Our Christmas Letter 2022

Christmas Letter 2022

 

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…

He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty….

~Luke 1:46-56

We send you best wishes for a blessed Christmas and New Year. This Advent we’ve been inspired anew by the drama of God coming to earth as a baby, with a young visionary mother who proclaimed the kind of mercy and justice we long for…radical words that centuries later were barred from public readings in India, Guatemala, and Argentina, as our pastor pointed out last week.

We have much to celebrate in 2022:

• our successful efforts to rezone religious land for affordable housing in Pasadena and Sierra Madre, and Lord willing in 2023 statewide with SB 4—we have been working with Senator Scott Weiner on this for the past two years
• the decisive victory of the local rent control campaign
• our joyful annual MHCH (Making Housing and Community Happen) celebration that attracted over 130 people and two dozen local affordable housing and homeless service organizations as together we “united for housing justice” –this year’s theme.

Some highlights of our year:

1.       Our “great pumpkin patch” was a delightful surprise. We threw some “knucklehead” pumpkin seeds from last year’s pumpkin into our compost heap, and they went wild, producing vines 30 feet long and over a dozen huge pumpkins, some of which lodged on branches in our fig tree. We made over a dozen pies and gave them and pumpkins to friends and family members (with their names etched in them scabbed over). In between zoom meetings Jill would run out to watch them grow!

2.       We continue to thank God for our garden and prolific “orchard”—avocadoes, oranges, grapefruit, peaches, plums, pluots, tangerines, loquats, kumquats, persimmon, sapote, pomegranate, passion fruit, Peruvian gooseberries, and grapes. Plus, tomatoes, lettuce, sugar snap peas, & more! God’s creation is so bountiful!

3.       We went on a road trip to the Northwest where we visited friends, attended the celebration of life for Jill’s mentor Dr. Ray Bakke, visited Jill’s sister Jana and her husband Dwight and some of their eight children (including Peter and Kendra’s adorable baby Raffaella) and enjoyed the splendors of nature—the Sequoias and the Olympic rainforest.

4.       Jill traveled to San Antonio, TX, for a symposium about “Gone for Good” a book for which our Congregational Land Committee contributed a chapter along with authors across the US. With 4,000 US congregations closing their doors each year—will churches be gone forever? Or gone for something good? We are amazed that over 70 congregations in So CA have approached us for technical support on how to have affordable housing on their campus. Our nonprofit, MHCH, also has three other teams: Safe Parking for people living in their vehicles, N. Fair Oaks Empowerment- seeking to revitalize an historically Black disenfranchised corner of Pasadena, and ASHA—Affordable Supportive Housing Advocates.

5.       Jill also gave a workshop with Andre White at the Christian Community Development Association in Charlotte, North Carolina and she also spent some time on Hilton Head Island with Andre’s family learning about the Gullah people by going on Gullah tours, visiting story tellers and more. The land injustices against these native islanders broke Jill’s heart.

6.       Anthony traveled to DC for the FCNL, a Quaker lobby conference and advocated for the Environmental Justice Act. He also stopped by Philadelphia and Princeton, NJ, to visit his sister and his niece and nephew. They went to the Philadelphia Art Museum and ate Conte’s pizza—the best pizza on the planet!

7.       We’ve have enjoyed being part of the First United Methodist Church, which Anthony joined in June. Anthony continues to be part of the Quaker community as well as being a Methodist. God is bigger than any denomination and we feel blessed to be part of both communities.

8.       Anthony had an article and poem published in Friends Journal, a national Quaker publication. He wrote about racial justice and Anthony McClain, the young black man shot and killed by Pasadena police.

9.       Two of our favorite films this year: “Kiss the Ground” (an inspiring documentary about regenerative farming) and “The Chosen” (a fascinating series about Jesus and his disciples—which we are watching in our home with a delightful group of Methodists and others).

