5/1/21

By Nathan Arledge

Dust...

From dust you came to dust you shall return. Words we hear on Ash Wednesday as we remember our mortality and the humility from which we are all created.

On the walk yesterday, when there was a chance, I walked on the dirt. Perhaps, I should’ve barefoot, though, I still felt the connection with the dirt.

Each footstep I considered who has and who will walk today.

Each footstep I prayed to be drawn closer to the heart of God.

Each footstep I prayed for hardened hearts to soften.

Each footstep I acknowledged, as I suspect you would too, I would definitely flee for my family’s safety.

Each footstep I prayed. I prayed and still pray that i/we won’t miss the prophetic witness that’s inviting us to listen at the border.

Friends, stay humble, rooted, and aware that we are all connected. And through those connections, already and the ones yet to come, give yourself freely, boldly, fearlessly, so that you may truly experience and bring forth the blossoms of beauty in our world.

Currently there are over 23,000 children - blossoms - detained, traumatized, suffering and longing for connection with their family.

Let’s get to work, let’s remove the stones that are blocking the beauty of the glorious bouquet that’s awaiting to awe, inspire and transform us.

Dust to dust. Heart to heart.