Tag Archives: Barbara Holmes
Civil Rights Contemplative
Contemplative Activists Civil Rights Contemplative Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977) is remembered for her strength and courage in the face of an oppressive system. During the Civil Rights Movement, she inspired others to reclaim their God-given dignity and demand full citizenship in the United States. CAC faculty member Barbara Holmes writes: [Fannie Lou Hamer is] a contemplative exemplar because… Continue Reading Civil Rights Contemplative
Social Renewal as Spiritual Practice
Wisdom in Times of Crisis Social Renewal as Spiritual Practice Friday, July 10, 2020 CAC Faculty member Dr. Barbara Holmes points us to the interwoven nature of love— love of God, of self, and of neighbor. We cannot keep the Great Commandment without fully engaging in all three. In her wisdom, she sees this time… Continue Reading Social Renewal as Spiritual Practice
Cosmology and Nature: Weekly Summary
Cosmology and Nature Saturday, June 27, 2020 Summary: Sunday, June 21—Friday, June 26, 2020 I hope this week’s meditations offer you a vision of a cosmology that is scientifically accurate and still entirely suffused with the presence of God. (Sunday) In Jesus, I hope for more than just a God with a face or a… Continue Reading Cosmology and Nature: Weekly Summary
Awakening in the Cosmos
Cosmology and Nature Awakening in the Cosmos Wednesday, June 24, 2020 My friend and fellow CAC teacher Dr. Barbara Holmes has the ability to bear witness to the expansiveness of the cosmos, the major systemic shifts taking place in society, and the small and sacred moments of daily life—all at the same time. Her writing… Continue Reading Awakening in the Cosmos
Public Action and Contemplation
Contemplation and Racism Public Action and Contemplation Friday, June 12, 2020 I was in the seminary when the Civil Rights movement transformed the political and cultural landscape of the United States. While I was more an observer than an active participant, I witnessed the courage and faith of the activists, not yet realizing that contemplation… Continue Reading Public Action and Contemplation
Crisis Contemplation
Contemplation and Racism Crisis Contemplation Thursday, June 11, 2020 Apart from a few monastic orders, Western Christianity neglected the systematic instruction of contemplative practice for hundreds of years. Yet many people naturally grow into nondual consciousness through great suffering or great love. Barbara Holmes suggests that “crisis contemplation” arose out of necessity during slavery, beginning… Continue Reading Crisis Contemplation
Contemplating Anger
Contemplation and Racism Contemplating Anger Tuesday, June 9, 2020 I have learned to use my anger for good. . . . Without it, we would not be motivated to rise to a challenge. It is an energy that compels us to define what is just and unjust. —Gandhi Today my colleague and CAC faculty member… Continue Reading Contemplating Anger
The Second Conversion
Solidarity The Second Conversion Tuesday, May 26, 2020 If the first conversion to solidarity is to befriend or experience compassion for the poor, the Second Conversion to solidarity is anger at the unjust situation that caused their poverty. Many people never reach this stage of anger at injustice, especially in the United States. Our cultural… Continue Reading The Second Conversion
The Beloved Community
Community The Beloved Community Friday, May 8, 2020 A contemplative person is someone who knows that they don’t know everything and trusts that they are being held by something much larger, wiser, and more loving than themselves. It is these very qualities that enable them to act on behalf of others and communities in need.… Continue Reading The Beloved Community
Crisis Contemplation
The Path of Descent Crisis Contemplation Tuesday, March 24, 2020 The curtailing of individual freedom to live, move, and work may be a new experience for some of us—but is familiar to communities who have suffered from oppression for centuries. By necessity, they have developed ways of coping with fear and uncertainty on an individual… Continue Reading Crisis Contemplation