10.    We continue to visit Jill’s mom Donna Shook every week, at a lovely board and care that has an abundance of flowers, paintings, and love. Donna is bed-ridden, in hospice, with late stage Alzheimer’s and has lost much of her cognitive abilities but is still fun to be with. She loves to flirt, laugh and listen to old familiar jazz and bossa nova. We also look forward to our weekly Bible study and check-in with Mark who lives with us.

Please pray for Jill and her heath. Her doctor is concerned about her blood work, a growing cyst, and diverticulitis. She sees her oncologist on Dec. 30^th.  

Our concerns and prayers are also with the people of Ukraine and Yemen who are suffering from the horrors war. We are asking for a ceasefire and for a negotiated settlement to these senseless and bloody conflicts.  Even though we feel so grateful that we have had the joy of helping to approve 135 housing units for our unhoused neighbors that will become available in Pasadena in 2023, we have heavy hearts that about the 300+ unhoused neighbors are currently living on the street with few if any shelter options. The goal of MHCH is to end chronic homelessness and housing insecurity in our city (and beyond)!

We are so grateful to you, our friends and family!  

 

Love, Anthony and Jill

ICUJP Friday Forum: Latino poet/activist Luis J. Rodriguez: "In A Time of Crisis, Time for Rebirth"

 

Please join us online ICUJP Friday Forum October 21st, 7:30-9:30 am Pacific Luis J. Rodriguez: In A Time of Crisis, Time for Rebirth Join video conference here Call in by phone: +1 669 900 6833*  Meeting ID: 873 9685 9483 PASSCODE: 635661 *Meeting controls for call-in attendees: To mute/unmute yourself: *6 To raise hand: *9 Presently Los Angeles City is reeling with four Latino leaders speaking against Blacks, Indigenous, LGBTQ people, Jews, and Armenians. We must reset and regenerate a new vision, with inclusivity and embracement, for all Angelenos. And set the foundation of a new type of governance in the city. Join the conversation with our speaker: For 50 years, Luis J. Rodriguez has been working with gang youth, the homeless, prisoners, labor, the undocumented, Indigenous people, poets, and artists. He's co-founder of Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore and founding editor of Tia Chucha Press. He has 16 multi-genre books including the memoirs "Always Running, La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A." and "It Calls You Back: An Odyssey Through Love, Addiction, Revolutions & Healing." From 2014-2016, Luis served as Los Angeles' official Poet Laureate. Learn More/Here's how YOU can help: Website:  Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural Schedule: 7:30 - 7:35  Log in and socialize 7:35 - 7:45  Welcome and introductions  7:45 - 7:50  Reflection (5 min. maximum) 7:50 - 9:15  Program and Q&A 9:15 - 9:20  Announcements 9:20 - 9:30  Closing circle and prayer Start your morning with us! Reflection: Rubi Omar Facilitator: David Clennon Zoom host: Rick Banales ** Meetings begin promptly at 7:30 am Pacific. ** ----- Here's how to join the online meeting: To join by video conference, you'll need to download the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device. Click on the link to join the meeting and then enter the Meeting ID number and passcode. You'll be able to see slides and video, as well as speakers and other attendees. If you prefer to join by phone, you'll be prompted to enter the Meeting ID number and passcode. You won't be able to see the visuals or attendees, but you can view them on the meeting video recording afterward.  If you're new to Zoom and would like to use the video option, we recommend you download the app well ahead of time.   ICUJP Friday Forum 10/21/22 Time: 07:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Option 1: Join video conference here Meeting ID: 873 9685 9483 PASSCODE: 635661 Option 2: Dial in by phone only: +1 669 900 6833 US (California) Meeting ID: 873 9685 9483 PASSCODE: 635661 (To find a dial-in number closer to you, go here.)

