Thursday, September 4, 2008

Thursday: Becoming Fully Human

"Committing myself to the task of becoming fully human is saving my life now. This is not the same as the job of being human, which came with my birth certificate. To become fully human is something extra, a conscious choice that not everyone makes. Based on my limited wisdom and experience, there is more than one way to do this. If I were a Buddhist, I might do it by taking the bodhisattva vow, and if I were a Jew, I might do it by following Torah. Because I am a Christian, I do it by imitating Christ, although I will be the first to admit that I want to stop about a day short of following him all the way."
~~Barbara Brown Taylor
Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith, 229

O Holy One, I commit myself to you, who created me and continues to grow me into myself. Help me--help each one in this world--to live consciously for You. Amen.

20 comments:

Gannet Girl said...

I don't know where or how to put this. I'm not sure my blog will ever return, but I guess I'll leave it up, for awhile anyway. In the meantime, perhaps you could spread the word around among yourselves.

One of our twin sons, one of the joys and lights of our lives, died Tuesday night in Chicago. He had turned 24 the day before.

I am pretty much out of words. Please keep us -- my husband, me, our other son and our daughter, as well as the three grandparents -- in your prayers. Those of you so inclined are of course welcome to pray for our beloved Josh.

Thank you all.

Unknown said...

Oh, gannet girl, words don't seem enough. You are certainly in my prayers, all of you.
Would you like me to let people know via the big Blog? I would think there are many people who would be praying for you, if they knew.
Meanwhile, (((gg))).

Mary Beth said...

OH! dear GG - the wind is knocked out of me. I am so sorry for this horrible loss. You are in my every prayer.

Unknown said...

Oh gannet girl my prayers for you. I can only weep with you and offer prayers and hugs over the internet.

Jennifer Garrison Brownell said...

prayers, tears, hugs....

Dr. Laura Marie Grimes said...

Oh, Gannet, I am so incredibly sorry to hear this terrible news.
I will pray for Josh and for your whole family.

I remember how much it helped me to talk when Rachel died....if you ever want to email me offlist or call at 714 651 1866 I am here.

I hate to even bring it up at a time like this, but would you like a temporary or permanent replacement for the Saturday prayer posting on this blog? I am not sure if it continuing would feel lifegiving or like a burden...

Teri said...

many prayers and hugs and tears with and for you, GG...

Anonymous said...

Gannet girl, words fail, tears come and I hold your hand over cyberspace ...

May God hold you (all) close

Diane M. Roth said...

oh, (Gannet Girl), there are no words. I wish you were here, or I was there. (((GG)))

Sally said...

(((gannet girl))), my prayers are with you all.

DogBlogger said...

(((((gannet girl)))))

there are no words.

Jules said...

((((((GG))))))

Indeed there are no words...

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

Oh...dear G.G. I am so very sorry for this terrible loss. This is when cyber relationships are most difficult--the times when we want to be truly present and cannot be. My prayers for all of you join those of others here.

Gannet Girl said...

Yes, you can post on the big blog. Thank you all.

Jody Harrington said...

Dear GG--

Prayers abounding. I'm so so sorry.

Mary Beth said...

Songbird, I've posted it. Didn't know when you would be back at computer.

Edit as you wish.

mb

Cathy said...

Oh my, my heart hurts for you. Words don't seem to be enough at a time like this. Praying for you and your family during this tragic time. Hugs and prayers.

Terri said...

((GG)) prayers for you, your family, and Josh...oh my heart cries for all of you at this time...

Michelle said...

All my prayers are arising for you, your family and Josh...

Jan said...

GG, prayers and love.