Written for and delivered at the Camp Ray of Hope Sunday morning spiritual gathering September 2005.
One week ago I attended the funeral of a young man who died very unexpectedly. Jim was a successful businessman, husband, father, brother and friend to many – as was evidenced by the number of people who attended his memorial service. This was a man who had worked very hard all of his life – along with his father and brothers – to build a family empire. He was remembered that day for his strong work ethic, service to church, community government and kindness to his family, friends and neighbors. Had his legacy not included kindness and generosity to family, friends and neighbors I wonder how he would have been remembered?
This year I have companioned a friend through a very difficult time. She has not been treated well by the person she had vowed her heart and trust to for a lifetime. Through the pain, confusion and fear she has managed to allow unconditional love and commitment to outweigh all else. By doing so she has staked a “Higher Ground” and gained my admiration and that of many, many others!
All who sit here today have been challenged by life circumstances that give rise to fear, anger and guilt. We are human – and our weaknesses and vulnerability can make staking Higher Ground so difficult. Your energy may be consumed with rage at the person who was driving the car, the doctor who made the wrong decision, the loved one who betrayed you, to yourself for not seeing or doing what you presumably could have to prevent “it”, or perhaps you rail against God for letting this terrible thing happen! These are all normal responses to deep and damaging violations to your mind, body and soul! So how does one stake Higher Ground when in the very depths of despair?
Love! Sounds too simple doesn’t it? But Love is the answer! When our lives are turned upside-down, reaching out to others who have need or those in pain connects and fills your heart. By giving to others your fear, anger and guilt are soon displaced by love and a sense of fulfillment.
Just look around you… This place is brimming with people who have staked a Higher Ground through service to their fellow humankind. I invite you to experience their kindness, grasp their generosity and feel their love. Barbra Streisand said “The only way to fight back is to do good work and to leave a legacy of some kind, one that is positive, uplifting, and, hopefully, motivating.”
I invite you to allow these kind and loving hearts, and the force that guides them, to help show you the way to Higher Ground.
Bless you on that uphill journey!
