“RECONCILIATION, n. A suspension of hostilities. An armed truce for the purpose of digging up the dead.” – Ambrose Bierce
“Reconciliation is to understand both sides; to go to one side and describe the suffering being endured by the other side, and then go to the other side and describe the suffering being endured by the first side. The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Reconciliation is being wholly accepted and wholly accepting in the midst of your agreeance and disagreeance. For me, in my personal journey, it’s become about being acknowledged, seen, heard.
The validity of my voice has never felt so threatened. So many people know this story – the anticipation that the words being held back on the tongue are words that could change the world.
Silence does not become my spirit. It leads me to loneliness – I have never been more lonely than when I do not share my voice. Using this voice – in conversation, in song, in writing, in speaking – it’s so tremulous within me that I am lonely if I do not open my voice.. and myself to the world. I become lonely, because the essence of who I am is shut away and hidden if I am silent. Actions speak louder than words, but words are my gift.
I am reconciling to myself, acknowledging her again – her strength, her softness, her heart. Her accessibility, her pain, her joy, her delight, her secrets, her story. I am acknowledging her with people who need to be reminded, and I’m beginning to look for the safe places.. with the people who see and acknowledge her.
Song Of The Moment: More Than Ordinary. by Kasey Chambers
I used to make the fire Now I’m running out of flame The closer I get the more regrets And I won’t change everything To have you back again But I can’t keep everything the same They say it won’t get harder I’m gonna be OK But it’s just like me going against the break And while I tie to your shoestrings And I’m breaking from the strain Those damn thongs hold on like chains Yeah those damn things hold on like chains
Was I ever really more than ordinary Did you ever see me like I saw you Was I ever really more than ordinary Did you ever need me like I need you now I need you now
If I was a liar, I had a few more friends The chances are my heart would never mend Even know my conscience would go Running back again Doesn’t really hurt to pretend No, it doesn’t really hurt to pretend
Was I ever really more than ordinary Did you ever see me like I saw you Was I ever really more than ordinary Did you ever need me like I need you now I need you now…
100 Days 100 Dollars – A Homegrown Campaign To Change A Lil’ Piece Of The World Luke Winslade is the epitome of the hope I have in Generation Y. Not only does he share my office everyday, but he’s more than my friend and more than my brother. He’ll hate that I’m writing this – but I don’t mind so much.
Most of the time when I get inspired to join a cause, it’s because I really believe it in. But in this instance, not only do I really, really care about the difference this campaign can make.. but I really, really believe in the people behind it.
Unlike so many other campaigns, Luke shuns publicity and attention for himself. He loves Africa, loves the kids and has dedicated himself heart, soul and wallet to the cause. He’s used his amazing creative ability to communicate a message that is compelling and simple. That we can do something. Something that means a lot.
If you haven’t yet read about 100 Days 100 Dollars, then head to the website, watch the videos, see the school and facilities we’ve already built – learn to love what hope looks like.
Not only is Luke changing the world and the way his generation view their ability to make a real difference.. but education really is key to bringing revolutionary change to our world, especially for the developing world. With education comes hope, a future, the ability to think and concieve of a life that is different to what currently exists. Given the chance, these kids will change the face of Kibera, then Africa. In our life.. we are the chance they have, to give a chance to others.
Give. However and wherever you can. 4 days to go.
To this end, I encourage you, to always be generous to those who are about the work of changing the world, bringing hope into places of hopelessness. Where they are willing to go and set foot in treacherous, tragic places.. if you will not join them, then support them as they go, setting about the work of our Father.
Updates A few been and seen basics – having been in Wellington last week, I have the final version of the message I shared to post, as well as a few other rambling thoughts. Mostly this week has been about work .. oh, yeah, and a birthday. I’m now officially getting ancient. Watched the movie “An Accidental Husband” on dvd this week – it was cute even though I don’t really like Uma in anything but Kill Bill.
Birthday Celebrations Some great friends put together a cool day of european picnics, italian food, party games and then surprise drinks with a gathering of nearest and dearest at the beloved Corner Store. A great day.
Thoughts On Birthdays This time last year I was in San Diego with the beloved O’s, Freeses and Co. We had mexican food and played Freestreicher volleyball. This year I celebrated at home, sharing lots of food and drink with family and friends, and loads of Facebook messages. I revised my New Years list (it runs from January 1 to November 6 every year) and I don’t feel I’ve done too bad. Everything but one is accomplished. I like the little respite of November and December to come up with the list for the coming year… suggestions are welcome!
Been & Seen & Read Updates… A busy month of travel and good times is fast coming to a close – a weekend away two weeks ago at the beach in Ngunguru was a much needed remedy for the soul. It was great to soak up the sun in Northland. I re-read The Unbearable Lightness of Being, in keeping with my current reasoning of trying to work my way through the list of classics that really must be read within my lifetime. Not knowing how long that lifetime may be, it pays to keep ahead of these things!
