I was privileged to be invited to celebrate the annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King. The weekend opened the door to being a community of Spirit again. The weekend also opened wounds still festring, yet covered carefully by scars hiding unhealed festering. But, that is a story for another day. This is the story I want to share today.
Journey to Atlanta to visit Al Lingo - Charles to most of us
And celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. This, as I am reliving it at home.
My friend, a prolific storyteller,
Is sharing many experiences
Of working with Martin Luther King.
I listen, regretting I am not recording them.
They are first hand memories
Of a decisive turning point in history.
My friend had a role in organizing Bloody Sunday
And the March to Montgomery two weeks later.
In this retelling, I am living it with him.
Its power still remains alive
As history's document to radical change
By a voice walking into the future
With freedom and Justice in its words.
Participating in the tribute to King
Livestream from the Ebenezer Church
Amazed by the passion for equanimity
Still pulsing through this beloved community
I am caught up with renewed inspiration
To heal human suffering as a vast movement
Of spirit surging in hearts
Aspiring to liberate oppression.
In a predawn morning sit earlier
Alone in a circle of empty chairs
I fill them with my inner circle
Of teachers and guides
All ancestors now
Still supporting my determination
To be the presence of peace
And healer of suffering.
Three director's chairs hold
Larry Ward, Martha Crampton and Lyn Edwrds.
To arm chairs on either side of them
The Buddha in the personal of Thich Nhat Hanh
And in the other Jesus, Nature's persona of the Cosmos
We sit in the silence of the morning sun's arrival,
New faces replacing another occasionally.
I ask no questions and expect no dialogue.
I simply breathe in the energy they are
Just being here with me.
Later, as the day unfolds,
Feeling blessed to be so supported
By such profound spiritual guides
Teachers of wisdom for me to continue.
Their legacy is my destiny
For the few years I have left to use my voice.
Judi White
Author of Bodhi Leaves - an unfolding journey
of depth reflection