A Moment of Serenity

Well, it’s safe to say that my last post struck a nerve…

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Juuuust kidding.

In all seriousness, thank you to everyone who left a comment and shared the post on social media. Respectful and healthy dialogue is so needed right now, and I loved hearing – and learning – from everyone.

Question for you: What do anti-Trump rallys, the opera, and a hijab have in common?

And no, this is not a bad joke…

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Well, they all played a key role in a surreal experience I had this weekend.

If you’ve been watching the news at all, then I’m sure you’ve heard about all of the anti-Trump protests in New York City, LA, Portland, Chicago, all over. People are taking to the streets in anger over the results of the election.

Also happening this weekend in NYC, my best friend (since childhood) performed in an Opera Gala at Carnegie Hall. It was such a special moment and I couldn’t have been more proud of her. It was literally the realization of a dream that she’s had since we were both 7 years old, back in the Midwest, playing in the woods and dreaming of one day moving to New York and being on Broadway/in the Opera.

But as I was sitting there, I had this incredible moment of clarity that, I can only attribute to God.

Carnegie Hall is a big deal. It is the epicenter of classical performance, and also, coincidentally, in the epicenter of the largest anti-Trump demonstration in the nation – at Trump Tower. Carnegie Hall is located at 57th St. and 7th Avenue while Trump Tower is at 57th St. and 5th Avenue. They’re two blocks away. 

(PS, mom and dad don’t freak out when you read this…I was totally safe) First of all, getting to Carnegie Hall, I couldn’t take a cab because all the protesters were shutting down traffic, making it impossible to navigate by car. So I took the subway. And walking out of the subway station from underground, I could hear all these helicopters surveying the scene overhead, the banging of drums, and the drone of an angry, yelling mass of humanity. There was a tension in the air that was palpable, and I really felt like I was in the middle of something big.

Fast forward an hour later, in the concert hall and the moment happened.

The concert was going on, the next song was up, and nine women came onstage in elegant ball gowns and began singing Ave Maria. Which, if you are unfamiliar, it is a beautiful arrangement of a prayer, in Latin.

So sitting in my plush seat at the opera, surrounded by exquisite crystal chandeliers, penguin suits, and heavenly music, I realized: here we are, listening to this serene prayer, with these violent and hateful protests going on, literally right outside the door.

And then, I began to look closer. These nine women: there was a black woman, a Latina woman, a Chinese woman, a Jewish woman, a Brazilian woman, a white woman, a transgender man, a muslim woman in a hijab, and an ethnically ambiguous woman.

I had a nearly out of body experience, realizing that this was a “God moment.”

These women are exactly what our country needs right now. Desperately.

They were all coming together, in prayer.


This performance was a concert of opera songs. The repertoire and cast were chosen months ago, when The Donald was simply a blip on the radar. And now, here we are, seeing a little beacon of hope and faith in the midst of the hurt and anger right outside the door.

Reading all 900 of your comments on my last post about Donald Trump…and yes, I read every single one…I realized just how deeply a) divided, b) passionate, c) needing/wanting to vent, and/or d) ominous, everyone feels about the results of the election, no matter what “side” you’re on.

The reality is, there are a lot of really hurting, scared, angry, conflicted, and/or unsure people out there. And that is evident in the name calling on social media and in the news, in the protests happening on the streets, in the vandalism in our towns, in the mouths of our children at school. We are in a free fall.

And there is only one thing to do:

We need to come together – all of us – and pray for our nation.

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At the end of the song, I had two tears that had trickled down my check, thankful that God had revealed this glimpse of His grace and His healing power.

The thing about music, especially choral music, is that in order for it “work,” and sound beautiful with all the intricate harmonies and variations in tone and rhythm and volume…you have to listen to each other. You have to contribute your part, sometimes not singing the melody, but instead, the harmony or descant – but none the less, your part is vital to the finished product: the sweet and heavenly sounding music.

So I invite you to just think about that in these coming days and weeks.

Ave Maria

AVE MARIA, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.

(Translation) Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb: Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

*And coincidentally, as I’m typing this, I hear the drums and shouts of the protesters right outside my window, as they are marching right now through the Village in lower Manhattan.

I invite you to pray with me now.

