Getting ready for a retreat last summer, our leader assigned some pre-reading that included, to my jaded mind, yet another nature book. Some of you know what I mean. We’ve read Annie Dillard, and Mary Oliver, and (the recently deceased) Sally McFague. We’ve loved these tender, observant writings; they’re inspiring. But, “Really, another one?” I thought, rolling my eyes. My cynicism seemed justified when I opened to the first chapter and found it focused on—of all things—snakes! I settled in, scowling. Seems like I’ve been doing more than my share of scowling. At the weather. At politics. … [Read more...] about Reading the Air
Lee’s Blog
The People I’ve Killed: the church as a no-kill zone (Part 3 of 3)
This is the last of a three-part series. Click here for Part One, which lays out Parker Palmer's description of how we "kill" people. Part Two talks about how anonymity fosters killing. More than a decade ago, as I was just beginning to imagine shifting from “lawyer” to “pastor,” a fellow layperson dared to say some true words that I’ve never forgotten. He said I must pay more careful attention when someone spoke to me. “What?” I said (because I hadn’t been listening very well). He explained that sometimes, when he was speaking to me, it felt like I was distracted, … [Read more...] about The People I’ve Killed: the church as a no-kill zone (Part 3 of 3)
The People I’ve Killed: never read the comments (Part 2 of 3)
This is Part Two of a three-part series that will wrap up next week. Look back at Part One for how Parker Palmer said we "kill" people. Stay tuned as we continue this conversation about the people we’ve all killed lately, and how we might stop. The anonymity that allows us to “kill others off,” as Parker Palmer puts it, is never more evident than in the comments posted on the web. It happens on news reports about strangers, and even on each other’s social media sites, within much smaller degrees of separation. With my work at the prison, I read a lot of news … [Read more...] about The People I’ve Killed: never read the comments (Part 2 of 3)
The People I’ve Killed (Part 1 of 3)
This week’s post is Part One of a three-part series that will continue over the coming weeks. Stay tuned as we continue this conversation about the people we've killed lately. If that imagined mini-trial at the pearly gates is real, mine will surely include the following exchange: Saint Peter (well into the interrogation): And did you love your neighbor as yourself?Lee: Yes. I tried, anyway.SP: Your permanent record says you spent a lot of time with those women in prison.L: Yes, by the grace of God, I loved them a lot.SP: You did pretty well with your … [Read more...] about The People I’ve Killed (Part 1 of 3)
Yes, Oklahoma, but will you welcome them?
Oklahoma made history on Monday with the release of nearly 500 persons from prison, 70 of which were women. The release is one step. Here's the next: Oklahoma churches and communities have an unprecedented opportunity to welcome those people home. Will you seize it? Oklahoma has had the unholy distinction of incarcerating more of their citizens than nearly any other state, and the highest proportion of women. The state has been working on changing that, and Monday's commutation is one step in that larger effort. The 462 persons released that day were doing time for drug possession or other … [Read more...] about Yes, Oklahoma, but will you welcome them?
Room at the Table
This song by Carrie Newcomer has become important for us at the prison and for me as I think about life and ministry. There's a sweet video of this song, full of dancing feet; I'm not sure what the dancing has to do with the welcoming table, but I dare you to watch it and not smile. I wonder, though, is it true? No matter who you are, no matter where you're from,There is room at the table for everyone.Here and now we can be, the beloved community,There is room at the table for everyone.There is room for us all, and no gift is too small.There is room at the table for everyone.There's … [Read more...] about Room at the Table