Jewish relations? Lean into Hannukah, where you remember the story of the triumph of light and faith when hope was running dry. Light your lights and sing your songs. The world needs your voice.

Muslim relations? Lean into Mawlid, where you celebrate the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) who gave you Allah’s great gift. Listen to the stories, receive the poetry of your children, rejoice in the gifts your faith has given to the world and don’t be afraid to celebrate them. The world needs your voice.

Pagan friends? Lean into Yule, the turning of the earth and the return of the light. Burn your logs, light your candles, drink your cider, give thanks to the Goddess for her labour, and rejoice in the birth of the sun. The world needs your voice.

First Nations friends? Lean into your ancestors, your Mother Earth, your strength and courage. Lean into your traditions, the ones we denied you, the ones you continued regardless because you knew that they were gifts from the Creator and we were too ignorant to understand. The world needs your voice.

Agnostic, atheist, and SBNR friends? Lean into what brings hope, peace, joy, love, and strength. Note that it should not simply be what makes you comfortable. Hope, peace, joy, love, and strength, sometimes come from standing alongside the afflicted and oppressed; from round dances and songs; from petitions and arguments; from protests and prayer circles. A treasured friend of mine has given you a beautiful rallying call, using wonderfully inculturated spiritual language: “Solidarity is our saving grace.” Whether you believe it comes from a source beyond human understanding or whether it simply comes from the human capacity for beauty and kindness, call it out when you see it. Everyone needs help and hope these days, and you have plenty to offer. The world needs your voice.

We’re in this together. I’m with you.
#leanin
#advent2016