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236 responses to “A Moment of Serenity”

  2. Trump said incredibly scandalous things during his campaign it is only natural for people to be offended and protest. Most protesters are peaceful but of course their are bad apples in every group.

    Also, I’m curious you said Nine women yet said their was a transgender man? If she was dressed as a woman then that would be transgender woman. 🙂

    Reply

    • Yeah, there were definitely a lot of hurtful things said (on all sides, truly) so you’re right, the reaction is absolutely understandable. I just hope we can move forward in love and heal as a nation. Yeah, I guess I didn’t make it clear, this particular person was dressed in a tuxedo. Sorry for that confusion. 🙂 thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

      • Oh I see, yes please let me know if I ever use incorrect language:) im always trying to be inclusive with my word choice, but I know sometimes I can unintentionally misspeak, but I’m trying not to! I actually googled this one to double check what the proper terminology is:) at the end of the day, I just want to love on all people! 🙂 ❤️❤️❤️ thank you for reading my posts! So glad you enjoy them 👍

  5. I have goosebumps. What an amazing revelation you’ve had, and it’s exactly the truth. This country needs prayers. It’s an angry country that forgot what is really important. What’s really amazing is a lot of those protesters are young people who need to understand that this country has a wonderful system called, “Checks and Balances”. We have our Congress and the Judicial system to make sure that Trump doesn’t set us back (hopefully).
    Well said and I will be sharing this.
    Another note- Congrats to your friend for making it to Carnegie Hall! That’s a HUGE accomplishment!!!

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    • Thank you so much for your encouragement and support. Yes prayers are so so needed, because God is our ultimate healer. Thanks for passing this along too! And yes! My friend is awesome:) I’ll definitely pass along the sentiments:) Hugs and love xox

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  6. I lift your safety and wellbeing up to the Lord and trust He has you nestled gently in His hands. Our God reigns! God bless

    On Mon, Nov 14, 2016 at 5:01 PM, BeautyBeyondBones wrote:

    > beautybeyondbones posted: “Well, it’s safe to say that my last post struck > a nerve… Juuuust kidding. In all seriousness, thank you to everyone who > left a comment and shared the post on social media. Respectful and healthy > dialogue is so needed right now, and I loved hearing -” >

    Reply

  8. As one who did read (but did not comment) on your last post, all I can say is that I did like it (though I don’t think I gave it a “like”). At the moment that I read it, it was like “I want to see what Caralyn says, but I just can’t comment on it now.” My emotions were swirling in all directions and I thought that if I did write something it might come out in a way that I didn’t want.

    Jump ahead a few days, and I have since written something (over at my own blog), not so much about the election, but how we need to come together and renounce hate toward women and minorities. Whether or not you believe the stories about attacks on people of color or vandalism or not, that kind of behavior really has no place in a nation supposedly founded on the principle of all are created equal, and out of many, one (aka E Pluribus Unum).

    The message in this post is something I needed to see, because it is a message that should resonate among us all. Thank you for sharing this (and your last post). I most definitely am praying for healing, and for the nation to put aside its differences in a manner that shows that we can come together.

    Until the Thursday edition of Must-See Blog-o-vison, your friend T.

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    • Hey T, that last line made me chuckle. But seriously thank you for this. Yeah there are a lot of hurting people and my heart goes out to them. I think you’re right-we need to pray for healing for our nation. We need to come together in compassion and understand and listen and just … love. And place the us in god’s hands because He is the ultimate healer. Thank you for reading my posts and joining in this dialogue. Sending massive massive hugs xox

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  9. Very lovely put into words. May we all come together and heal the wounds and division that has erupted throughout this country, which happened well before this election. This country is on a tipping point of whether we go forward as a great nation or fall into history like the Roman Empire.

