Phyllis Leavitt's Blog
Recent Articles
Thanksgiving Thoughts
I wanted to write something about gratitude for Thanksgiving, but nothing came to mind that felt powerful enough. Without...
Breaking But Not Broken
Many years ago, I read an unforgettable story. In the rubble of a Nazi concentration camp, the body of a man was found with one hand still clutching a crumpled piece of paper on which he had scribbled these words, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” This man did not succumb to hate even in the worst hour of persecution. He died with loving compassion and forgiveness for his tormentors.
The “Art” of Healing
I wrestle with the need to stay informed about some of the worst of what is happening in the world, and the even more pressing need to focus on what is mine to do, and hold onto light in the apparent darkness.
We Are One World
Technology and science have shown us that we are One World in many obvious ways.
Worldwide information is one click of a computer keyboard away. We can see real-time images of a hurricane tearing its deadly path across a foreign shore, children sobbing in the face of yet another bombing, or documentaries on humanitarian efforts to feed the starving and stem the tide of deadly diseases. The list of course is endless.
Standing on the Cross of the World
I am 78 and the issue of my own mortality becomes more unavoidable every day. I feel much younger than my age might imply, even ageless at times. Yet, as I move inexorably toward the death of Phyllis, I am deeply aware that in our human forms, our lives are both vitally important and will also vanish in an instant. We are a fleeting speck in time on this Earth, a drawing in the sand that will be washed away, and equally true, what we do here matters tremendously. This is a paradox that I have been learning to live with– that we make our brief appearances with all our struggles, accomplishments, loves, joys, sorrows, and moments of transcendence… and then we pass away.
Reclaiming Desecrated Land
Sometimes it seems utterly absurd, foolish even, to be talking about love, peace, safety, and the tools for reconciliation in a world that seems increasingly focused on hatred, divisiveness and violence. There are days when I fear my posts sound foolish and out of touch in the midst of such bold-faced, public displays of cruelty. Or am I just preaching to the choir?