The Quaker Peace Testimony and Alternatives to War: A presentation by Anthony Manousos for ICUJP

Please join us online

ICUJP Friday Forum
October 14th, 7:30-9:30 am Pacific

Anthony Manousos: The Quaker Peace Testimony

Join video conference here
Call in by phone: +1 669 900 6833* 
Meeting ID: 828 1545 7116
PASSCODE: 793697
*Meeting controls for call-in attendees:
To mute/unmute yourself: *6
To raise hand: *9

Description: Anthony Manousos will discuss the history of the Quaker Peace Testimony and how Quakers have provides alternatives to war during the past 350 years.

Join the conversation with our speaker:

Dr. Anthony Manousos is a Quaker peace activist, retired college professor, and author who co-founded a housing justice nonprofit called Making Housing and Community Happen(MHCH) and serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including the Friends Committee for National Legislation and Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace. He has edited or written seven books, the most recent being "Transformative Quakers" and "Howard and Anna Brinton: Reinventors of Quakerism in the 20th century." He earned a Ph.D, in English literature from Rutgers University, a B.A. from Boston University (where he studied poetry with Anne Sexton) and taught at numerous colleges and universities, including Carleton College, Rutgers, Pepperdine, UC San Bernardino, San Bernardino Valley College, etc.

Learn More/Here's how YOU can help: Making Housing & Community Happen equips congregations, community leaders, and neighbors with practical tools needed to transform their communities to end homelessness, and to stabilize the cost of housing through education, advocacy, organizing, and advisement. Please go to the MHCH website to find out how you can help support their work. Website: Making Housing & Community Happen

Schedule:

7:30 - 7:35  Log in and socialize
7:35 - 7:45  Welcome and introductions 
7:45 - 7:50  Reflection (5 min. maximum)
7:50 - 9:15  Program and Q&A
9:15 - 9:20  Announcements
9:20 - 9:30  Closing circle and prayer

Start your morning with us!

Reflection: Steve Rohde
Facilitator: Carolfrances Likins
Zoom host: Rick Banales

** Meetings begin promptly at 7:30 am Pacific. **

-----

Here's how to join the online meeting:

To join by video conference, you'll need to download the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device. Click on the link to join the meeting and then enter the Meeting ID number and passcode. You'll be able to see slides and video, as well as speakers and other attendees.

If you prefer to join by phone, you'll be prompted to enter the Meeting ID number and passcode. You won't be able to see the visuals or attendees, but you can view them on the meeting video recording afterward. 

If you're new to Zoom and would like to use the video option, we recommend you download the app well ahead of time.

Join video conference here
Call in by phone: +1 669 900 6833* 
Meeting ID: 828 1545 7116
PASSCODE: 793697
*Meeting controls for call-in attendees:
To mute/unmute yourself: *6
To raise hand: *9
-----

Please note: Our Friday Forums and other events are open to the public. By attending, you consent to having your voice and likeness recorded, photographed, posted on ICUJP's website and social media, and included in ICUJP materials and publications for noncommercial purposes. If you don't want to be photographed or recorded, please let the facilitator know.

The joy of becoming a Methodist Quaker!

 

After 38 years of being a Quaker, I felt led to join the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, where Jill and I have been warmly welcomed, appreciated and supported for the last few years. I still plan to attend Orange Grove Quaker meeting, which meets right after the Methodist service since I love the Quaker way of worship, our Quaker testimonies, and my dear Quaker friends, some of whom I've known since coming to California thirty some years ago to marry Kathleen Ross, my wife of blessed memory. Kathleen was a Methodist pastor I met at Pendle Hill, a Quaker Center for Study and Contemplation near Philadelphia. For twenty years Kathleen and I had a Quaker-Methodist alliance which enhanced both our ministries. She passed away of cancer 13 years ago, but still lives in my heart and inspires me.

I'm thrilled that Jill has been welcomed into the Methodist community where her calling for housing justice is deeply appreciated and respected. We love Pastors Amy, Connie and Jen. They are incredibly kind and supportive of us and our social and racial justice work. As I get to know the congregation, I am enjoying making new friends who seem vaguely familiar since I've been part of the Methodist family for almost as long as I've been a Quaker.