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    • Thank you so much. Yes. Let’s come together and heal. I pray that it is the former of those two! Yeah, there are a lot of hurting people and I just pray that we can be compassionate and understanding towards everyone. Thanks for reading. Hugs and love xox

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    • Thanks! Yes! Oh my gosh it was so powerful. I was truly in awe that I had the opportunity to witness God truly shining through. Thanks for your encouraging words. Big hugs to you xox

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    • Hi friend! Oh my goodness it really was so powerful. I was sitting in my seat just nearly dumbfounded that I literally was front row of a “God moment,” seeing the unity and harmony that our nation so desperately needs right now. Especially juxtaposed to what was going on outside. It. Was. Incredible. Yes, let’s pray! Big hugs to you:) Xox

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      • Well you know how I look at it – it’s just three days till the weekend starts 😉

        Honestly, I’m totally at peace about it. (and maybe also just a little tired of dramatic facebook posts) But really. Jesus is King; Father is God, and if he wants to use Donald Trump then by golly you better believe He’s going to whether enough people ask Him to or not. America is in the best hands for the end of the world. (:

  17. Prayer has far more power than protest. It moves things in the spiritual realm, and it also reveals a real witness as a church. The election is over, the results decided, and now we need to move forward and pray for our new leader, that God will change and mature his heart daily. (Instead of feign praying, like most of us did with our previous president.)

    Good words, Caralyn.

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  18. Beautiful, Caralyn. This is my favorite post of yours so far. Ave Maria is my favorite hymn and listening to it has brought me to some special grace-filled moments as well. The need to listen to one another with open minds and hearts is exactly what I’m writing about on my blog tonight, along with the caveat that I will stand by my brothers and sisters, no matter what race, faith, or gender they are; if they are being harassed, intimidated, violated…I will speak up. Also, I honor peaceful protests. It’s one of our rights and freedoms in a democracy.

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    • Hi Pauline! Thank you so much. I’m so glad you enjoyed this! Yeah Ave Maria is such a beautiful and harmonious hymn-it was absolutely surreal to hear that during that moment. I look forward to reading your post! So true, we’ve got to love with our words, hearts and how we act. And you’re right…peaceful protests are definitely an important part of democracy. It’s when they turn violent that it becomes worrisome. Thanks again for stopping by! Happy writing 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  19. What a very special and ‘illuminating’ moment where heaven meets earth… I love Ave Maria – it’s such a beautiful prayer and song… Yep – life is simple and yet we complicate it so much.. Just ‘love each other’ regardless – it would be so much easier I’m sure.. x

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  20. God will hear our communal prayers. For peace and unification and for people to see this is how democracy works. The pendulum sometimes over-swings but compared to life under dictators, we are very fortunate.it will, in time go back in the other direction…it always has..

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    • Hi Rick! Thanks for this. You’re right, there is power in prayer. I pray for those things too. And also for DT…that God work through him and use his time in office for good for ALL people. Thanks again for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  22. An interesting read indeed.
    I may be on the other side of the world, and purposely not watching much of the news these days (far too much hate, crimes, death and other negative things being reported on), but i just hope that some good does come out of the election. I hope America can grow and shine in the years to come.

    I hope that we, as human beings, can learn to open our eyes and realise if we all concentrated on finding the good in each other and being kind… just maybe, things might start to get better.

    When we are born, we do not understand hate or racism (or anything else negative), we are taught it.
    Sometimes it is best to try and see the world through the eyes of a child.

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    • Wow this is so powerful. Thank you for sharing your heart. You’re so right-we need to see like children. We need kindness, compassion and love. Me too, I hope that as well. Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation! Hugs and love xox

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    • thank you so much for this. Yes, a willingness to listen is so important right now for the healing of our deeply divided and hurting nation. thanks for stopping by. hugs to you xo

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  28. Ok, if we had no language at all what would everyone be saying there in NY? I was in LA after the riots as well as a few other riots…and to be angered changes your body. To challenge an authority is acceptable under our Constitution, with limits. The LA riots unfolded into an anarchy and cops sat at the city’s edge watching the fires. Powerless. Eventually the intent of the oppressed changes like a match hitting gasoline. I think we’ve done more in our silence than in our violence.

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      • I don’t wish for LA riots on NY. You are too sweet for that but at least you see where your edges of the city meet the scraps. Love is. A perfectly imperfect sentence with so much possibility, like prayer.

      • It’s Gloria Steinem’s words but, they fit. Our power comes from choices like who or what we love. I do not see love in these protests just fear. Unfortunately, fear is a tinder box.

      • You have a good heart. You use it well. I think paths are hard because choices are limited. For some, they will remain limited for their, entirety. It’s not God, even Jesus had a limited path because Man chose civilization. Some rule others and someone’s comfort will be someone’s suffering like sheering sheep for wool. When we understand our place we can understand how to change it. I’ve worked really hard most of my life. It’s life.

