Falling Out of Grace

Here’s one of those events that I really do wish I could attend.

A Community Forum and Healing Session
(Libations, African Dancing, Drumming, and Poetry)with Sobonfu Somé
(Healer, Teacher, Speaker and Author)
Thursday, May 17th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ
5301 North Capitol Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.
A love offering is expected and appreciated.

Here’s a very wise passage from Some’s book: Falling Out of Grace: Meditations on Loss, Healing, and Wisdom

One day my life began to fall apart. Almost before I was aware that anything had happened, I was faced with cold reactions from those around me. For some I was a nuisance. For others, I was nothing at all. Some people found ways to blame me for destroying their dream world and resented me for not being perfect. Others would quickly turn their face to avoid eye contact. In those days I felt so small and pitiful that I thought even death would reject me. I stood like a candle at the mercy of the wind of other people’s hurt feelings. Well. There was some truth to my feelings of failure. I had failed my community and I knew it. I had to really dig deep within myself to find a reason to live. With the love, support, and comfort of others, I survived. Many people in my situation do not survive. They die of abandonment or a broken heart, even as they continue to live. As brought back to grace by what I learned was my true community, I found strength in the people who remained by me, and in those who joined them at such a chaotic time. I redefined my community, or perhaps I should say my community redefined itself for me. That, I suppose, was a lesson … another was of grace, the way it comes not only to those who deserve it, but also to those who need it.” -- Sobonfu E. Somé

Auntie Carolyn, Auntie Norma, and Monica — I wish you could go and take notes for me! Love, Lisa.