I felt God's presence and love surrounding me when I stood in front of this beautiful congregation and affirmed my commitment to be part of this Christian fellowship. And I am experiencing the spiritual and emotional healing I need to continue my calling to be a Christian Quaker, to practice kindness and friendship, and work for justice and peace. I thank God for leading me to this new and life-giving phase in my spiritual development.

I am also thankful for the 126+ friends who liked or loved this reflection when I posted it on my Facebook page. Their affirmation of my leading warmed my heart. I felt as if the angels of heaven must have been rejoicing when I made my commitment to be part of the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena!

Here are some of the heart-warming comments. (Sandy Olewine is a Methodist pastor I've known for nearly 30 years and love and respect deeply.)

Sandy Olewine: You have been and will continue to be a gift to the UMC family! Welcome my friend

"God speed you on your continuing spiritual journey." --Gil Skidmore.

"This is great Anthony. Good on you for following your leading."  Fe Renee.

Yanire Zamora Rodriguez: Bendiciones dobles

Paul Ricketts: I was a Quaker attender-member for 30+. years. I am now an active attender at a local episcopal church.

Over the past 100 years, Quakers particularly in the unprogrammed Hicksite FGC tradition. Has evolved into a pluralistic “hyphenated” religion. (e.g., Buddhist-Quaker, Jewish--Quaker, Christian--Quaker, Humanist-Quaker, etc.) Include a growing number of “non-theists” Quakers.

Being Anglican-Episcopalian or a Methodist like yourself for me is part of the continuum. I too continue to love the waiting worship both individually and corporately, the testimonies, and my dear Quaker friends, some of whom I've known for many years. For me personally it's not an either-or. It's a marriage of two wonderful traditions.

Great article. https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/.../following-the...

Paul "speaks my mind," as Quakers say. I thoroughly enjoyed the article he recommended, which explores the profound relationship between modern Quakers and Anglicans. 

I've also written and spoken about "experiencing the Light as a Quaker and as a Methodist": https://laquaker.blogspot.com/2012/03/experiencing-light-as-quaker-and-as.html , For me, Quakerism and Methodism are complementary. 

Why I prefer to celebrate Juneteenth rather than July 4th

 

As a child, I loved the Fourth of July and looked forward each year to going to the fireworks displays. But when I grew up and became a Quaker, I began to question the pervasive violence of July 4th--the orgy of fireworks that makes some parts of our cities seem like war zones. When I hear the line "Bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there," I don't think of the British attacking Washington, DC which inspired our national anthem; I think of Hiroshima, Dresden, the carpet bombing of Vietnam, drone strikes, and much more. That's why I never stand up for the National Anthem and feel empathy for those who “take a knee.” I love my country but abhor the violence for which it all too often stands.

As the Fourth of July approaches, it is worth noting that Quakers did not celebrate this holiday, and it cost them dearly. The first official Fourth of July celebration did not happen until 1781, but on July 4^th, 1776, there were a few celebrations in Philadelphia  and in 1777 there were many more. That day was also marked by violence. Homes of Quakers were vandalized by those who believed the Quakers were not patriotic because they did not celebrate the Fourth of July. Because of their pacifist convictions, Quakers did not celebrate any holidays that commemorated military victories.

We Americans like to imagine we are a peaceful nation, yet we are "largest purveyor of war in the world," as Martin Luther King once said, referring to the US arms trade (where we are still number 1). Americans believe passionately in the myth of redemptive violence, and equate freedom with violence, because we imagine our nation could not have become free without a bloody revolution.

In the 1770s the  Quakers in Philadelphia believed otherwise. They sent emissaries to negotiate with the British. They refused to accept tea that had been taxed, but instead of disguising themselves as Indians and throwing it into the Delaware River, they quietly paid the British merchants to take it back to England. They did what they could to avoid war, and I believe the Quakers were right. I highly recommend the book The Missing Peace: The Search for Nonviolent Alternatives in United States History by James Juhnke and Carol Hunter (2004), which describes what Quakers did to avert a war with England.