  30. I am rejoicing for you. Congratulations to you and your friend for dreams realized. Your article is so personal, and at the same time, not about you. You are SO HEALED!! God has anointed you to be His light and salt and you do not disappoint. I am praying for our nation, and also for your safety as you lengthen your walk wherever He leads in the big city. God bless.

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  32. Great post and a very important message. Although I’m not one for praying (I’m Buddhist 😊) I couldn’t agree noteworthy he sentiment of what you’re writing: the last thing this country needs is more death, more violence, more riots.

    Coming from Europe where I think we have a slightly different view one mentions and democratic rights (and obligations!) to some extent, I am shocked at the disrespect people show for the outcome of a democratic election. This is your choice so stick with it! Wasn’t your choice? Well,did you bother to vote…?

    Back home, the government and our political parties are worried when election participation goes DOWN to 85%… Here it is in the 40’s and then people riot instead. It makes no sense to me and it frankly frightens me… What other democratic decisions will people chose not to honour? Where does it stop??

    And I am the first one to argue (before I get crucified but other of your readers, Beauty, as I know this is contentious!) that this electoral system isn’t at all a very democratic one. How can it be with only two giant money-machine based political parties…?

    Which drove many this election to vote for “the other guy”, just like you. I hope if anything comes out of this, it will be the breakdown of this two-party system and the modernisation of the entire US election process.

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    • Hi Rebecka, thank you for sharing these thoughts. Yeah, the violence and riots break my heart. I hate to see people hurting and upset, but violence is never the answer. Yeah considering how politics are all over the world, it is interesting that we only have 2 major parties. The third party candidates, unfortunately, never really have a chance to win, but their votes definitely make an impact in the election, affecting the majority and, as it turns out, can impact the electoral college. Perhaps you’re right about that prediction. I guess we shall see. Thanks again for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  34. A big thanks for writing this. Anger is a luxury non of us can afford and I’m really glad to hear you were touched by such a moment.

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  36. This is what frustrates me. the news coverage if I’m right showed more civil unrest rather than protests, democracy should be celebrated not protested against and democracy chose a businessman as their next President, that was your country’s freedom, just like it was with mine and the exit of the EU, which sadly people are not letting happen because of “legal action” effectively only because they want to force an election. anyway how was your friend afterwards? and I’m sure your time on Broadway will be soon if you want it enough, maybe even the west end and I can come and watch you 😀
    sending you lots of love and hugs xxx

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  37. Thank you, Caralyn! What a beautiful reminder that, in a time of fear and uncertainty, the most powerful thing that we can do is pray. You have a God-given gift with words and insight xxx

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  39. I’m glad you had that moment. I’m glad I left nothing on your last blogpost and that I have read this one. Here in the UK, we were shattered by “Brexit” and then again by the US election … because there is a great fear of Nationalism rearing its head and it reminds us of the mood in the 1930s when our parents/grandparents were young … It is actually a scary world at present due to various forces, economic-type ones, and some people think nationalism will bring an answer, when the pace of ‘social change’ has been astronomic and manufacturing jobs have been lost (outsourced rather) and towns are dying. That is true of the western world. And the answer is of course unity, prayer, trust, and openness to the needs of others. We’ll all see how well Donald Trump handles this, just as we’ll all see how ‘Brexit’ helps our nation … if it does. We can all pray, while not really knowing what ‘should’ happen, and trust God – hate is based in fear, not in power – people who feel powerless often resort to hate through the stress of their lives … Now, I must work … that is a lovely prayer, the Hail Mary you heard at the opera house … pray it! Pray the Our Father every day at 12.00 (the Angelis), encourage unity … God bless even when the world is crazy. May His kingdom come.

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    • Hi Mari, thank you so much for this thoughtful reflection. Yeah, there is definitely chance taking place all across the world. And I am in total agreement – Prayer, Trust, Unity, and Openness to the needs of others are so so important right now. I pray that DT, and the situation in the UK, be used by God to carry out His will. Because you’re right, though we don’t know what His will is, I do trust that it is good. Thanks for this wonderful response. hugs to you my friend. Yes, I’ll join you in the Angelis.

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  40. Someone left me a comment the other day. A pass it forwards kind of comment …

    “Where is my nail so that you can hit it on the head – that is just it!”

