The world seems to race forward at a breakneck pace. There were many times these past weeks when I sought to express my thoughts about our unfolding reality that seems to become increasingly complex with each new day. Preoccupation with life’s transitions kept me at bay; but as my “next chapter” web site has taken shape and my communications channels have cleared, I am again able to share with you those things on my heart.
As I resumed pecking away at my keyboard, I was reminded that while my world had changed radically since writing weekly blogs for Intersections, the rest of the world—unfortunately—has had no such transformation.
There is little time to “ease into summer” as headlines continue to stress the volatility of our day. Questions abound: Unprecedented uncertainty emanating from Washington has repercussions on the whole world. How should we challenge Russia on her meddling in our 2016 elections? How do we insist on a moral imperative that seems so absent in proposed solutions to affordable health care? How do we address the persistent plagues of racism, misogyny and homophobia that, generation after generation, will not let us go? How can we shrink the increasing disparity in wealth among our citizens? How will the sudden escalation of tension between the US and North Korea be resolved?
This web site shall be a place where we can gather (virtually, of course) to share reflections with one another on these and other issues as history unfolds about us. I look forward to the conversation.
This will also be the place to update you on events in my post-Intersections life. I have added a video by our indomitable videographer Tim Frakes about our US-Pakistan Interreligious Consortium (UPIC) trip to Pakistan in March, one of my final responsibilities before leaving Intersections. Unlike other UPIC videos, this one focuses explicitly on our 2017 trip. I recommend you check it out here.
I have just returned from the United Church of Christ’s General Synod where my new book, Beyond the Comma, was officially launched. It was a moving experience for me to witness the culmination of four years’ work; to see and feel the bound pages in my hand; to watch others as they opened the book and began to read it; to engage with folks from coast to coast (literally) interested in having me come to various local settings and use the book as foundation for a seminar or workshop (let me know if you’d like me to facilitate a presentation in your setting); and to wonder how my investment in this project will impact my life and work in the months and years to come. (You can read more about the book here.) Pretty exciting! As these opportunities solidify, I’ll use this site to keep you posted.
My hope is that the words and images in my book have a positive impact on readers as they seek to navigate those “comma moments” in their own lives, helping them discover a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle beyond the comma. Stay tuned!
Blessings,
Bob