A Hidden Wholeness The Journey Toward an Undivided Life: Welcoming the Soul and weaving community in a wounded world Parker J. Palmer, San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Jossey-Bass A Wiley Imprint, 260 pages $23.95, Paperback

Reviewed by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson

Parker J. Palmer is, among other things, a Quaker by faith; as well as a passionate and gifted teacher and writer. This volume is a helpful resource and handbook for teachers and students; clergy and parishioners; and employers and workers from a variety of backgrounds who are interested in improving the quality of their lives both individually and collectively.

   Reflecting on the content of this work, there are three insights that ring true and are worthy of further examination and practice, if the Spirit so moves.

   First, Palmer suggests that the soul is like a wild animal. A wild animal is shy of human beings or predators and keeps them at a safe distance to ensure survival and safety. The human soul is also shy according to Palmer, and cannot be forced to come out and reveal itself to others—especially when it feels threatened or coerced to do so.

   Second, the human soul opens up and reveals itself only in an environment where silence and careful listening are practiced; sharing is purely voluntary not demanded; confidentiality is kept; and folks are not to fix, nor advise, nor save, and not set each other straight; open rather than direct or confronting questions are asked; paradoxical truth is explored where differences of perspective are respected and valued.  

   Third, the coming out and revealing of the human soul and the inner teacher is most likely to happen in the context of a circle of trust group or clearness committee; which, if the ground rules are clear and observed can assist people in living an undivided life and discern their vocation.

   The last section of the book also includes a helpful reader’s and group leader’s guide to put into practice Palmer’s teachings. An added bonus is a DVD with even more resources to get to know the book and author better.   

As I Journey On: Meditations for Those Facing Death Sharon Dardis and Cindy Rogers, Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 128 pages, Paperback

Reviewed by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson

Sharon Dardis, a registered nurse working with the dying, and Cindy Rogers, a teacher and writer, have provided readers with a wide spectrum of stories of the dying and their loved ones.

   The work is very reader-friendly and was born out of Cindy’s mother’s request to assist her in her journey toward death. The authors’ endeavour to view the process of dying and death not as a taboo, but rather as a necessary part of life. They presuppose questions like: What is a good death? How does a dying person and their family best prepare for death?

   Each chapter has a theme title, and includes an introductory quotation from various sources, including the Bible. The wide variety of chapter theme titles and quotations remind the reader of the diverse ways in which human beings journey through dying and death.

   After the theme title and introductory quotation, the format of each chapter consists of: a story, a brief prayer, a question to ponder, and a resolution with the title, “Today I will.”

For example, in the chapter with the theme title of “Memories,” the introductory quotation is from Isaiah 49:15-16: “Yet I will not forget you…See! I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.” The story told is about a children’s grief group that was asked by Sharon Dardis, the facilitator, to bring a memento of their deceased loved one. There was one boy who did not bring a memento. However, what he shared with the group was how his grandpa taught him to wiggle his ears—much to the delight of everyone present. This prayer was included after the story: “Lord, keep me alive always in my loved ones’ memories. Help me today to continue to create moments that last and to remember that sometimes it is the smallest event that bears the most lasting mark. Amen.” (p. 98) Rounding out this chapter was this Question To Ponder: “How do I want to be remembered?” And this Today I Will: “Create one lasting memory with a loved one.” (p. 98)

   The book concludes with a helpful Bibliography, stating the sources consulted for each of the chapters. This wee volume shall be a beneficial resource to the dying and their loved ones.     

CCCJ Event

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 17,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 6 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

P: Holy One of Israel and All Nations: On this marvellous festival day, the whole cosmos is united in an en-ending medley of hymns, prayers, praise and thanksgivings. All creation bows in adoration and worships you, O Blessed Holy Trinity! Our lives are overflowing with oceanic joy as we celebrate the birth of Jesus our Messiah! Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!
P: God of Good News: We thank you for your Glad Tidings as it winged its way from ancient Israel to the ends of the earth. Bless all who preach, teach and hear your Word; that with the work of your Spirit, all people might see the salvation of our God. Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!
P: Divine Ruler: We are truly grateful that, at the appointed time, the fullness of your majesty and mystery was perfectly revealed in your Son. O Christ, your realm is eternal; we, together with the angels are subjects of your benevolent reign. Rule over us always Christ King of kings and Lord of lords! Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!
P: Eternal Word: On this holy day we celebrate your becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Shine your light into all the darkness of this world—especially where there is oppression, persecution, war and destruction. May the light you give us reflect outward into the dark places of this world. Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!
(Additional intercessions and thanksgivings may be included here, ending with: Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!)
P: Jesus our Healer: Remember on this holy, joyous day all people who are suffering from loneliness, depression, abuse, poverty, hunger, illnesses and injustice of all kinds—be they mental, physical or spiritual. Grant comfort and healing to them all, that they may receive the fullness of your grace and truth. Joy to the world: C: The Lord is come!
P: Grant peace on earth and good will toward all human beings; for the sake of Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace. Lead us in the ways of peace now and always Jesus our Prince of peace; in whose Holy Name we pray. ALL: Amen! Hallelujah!

Although I believe that most likely no matter how qualified and brilliant a debater you or I might become; I don’t think we can argue and debate a person into faith—only the work of God’s Spirit can give them the gift of faith. Why you or I have it and folks like Christopher Hitchens do not still remains a mystery. A mystery, by design, not to make the faithful puffed up with pride and superiority—rather, humbled, awed, and constantly grateful for the gift so generously given us beyond our deserving it.