    One third voted this way, one third voted that way, and one third saw no merit in voting either way. Politicians and power are one and the same. Rarely will they live in the same tent as humanity and kindness. The machine will not allow that. “Spin” will not allow that. Both will have us believe what they wish us to believe (and we all applaud until we don’t). On which note –

    You do know that you just alienated a chunk of the US who do not believe in prayer and will rightly protest they have rights as well.

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    • Thank you for this reflection, Paul. Yes, I knew that voicing my belief that we need to pray may have “lost” me some friends, but I believe there is true power in prayer and that that is what our country needs right now. I fully support the constitutional right of peaceful protest. But I also do not agree with the violence and physical acts of hatred that have been happening across the nation. Protestors absolutely have rights – that should be protected. But there’s a line between protesting and acting violently. THat’s all 🙂 I hope that I didn’t alienate too many people though 🙂 I’m just trying to sow a seed of love and peace in people’s hearts. Thanks for stopping by. big hugs xo

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    • More distressingly, a quarter voted one way, a quarter another, and half didn’t bother to vote. THAT is a sad commentary 🙁

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  41. “We need to come together – all of us – and pray for our nation. ” Love this.
    Thanks for sharing. Hope , Faith and Love.
    New post is up:” Super Super Love with Super Moon ‘ Come and visit me. Bless you

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  44. Amen!! We all need to come together and pray for everyone. People can’t see unless their eyes are open spiritually. Don’t you love when God shows you these things in such away it can’t be mistaken for anything else but God. Praying for you as well. Have a blessed day.

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    • Thank you so much for this reflection, Israel! Yes! God is so good, and I love these little nudges of love and reassurance. Thanks for the prayers…it means so much. There’s power in prayer@ hugs xox

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  45. What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing this experience. I LOVE these God moments – I call them “Holy Spirit moments” in my own life – and I think it’s so important to write them down to look back on and remember God’s faithfulness. He is so good – such a good, good Father. Thankful for you and your ministry here on the blogosphere. <3

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    • Thank you so much Aurora, me too. I love those “Holy Spirit moments” too. Strangely, I feel them when I’m writing this blog. There’s something about pouring my soul out, that I just get this nudge of reassurance. It’s really beautiful. And yes, I so agree – because God is faithful and good and we are so fortunate and blessed to have such a loving Father. I so appreciate your kind words. hugs xo

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  47. Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ll admit, I’m not very educated on politics (although my husband is very into it!) and I didn’t vote. Although all of my family and a big portion of my friends voted for a certain side, I still couldn’t justify voting for that candidate simply because everyone I loved was. I wasn’t educated and honestly I think I tend to stay away from the topic because I do see the damage it causes….the separation, the dividing of our people. I do need to make it a point to educate myself and get involved because it is very important and I will try to do better on that, but until then I am thankful for posts like yours! Where the true problem is brought to the surface. We are in fear and therfore react in terrible ways. The truth is, God is the one in control and always will be. No matter how many tantrums we throw or how many fear inspired freak outs we have, we are not in control. God has a plan. <3

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    • Thank you so much for this. Amen to that – God IS in control, and I trust that His will and His perfect plan will come to fruition, and that He will use the imperfect vessel that is DT to do His will. That is my deepest prayer. Yeah, this election was tough. Not a clear cut “perfect” candidate. I can definitely understand your feeling. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words! hugs xo

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  48. I believe the Universe or God or Source does not make mistakes and choices that are made are always ‘the right choice.’ Trump was elected because it could be no other way. The world needs him NOW. Sometimes change gently drifts into our lives, but great significant change usually comes with great pain. Think Noah and his ark, Moses and his Red Sea, Jesus and his Crucifixion, Hitler and his Regime. Trump is grabbing us by the shirt collar and saying, “Wake up!” He’s a slap in our collective day dreaming faces. He’s at the right time, in the right place and the right guy for what is needed. “We don’t always get what we want, but if we try, we get what we need.”

