Pepper July 1992 – January 2009

Finding God in All Things
(St. Ignatius)

I once spoke to my friend, an old squirrel, about the Sacraments – he got so excited and ran into a hollow tree and came back holding some acorns, an owl feather, and a ribbon he had found. And I just smiled and said, “Yes, dear, you understand: everything imparts his grace.”

St. Francis of Assisi

Welcome to 2009: The Year of Hope

Last year hope became a four letter word for me. In fact, I had become allergic to hope. Because of repeated disappointments in life, the hopes raised, the hopes dashed, my system finally said, ?Enough!? Each time a ray of hope dawned on the horizon, something automatically shut off within me, no cognition involved.

I don’t know if anyone else is calling this the Year of Hope, but I have decided that it will be. I hope I can convince you to join me.

So why hope now as our economy is falling down around us? Here are a few reasons:

First, hope is a choice, kind of like the half-full/half-empty glass. How will I choose to see what is happening around me? If I choose hope, not only do I become hopeful, I help others be hopeful . . . and it spreads. Plus, I discovered that I cannot live without hope. In fact, I will not live without hope.

Second, when I choose to be hopeful, I have energy to make choices in my own life that helps me be healthier.

Third, when I choose to be hopeful, I have energy to help solve the serious issues of our day rather than be part of the problem.

Fourth, I find hope through my faith in God as I see so many others doing?people in recovery, people struggling with depression, people who are losing their possessions.

Fifth, I have discovered once again that the practices I teach actually work when I use them.

Sixth, sometimes when things really fall apart, people finally wake up and find the courage to think creatively and change the practices that got us in this mess in the first place.

Seventh, I feel a new spirit in the air?a spirit of connection rather than isolation. People want to leave the old system of despair, disconnection, suspicion, fear and exclusion behind.

Eight, people are willing to change their lifestyles?to benefit others, the environment, to be more inclusive of others different than themselves.

Nine, there are signs of a new spirit of cooperation coming to Washington, where unity to solve our challenges is more important than political parties and the other things that divide us.

I read an article about Van Jordan, entitled, Greening the Ghetto. In the story, Jordan is talking to a group of about 30 high school dropouts, convincing them they can leave poverty behind by joining the green revolution. He talks about Barack Obama: “I love Barack Obama,” he said. “I’d pay money just to shine the brother’s shoes. But I’ll tell you this. Do you hear me? One man is not going to save us. I don’t care who that man is. He’s not going to save us. And, in fact, if you want to be real about this – can y’all take it? I’m going to be real with y’all. Not only is Barack Obama not going to be able to save you – you are going to have to save Barack Obama.”

Now, how is this hopeful? It is hopeful because we are not waiting for another Savior. We?ve already been told by the incoming President that it will take all of us to address the problems we are facing and not to expect miracles. It?s hopeful because it recognizes that we all have power and that by working together, we can change the world.

So, I am choosing hope for 2009 (remind me if I slack off) and I’m going to stay busy doing what I am called to do to help heal our hurting country and world. Hope you’ll join up!