Also managed to squeeze in Body Of Lies which i thoroughly enjoyed – I continually enjoy Russell Crowe in roles that have such undercurrents and depth. Particularly gnarly knucklebuster scene, but great storyline and plot.
Last Wednesday I spoke with Papatoetoe Baptist Church youth group – a crazy bunch of kids led by my dear friend Marty (with cohorts Todd, Caleb and Fraser. It’s the 4th presentation on adolescent development/sexuality I’ve done this year and another couple of presentations on the way – I so love talking with girls and guys and creating some fresh frameworks for helping them to develop healthy sexuality that’s integrated with their spirituality.
This last weekend was a great escape to Brisbane, and the most delightful part catching up with the Winslades and van Vliets. Playing chaperone to a 7 year old boy was a jolly good time and we returned exhausted on Monday. I also managed to polish off Love In The Time of Cholera which is also on the classics list.
On the plane I managed to enjoy Fools Gold because I unashamedly love a bit of adventure and frolicking. Besides, there is a treasure hunter deep within my soul somewhere!
Highlights of Brisbane were Southbank, including it’s gorgeous and highly functional park with mini-beach included, such an inspiring public space that really made me think about worship spaces in community. The japanese restaurant Dani and I went to on Friday was truly great. The McGills Whiskey Special came out for the troops on Saturday.
On the way home I snuck in a very disappointing My Blueberry Nights which proves once and for all that not all people that sing can act – it had great potential but it really didn’t carry it off.
In the midst of that, work is ramping up into the busiest season with Parachute on the way, as well as various other projects. One of the greatest enjoyments of work recently is being able to use the vast amount of research into the GenX / GenY chasm I’ve been stockpiling into good use! Hopefully this will become a seminar format that will be useful for both youthworkers, church/parachurch staff and not for profits. I’m very interested to continue looking at the development of fresh strategies for churches in crossing this divide!
Coming Up This holiday weekend looks set to be a bit miserable weatherwise, so the current plan involves a list of classic movies in a stay-at-home filmfest… any recommendations are warmly invited! Also on the list, a viewing of “Everything is Spiritual”.
Next week I’m preparing a talk for Blueprint in Wellington on working for the kingdom in all sorts of ways. It will be interesting to bring some of my own story into being here. Ideas around how the kingdom bursts out of the doors of church:institution and into everyday lives. At the moment I’m planning on incorporating a hands-on exercise too and I’m looking forward to spending some more time with like-minded friends. (Yes, that means whiskey and cigars, at least I’m hoping).
I’m going to embark on a novella, for my own amusement more than anything else, and inspired to collaborate the ideas of philosophy, spirituality, art and poetry into a story about hope and humanity. We’ll see – I may yet prove to be overly ambitious – but the upshot is, my other manuscripts are also making slow but steady progress.
Conversations Are focussed around generational divide, communication, church doctrine, the new reformed, calvinism’s comeback, fear of the calvinist comeback, art, love, hope and church politics. Filtering all of those things are work, youth ministry, young adult ministry and the forthcoming elections.
Really Enjoying Having Mark Pierson back in the country and being able to interact with him in a variety of capacities, from last night at a gig in town, to around the table at a World Vision presentation for work. It’s so engaging to have ongoing dialogue with his wisdom and experience. His ability to recognise, engage and ask significant questions and bring accurate observations is gold to my soul.
Meeting Kevin Denholm of Exposure after a steady stream of people in common, it nows feels a little that I should simply pass on Kevin’s greetings to most people of my acquaintance! However, finally connecting in their offices last week was a positive and joyful experience – seeing how other storytellers have excelled in doing kingdom work in significant ways and bringing beautiful things into being.
Grasping a few moments of conversation with Brian Winslade over the weekend in Brisbane, about things going on. When I first came to my church to do the internship, working under Brian was one of the key influential factors. In the short few months that he’s been absent, I have missed hugely the significant impact of his wisdom, skills, talent and intellect in shaping and guiding my steps in the world.
Song Of The Moment : One More Day by Rosie Thomas
One more day Just one more day then I’m done One more car ride and One more rising of the sun
Then I’ll jump so high Angels will catch my fall I’ll jump so high Angels will catch my fall
I had my chance and I just showed it to the door I won’t apologize to myself anymore
So I’ll jump so high Angels will catch my fall I’ll jump so high Angels will catch my fall
One more day Just one more day then I’m done No more failures and No more feeling alone
Tash McGill is a broadcaster, writer and strategist who works with people and organisations to solve problems and create transformation. She believes people are the most important thing and that stories are powerful ways of changing the world. You can find out more at tashmcgill.com or by visiting her LinkedIn profile.