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    • Thank you so much for this Eric. Lots of powerful food for thought here. You’re right, God is in control and I completely trust in His good and perfect plan, that yes, involves the imperfect vessel that is DT 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! hugs xo

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  50. I read your post on Profile of a Trump Supporter and was blown away. I should’ve left a comment but didn’t, sorry. This one blew me away as well. We are most desperately in need of prayer right now. I too have caught quite a bit of flack on voting for Trump but as I explained to those who questioned my decision, I voted for life not necessarily for Trump. I don’t agree with everything he spewed out of his mouth but I knew where he stood on abortion and where she did and to me, it was a no brainer as a Catholic. Another thing that I mentioned to some of them who were either west coast (Los Angeles) or east coast (New York) is that there are a whole bunch of states in between both and a lot of us who live in those states were fed up with the past 8 years and were not willing to go through another 8 with Hillary. What I heard next was bliss…..silence. Take care, be strong and God bless!

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    • Hey John, thank you so much for this reflection and for reading my last two posts. That really means a lot. Yeah, that was 100% my decision process too. It came down to life. As a fellow catholic, like you said-no brainer. And same, He has said some horrible horrible things but at the end of the day, it came down to the issues. Thanks again for stopping by. Big hugs to you friend xox

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    • If I may reply, I am an evangelical, and that is the primary reason I voted for him as well. As a Christian, I also detest MANY of he things he said and did during the campaign, but at the end of the day, one candidate was pro-life and the other was not. I voted for life. Thank you for voicing this my brother! It resonated with me! 🙂

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  52. You are so right in all that you said. We need to come together. I don’t know WHAT to expect, and there are ALOT of scary things being said about how this or that may happen or get cut or etc.. Its madness. The truth is, we don’t know what will really happen yet. He hasn’t been sworn in and nothing has been officially done. Here is my prayer. God Bless us all. God Bless the woman and the man, the child and nature. God Bless our country to unify and move forward. God Bless our future through trials and graces. God Bless all people no matter their faiths, genders, or the colors of their faces. God Bless you too and how wonderful you are xoxoxoxoLove <3 <3 <3

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  53. It’s difficult to put into words how disappointing both “sides” of all this are. If they could stop trolling each other and realize they were all doing the exact same thing they’d find a ton of common ground. Haha. I’m done with federal politics for a while and focusing on local where real important things happen.

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    • Thank you for this my friend. Yeah i am ready to just move forward in harmony and unity and leave all of this back and forth ugliness behind. I’m just praying for healing and then placing my trust in the Father. That’s awesome that you’re going to focus local. Volunteering and personal involvement in our government is incredibly admirable! Thanks for reading! Hugs and love xox

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  54. First of all may I say that you are amazing because I personally know you read and usually answer all of your comments. Because you read and reply to my silly musings and if you attend to me, you must be attending to everyone. Secondly you are so right about the need to come together. I saw a post about the need to put rich white boys through a boot camp to educate them to keep from being racist. I didn’t even respond to the fact that this is a prejudice concept. As if every rich white boy is racist…. Anyway I think education is needed but not in a vacuum, only by getting all sides together to try to talk and heal will we change as a country. I honestly used to have some Trump like behaviours (the bad ones, not the ones that got him rich) and I didn’t change because someone hated me…. I decided to change because of the people who loved me… any way BBB, amazing as always and thanks for posting and listening!

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    • Hey my friend! Thank you for this reflection. Yeah, I feel like if people take the time out of their day to read and reply, they deserve a response back! Haha but seriously this was some great food for thought. You’re right, I’m praying that people’s hearts seek to understand one another and have a willingness to listen and come together in a respectful dialogue. That’s what’s needed for healing. Which is so desperately needed. I was very encouraged by the conversation after last week’s post. I pray it continues. Thanks for stopping by!!)l Hugs and love xox

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  55. hi. I’m glad you had the eureka moment, the divine serendipity. I hope that as both sides pray (and as noted, there are believers on both sides) everyone realizes that they don’t have a lock on the right answer, the right relationship, the sole truth. When we start being absolutely sure we have the only one right answer….we shut others out and shoot them down. Which is a problem in this country now, the need for absolute unbending positions.
    But….glad you got out, glad you are safe, glad you are still writing (and doing a better job of crafting it than I am!)

