stone. The boy said to his father, “Do you think if I use all my strength, I can move this rock?” His father answered, “If you use all your strength, I am sure you can do it.” The boy…
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The title of my homily is “The Gospel of Finding Nemo.” I’m using that big theological word, “gospel,” intentionally because a “gospel” is a message that may tell a story about a particular person at a particular place and time, but there’s a story within that story, a deeper story which speaks universally and which…
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Did you know that some of the most important spiritual work we do around here is talk? Friendship-building talk. Purpose-clarification talk. Learning about history to gain wisdom and guidance talk. Encouragement talk. Emotional healing talk. Correction of inaccurate information talk. Sharing inspiration talk. Telling your story talk. Finding your place in the community talk. Facing…
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Our Bodies as Teachers
The first time I ever thoughtfully considered that I had a relationship with my body was when I was 12. This is different from something more casual or superficial. Of course I knew I had a body. But the depth of that knowing changed when I realized that my body had me. I was 12,…
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Befriending Anger
Today we are befriending anger. Thus the Incredible Hulk….. Do you know about this comic book character? The quick story is that, one day, mild-mannered scientist Bruce Banner was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was caught in a flood of gamma rays from an experimental bomb detonation. Ever afterwards, in stressful…
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What Does It Really Mean to Love Yourself? (All About Love, Part 3)
Here is bell hooks, author of All About Love, the book we are exploring in this year’s year-long sermon series. Love is our focus all year long. Different aspects of love. Today, we look at the aspect known as self-love. And as bell hooks, says, “When I talked with friends and acquaintances about self-love, I…
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