I feel these Quakers were on the right track. History shows it was possible to achieve independence without bloodshed, as was the case with Canada and Australia. It took time and patience, and I'm sure, a bit of cunning, but think of all the lives that were saved.

The African American historian and former UCSB professor Gerald Horne has given me another reason to question the conventional ideas about the 4^th of July. In his book The Counterrevolution of 1776, he debunks that notion that the American Revolution was “a great step forward for humanity.” He points out, “The Africans then living in the colonies overwhelmingly sided with the British” and for good reason. He shows that “in the prelude to 1776, the abolition of slavery seemed all but inevitable in London, delighting Africans as much as it outraged slaveholders, and sparking the colonial revolt.”

“The so-called Revolutionary War,” Horne writes, “was in part a counter-revolution, a conservative movement that the founding fathers fought in order to preserve their right to enslave others.”

This book opened my eyes to an aspect of the American Revolution that was never discussed in my education. You can hear Gerald Horne explain his thesis by going to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C71DIrOmkBM.

I was also never taught that our slave-holding “founding fathers” were deeply in debt because of their lavish lifestyle and used slaves as collateral—a fact that historian Clyde Ford explores in his forthcoming book Of Blood and Sweat: Black Lives and the Making of White Power and Wealth. Ford shows how our banking institutions were tainted by the slave system from the onset and have continued to privilege whites over people of color. For this reason, he calls for debt relief, eviction moratoriums, and reparations.

It is not a coincidence that in 1776, Quakers in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting unanimously came to unity that Quakers were forbidden from owning slaves, and 14 years later they petitioned the U.S. Congress for the abolition of slavery. Quakers are known for being abolitionists, but they were not free from racism. In the early days of colonial America, some Quakers, including William Penn, owned slaves, but eventually the vast majority of Quakers saw the Light, renounced slavery, and some became key leaders in abolitionist movement. Because of their opposition to slavery, and rejection of violence, Quakers saw no reason to celebrate the 4^th of July. For me as a Quaker, Juneteenth is a holiday much more worthy of celebration.

Trump: The Man Who Would Be King

As I contemplate the nefarious career of Donald Trump, the greatest con man in human history, I keep thinking of the movie, "The Man Who Would Be King," sharing Michael Caine and Sean Connery, based on the 1888 novel by Rudyard Kipling. Set in Afghanistan during the British colonial period, it depicts two rogues who decide to  seek their fortunes in a remote part of Afghanistan that has not been open to Europeans. Using their cunning, they  manage to con their way into becoming kings. They do this by convincing the natives that they are gods. This happens by accident. One of them is shot by an arrow and unharmed because unbeknownst to the natives, he is wearing body armor. The natives believe that this rogue cannot be harmed, and hence is a god.  When they are installed as kings, the two rogues find out that the natives possess immense treasure and gloat over becoming rich beyond their imagining. But one of them makes a fatal mistake: he falls for a native girl and tries to have his way with her. She resists, bites him on the check, and he bleeds. The natives realize he is a fraud, turn on him,  and make him walk over a cliff, where he is impaled, crucified, but survives. He returns to "civilization" as a crippled beggar.

The parallel with Trump is the belief among his followers that he is invincible, beyond the law. Repeatedly, he is charged with crimes that would ordinarily destroy a politician or a mere mortal, but he emerges unscathed. The more often this happens, the more willing his followers are to believe his lies. He is, after all, above the law, with god-like power. Therefore, he alone can fix our country. 

What will stop Trump, and hopefully deflate Trumpism? If he is not only charged with a crime, but found guilty and forced to accept consequences. These could include some kind of confinement (maybe at home), community service (I'd love to see Trump serving meals in a homeless shelter) and being disqualified from running for office. His crimes deserve much harsher punishment, but what I propose should be enough to prevent him from further mischief. 

