Abrahamic Family House has a wall for visitors to share their petitions and intent with Divinity and visiting children. Personal expressions are ever-changing. As I read and reflected on the wall as it was during my visit, I found myself walking into the dreams, visions, and hopes of an amazing community. Cultures, languages, and beliefs are reflected in the personal expressions left for those who followed.
Reading and reflecting was my way of accepting the gifts of this divine community. Each prayer on the wall is a wisdom lesson that can be used in the days ahead.
Everyone has a claim on Divinity. In this case, the three faith systems that followed Abraham reflect a perspective. Divinity is all this and more. Other faith systems also contribute to giving one the potential of seeing a more complete view. And the reminder lingers as an echo in this awareness; “Where does that leave our proud Jewish claim of having a corner on God? Also canceled. God is the God of outsider non-Jews as well as insider Jews.” (Romans 3.29)
Hope, fear, and pain are universal. At our best, we share a common belief that life can and will be better! I, along with others, left my intent as a petition to Divinity as well as those who followed. There is a touch of hell in every life. There are fears, uncertainties, and doubts within every mind. In this reality, hope more than survives, with our actions, it has opportunities to grow.
Life is difficult enough; we do not need to make it more difficult. I often see life as a competition. The wall reminds me that everyone can win. Nobody needs to lose. My opportunity centres on being a force for good – to support, lift, and share the burden.
As I start my day, I find myself back at the wall. Even as I petition Divinity, I hear the invitation and calling to be a force of compassion, caring, and community. With freedom in hand, my actions will write and deliver the response to myself and others.