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  58. There are times in our lives when we don’t always like the outcome of something that happens. But what we think was bad could be the best thing for us. Everything under heaven has a purpose. God has the big picture. He doesn’t have to reveal everything to us at once and at the time of God’s choosing, all will be revealed.
    Isaiah 41:10-13

    10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
    I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
    11 “All who rage against you
    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
    those who oppose you
    will be as nothing and perish.
    12 Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.
    Those who wage war against you
    will be as nothing at all.
    13 For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
    and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

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  59. Hi princess Carolyn, thanks for sharing this post especially the moment you had… God is Awesome… I choose to dwell in the Serene. I never was up to commenting on your last post because I just at the last minute hushed myself by saying it wasn’t my business who won the elections in that country, I just wished them peace, serenity and graceful discernment. We are all into this life business together regardless of who we support or don’t support… 🙂

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  60. Thank you for the reminder to pray for our country, people and leaders. I am currently working 2 jobs totaling 80 hours a week with the commute.to make ends meet and I forget this turmoil is going on. May GOD bless you for what you do.

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  63. This election came down to one overriding choice for me..and that was to finally get off the sidelines and actively follow the one I know can lead us, save us, never disappoint us and protect us- and that is God -alone. We have found a fantastic, loving, growing, energetic, community oriented church and I am so happy & grateful to be situated right smack dab in the middle of this much love, grace and PEACE!!!

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    • Hi Cindy, thank you so much for sharing this. That is so awesome!! I’m so happy for you that you’ve found such a life-giving community. That is incredibly important. And you’re right, He never disappoints:) Hugs and love xox

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  64. “So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? In that dramatic scene on Calvary’s hill three men were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime–the crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment.”

    ― Martin Luther King Jr.

    🙂 Beloved Caralyn! Let us be extremists of love, truth and goodness, like Christ. Blessings to you, Mark…

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  65. beautybeyondbones said:

    I invite you to pray with me now.

    “Now” is relative since you posted this two days ago. 😉

    This morning, I read the “Ask the Rabbi” column at the Aish.com website. The question had to do with how to overcome hated. Here’s the Rabbi’s response:

    The Torah says: “If you see the donkey of someone you hate lying under its load, you must help him unload it” (Exodus 23:5).

    While the verse addresses alleviating the pain of an animal, it also presents another issue: Helping someone you “hate” unload his donkey.

    We see from here that the way to overcome hatred is to help the other person, care for them, and give to them. When I give to someone, I invest a piece of myself, and therefore we become bonded.

    Of course, if your hatred is greater than your ability to be patient and giving, and the interaction will end in a fight, then it’s better left alone. But if you are capable of overcoming the challenge, then it’s good to put yourself in a situation where you are forced to help the object of your dislike.

    Otherwise, hatred left alone will just fester, waiting to explode. And is that really the type of world we want to live in?

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  69. What a beautiful experience. Of course, the manifestation of female grace in the world is a struggle that goes back many years. I remember Hillary going to China’s International Conference on Women and telling them that their treatment of women was a human rights violation.

    A point in practical ethics: in advocating for reconciliation, the advocate must rigorously avoid demonizing the other side. Rather, they must offer alternative means for redress of grievances.

    In my own little part of the blogosphere, I am not advocating for reconciliation. I am advocating for the purge of Mammon from Christianity. I will not stop goring oxen until that work is complete.

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    • Thank you for this Brian. Yeah it was truly surreal in every sense of the world. Some intriguing food for thought there. Thank you for sharing. I will be interested in reading your words. 🙂 hugs to you friend. Glad you stopped by. Xox

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  70. I was looking for you because i hadn’t seen your feed on my RSS, then i realised I hadn’t followed you. So hopefully I’ll catch glimpses of you from time to time. Take care. Great post too.

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  71. A really nice piece of intellect. 🙂 I like these moments, and spontaneous events of life remarkably happen as we are just being, as we just are. While for Trump… He is no fool, he just knows what triggers the right spots in the nation. He will be a president just like any other, or, hopefully, he will be authentic and do less damage than the last two US presidents did… Hillary was the continuing of the same politics US has had for more than a decade, and that politics is tragic. So Trump might even be better! You never know. It would’ve been the best if the US could’ve had Bernie in the white house, but unfortunately, it looks like we’re not ready for that yet.