Once his followers see that Trump is human, and not above the law, many will likely turn on him, as the Italians turned on Mussolini after he was defeated. I don't want to see Trump shot, but I do want to see him punished in a way that convinces his followers that he is a con man, not a would-be king. 

The only risk I see is that  some of his followers will be seen as a martyr. They will continue to worship him till the day he dies. This will be a passionate minority who will continue to cause mischief with their crack-pot conspiracy theories. It will take more than punishing Trump to cure the disease of Trumpism. It will take a generation or more to undo the damage that Trump and his ilk have done to the body politic of America. But punishing Trump is a necessary first step.

That's why I want the Select Committee to send criminal charges to the Justice Department, and pray that Merritt Garland will have the courage to bring this con man to justice. If Garland fails to do so, there is a chance that Trump could be elected and rig the system so he could be president for life, in other words, America's first king. This may seem outlandish, but who would have imagined that a con man could take over the Republican party and convince a majority of Republicans that he won an election that he clearly lost. Who would have imagined that tens of millions of Americans would succumb to the Big Lie and the Big Rip off? Trump wants to be America's first king. If he is allowed to break the law with impunity, there is a chance that his dream will become America's nightmare. 

Lady Wisdom Incarnate

Photo: Lady Wisdom puppet being carried at the Palm Sunday Peace Parade in Pasadena. Created by Gloria Newton.

Does not wisdom call out?
    Does not understanding raise her voice?

² At the highest point along the way,
    where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
³ beside the gate leading into the city,
    at the entrance, she cries aloud:
⁴ “To you, O people, I call out;
    I raise my voice to all mankind.
⁵ You who are simple, gain prudence;
    you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
⁶ Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
    I open my lips to speak what is right.
⁷ My mouth speaks what is true,
    for my lips detest wickedness.
⁸ All the words of my mouth are just;
    none of them is crooked or perverse.
⁹ To the discerning all of them are right;
    they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
¹⁰ Choose my instruction instead of silver,
    knowledge rather than choice gold,
¹¹ for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her....

³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise;
    do not disregard it.
³⁴ Blessed are those who listen to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.
³⁵ For those who find me find life
    and receive favor from the Lord.
³⁶ But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
    all who hate me love death.”

I love this delightful passage from Proverbs 8, which was the reading at the Methodist church on Sunday. But before I reflect on it,  I'd like to share a story about how God is working through this blog. On Saturday, I felt led to write a reflection about my spiritual life--something I haven't done for months, maybe even over a year, because I'm so busy with my activist life. The next day I dropped by the Orange Grove Friends Meeting during fellowship time and a young man named Bobby I never met before eagerly approached me and said, "Anthony, it's great to see you! I was reading your blog yesterday and want to talk with you." I was amazed: I don't usually get this kind of response from my blog entries. (Actually it's never happened.) He went on to tell me that he wants to start a Quaker meeting in Long Beach, and is seeking my advice. I was delighted by his enthusiasm, and eager to help, but that's a conversation for another time. For now, I'd like to share briefly my thoughts about Lady Wisdom.

I love this passage because it shows Wisdom as the female side of God. Lady Wisdom (like the logos in John's Gospel) existed before creation and was present as God crafted the universe, delighting in God's creativity. Wisdom is also portrayed as prophetic, calling out in public places, calling us to practice justice and live righteously. Wisdom is attained not by poring over books acquiring knowledge (or googling for more info), but by listening--"waiting and watching" patiently at her door. For me, this is a metaphor for contemplation.

Lady Wisdom is not only audacious, the spirit of prophesy, she is also hospitable. She welcome us into her spacious home  and serves us her bread and wine--not the intoxicating kind, but the kind that leads to life-giving "insight."

To those who have no sense she says,
5     “Come, eat my food
    and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;
    walk in the way of insight.”

