Showing posts with label all saints day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label all saints day. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Transgender Rembrance Day 2012

In honor of Transgender Remembrance Day.  Let us all think of those who have been killed or injured  simply for being Transgender.  For daring to be in public as they view themselves.   For seeking recognition and love as they are for who they are.
Let our community continue to stand against this kind of  discrimination, and hate.  Please take a moment and pray for those who seek to be true to who they are.
Anti gay hate crimes and discrimination need to be included in all non discriminatory laws.

Lets stop the hate!


Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Morning After Halloween

My Halloween was uneventful, nothing exciting happened about it at all. I was not home during the trick or treating hours, nor was my roommate, so I don't know if anyone attempted to knock on our door. No lights should have indicated not to, but you never know.  Today and tomorrow are known as All Saints and All Souls day in the Christian calendar.  Observed primarily by Catholic and Anglican churches, these days have grown to be observed by many in Protestant churches as well. 

These two days All Saints is known as a feast to remember those who attained "Sainthood" though many protestant churches recognize any Baptized believer as a saint.  All Souls is to remember anyone who died.  Now this is not meant to be an authoritative definition but just my understanding, and serves to help make my point today. These two days are set aside as a special time to remember those we love who have died.  Some churches do this at different times during the year, some have blue Christmas service to help folk cope with grief through the Holidays. My individual  church does this as part of the annual Memorial day service where a rose is placed on the alter by a family member of a deceased member. In addition to giving tribute to those who died serving our country. 

This year it seems, has been one loss after another for me and my family. I don't recall a time in my life when I have experienced loss in scope or frequency as I have this year. Each loss seems to magnify the other. One part of grief is the recognition that love does not end when the person loved is gone.  The Bible confirms this in I Corinthians 13:13, "Now faith, hope, love abide, but the greatest of these is love" some translations have is as love abides forever. Love changes over time I think, for instance I have a friend for whom I had romantic feelings in the past that he did not have for me.  There was a grief but I still wanted him in my life as my friend, I still love him but differently.  The love I have for him now is returned by him. 

In the same way, my love for my mother is still there but different now.  There is a sadness attached a bitter sweetness. I wonder how that will change as time passes? I look forward to the days ahead, as my grief heals and changes to the new normal I have read about and share with others who grieve.

Thanks for reading.



 

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween 2012

Though I have not really celebrated Halloween in years, I don't view it as I once did. Its a fun night for the children,  there is nothing inherently evil about the day.  Which some fundamental to conservative folk think exists. They need to study and consider Christian heritage and tradition surrounding both Halloween and All Saints Day. Last year was the first time in a long time I gave out candy, and that was at the church Trunk or Treat.  At home home I don't and won't this year either.  Its not like I have children or know the families in the neighborhood.   This will be a different Halloween for many in the northeast, some communities will reschedule the trick or treating due to the storm damage.  I heard on the news this morning New York Gov. Cuomo said he would sign an order to reschedule trick or treating, and quipped to Election day. LOL!

This year, my thoughts turn to the memories of my childhood Halloween celebrations.  It was always a lot of fun choosing a costume, picking a pumpkin, carving said pumpkin.  I recall the first year I was too old for trick or treating, my sister and I set up the record player and played spooky music out the window for all those who came to our house. Those are good memories. 

In observance of Halloween this blogger shares the images and music below


http://youtu.be/aOPeJuvLJYs

http://youtu.be/25LBTSUEU0A