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    • Thanks friend. Yeah it was a really powerful moment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yeah I have hope for our new president. Hopefully he stands up for the disenfranchised and neglected. And that he use him time in office to benefit and be inclusive to ALL people. And I pray that people give him a chance to earn their respect. So glad you stopped by. Big hugs xox

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  72. This is really good. I also enjoyed you last post that struck a nerve. Keep on writing and sharing. The world loves your narrative. Say hello to NYC from Oregon. I miss it there. 🙂

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    • Thank you so much for this kind note, Gunnar! That really means a lot. Will do! The Big Apple will always welcome past friends with open arms 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement! Hugs xox

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  75. The imagery you shared of the nine beautiful vocalists singing that gorgeous prayer together is a vision that will stay with me as I hope that I can bring women past our dividing pain and into our unique power, in fellowship and alliance.

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  76. […] My dad never forced his (very strong) religious beliefs upon anyone. He taught us that we should show our love for the Lord in how we treat people. In the words we speak. In the way we respect the poor and disenfranchised. In the way we stand up for the kid in the lunchroom who is being bullied. […]

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  77. People have the responsibility to follow the result of the election, aren’t they?
    That is the way of the democratic nation. Did people consider to protest the opponent group from the beginning if they fail on the election?

    Mr. Donald saw the reality but Mrs. Clinton did the ideal. It seemed like so for me.
    But we have to see something important behind things.

    By the way, what bad things will Mr. Trump do?
    In my view, Mr. Trump will do much better for America and good citizen of the other countries.
    I can’t see the reason or motivation in him that he will make American citizen disappoint in future as Mr. President . And we will see it in the near future.

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  81. I so love this;-
    “The thing about music, especially choral music, is that in order for it “work,” and sound beautiful with all the intricate harmonies and variations in tone and rhythm and volume…you have to listen to each other. You have to contribute your part, sometimes not singing the melody, but instead, the harmony or descant – but none the less, your part is vital to the finished product: the sweet and heavenly sounding music.”
    You’re amazing! And so wise! God is awesome, I know. 🙂
    I’m laughing, but silently, as it’s late at night where I am, but this Catholic girl did not know, until now that Ave Maria is Hail Mary! Lol! I feel so stupid. And you probably have no idea how many times I have prayed Hail Mary (I don’t anymore, bad I know, but I prayed the rosary every day once in my life – sigh!)
    Keep spreading the love!
    Hugs! xxx

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Anne. What a kind thing to say. Haha! Yes! They’re one and the same! 🙂 I love that they put it to music. Yeah, I wish I prayed the rosary more too. I used to pray it when I would take a walk, but now, I listen to podcasts. Sounds so silly when I actually say that like, come on, priorities!! But yeah, I’m not proud of that. Maybe I’ll try to get better at praying it. I did feel like it was centering to spend those 15 minutes of the morning focusing on Jesus’ life. ANywho…you’ve challenged me to pick that back up. so thank you 🙂 glad you enjoyed the post! hugs xox

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      • Always a pleasure, Caralyn. 🙂
        Sounds like a challenge, hmm.. I couldn’t have possibly said was I said and not do anything about it and you do. Haha. It’s not a competition but this challenge is for the best. 🙂
        Thank you for the inspiration, always! And for such wonderful posts! Love and hugs xxx

      • Hahaha oh gosh I hope it didn’t come across that way! 😂😆😋I guess I’m just processing out loud:) but I’m serious your comment made me think! So I’m not kidding -thank you!! Big hugs to you! Have a happy thanksgiving! Xox

      • All good and fun 😊 Perhaps it’s time for both of us to get back to it. 😂 Not a bad thing at all. And to you 💖 😇❤️️

  84. I am late to the game, but better late than never. First, I would like to commend you again for your courage and bravery. Your posts are inspiring. It is simply amazing how God works. It would be even more amazing if those who are spreading hate and violence would see the miracle that you see and that some of us every day. There is so much hate and discrimination in our world and it seems to be getting worse every day. Those who are out there promoting this hatred and violence are doing so under the wrong guidance. Hope that makes sense. They say there is hate and racism within Trump and others, but aren’t they behaving in the same way that they are protesting. I feel we are all guilty of seeing the bad in others without thinking first. I pray for peace in this world and that we would all do our part to bring love. peace, and less violence into this world.

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    • Hi again my friend 🙂 Me too. Big big prayers for peace in our country and throughout the world. Healing will come from understanding and listening. That’s what I’m praying for 🙂 thanks again for being so awesome xo

      Reply

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