As I reflected on this passage, I thought of those I know who have embodied Wisdom, and most of them are women. I thought of Janet Riley, a Quaker I met in the 1980s when I first joined the Society of Friends. During the darkest days of the Cold War, when Reagan was calling the Soviet Union an "evil empire," Janet was passionate about starting a Quaker meeting in Moscow and led an effort to create a joint Soviet-American book project--a collection of poetry and stories by Russians and Americans that would be published in both countries and dispel stereotypes. Janet was not reticent about sharing her vision. She told everyone and her enthusiasm was contagious. I joined Janet's efforts and came to love her bold, beautiful spirit. She was in many ways the embodiment of Lady Wisdom. She was constantly calling us out to do the right thing, to build bridges of understanding between Russians and Americans, to put our Quaker peace testimony into practice. She was also kind and hospitable. Thanks to her, I played a small part in helping to end the Cold War.

My wife Kathleen, a Methodist pastor, also embodied Lady Wisdom for me during the twenty years we were married. Kathleen was a contemplative and compassionate listener but she also spoke powerful "words of wisdom" when she preached. I met her at Pendle Hill, the Quaker Center for Study and Contemplation, in 1988, not long after I became a Quaker. As a young girl, Kathleen was extremely shy, but once she found her calling as a preacher and pastor, she spoke the word of God with such power I was often brought to tears. Over the years, she helped me to find gifts I never dreamed I had--such as leading youth groups. She encouraged me in interfaith peacemaking and my calling as a Quaker "publisher of truth" when I became editor of Friends Bulletin, the official publication of Western unprogrammed Quakers. Her wisdom helped me to became a little more wise, a little more patient, and a little less judgmental. After she died of cancer, I realized that Kathleen had taught me much more: how to live like a Christian, love like a Christian, and face illness and death like a Christian. Her life of love and wisdom still inspires me. She was like the wife in proverbs: "a woman of valor, more precious than rubies."

I feel the same way about my current wife Jill, who is a "passionate, prophetic and persistent" activist for housing justice. Eleven years ago Jill and I met at the Palm Sunday Peace Parade, which celebrated Jesus as the Prince of Peace. This set the tone for our marriage. In our marriage vows, we affirmed: "The Prince of Peace brought us together for a purpose greater than either of us can imagine." That's proven to be true. Three years ago we started a nonprofit devoted to housing justice that has had remarkable successes.  Thanks to Jill, I have led an advocacy team for affordable housing that will ensure hundreds of units of affordable housing for  low-income and and unhoused people. Jill has another quality of Lady Wisdom: the gift of hospitality and creativity. Like her artist and fashionista mother, Jill is a creative spirit who delights in beauty. What a joy to be married to another "woman of valor" with a heart of gold!

I want to conclude by saying that it's not just women who embody Lady Wisdom. According to Bert Newton's compelling book "The Subversive Wisdom of John's Gospel," Jesus was portrayed as the  embodiment of Lady Wisdom and often quotes her words. Jesus displayed both the boldness and the compassion of Lady Wisdom, offering his disciples life-giving "bread and wine" and showing them a new society based on loving kindness and truth--the antithesis of materialism, empire and the domination system.

Two Quaker men who embody Lady Wisdom for me are George Lakey and David Hartsough. Not only are they giants of justice and peace, they are also gracious and joyful. David is one of the kindest, most hospitable people I have ever known, with a smile that lights up the room. George Lakey loves to gather people around a piano and lead sing-a-longs to Broadway show tunes. Like Lady Wisdom, they rejoice in God's creation, and in humankind, as she explains in Proverbs 8:

.... I was constantly  at [God's] side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
    rejoicing always in his presence,
31 rejoicing in his whole world
    and delighting in mankind

I feel deeply grateful for these blessed souls who have embodied Lady Wisdom in their life and work and shown me the path that leads to Wisdom. I pray God that others will open their hearts and minds to Lady Wisdom and learn to walk in her ways. Maybe we can walk together!