Wrapping up 2022
On this last day of 2022, I’m both looking backward and forward. This has been a challenging year. I’m eager to take the calendar off the wall tomorrow. But challenge brings more growth than complacency, so I also find myself grateful for 2022.
Below you’ll find the work of some of the activists, thinkers, and artists who helped shape me this year. I’d love to hear from you. What resonated? What’s missing from my list that’s on yours? Email me back, or comment on one of my social media profiles (links below).
For me, this has been a year of learning to be more vulnerable (like starting a TikTok account as an elder millennial). I spent a lot of time pursuing perfect in my life. This year, I’ve found in the imperfections, in the fissures, some extra space for grace. As we move into a new year, I pray the same for you.
Blessings,
Mike+
Causes:
Cristosal
I’m really proud of the work Cristosal is doing for human rights and invite you to join me in supporting our organization. If you are making end of year donations, I encourage you to consider Cristosal. You might also consider joining us in Central America for a Global School.
Protect Trans Kids
Missouri was one of the states where a large number of anti-trans bills were proposed this year. Thanks to activism led by local clergy like our rabbi in residence Rori Picker Neiss, the bills did not pass here. Rabbi Daniel Bogard also started a summer camp this year for queer youth. I’d invite you to learn more and support Camp Indigo Point.
Books:
“Crisis Contemplation” Barbara A. Holmes
Barbara Holmes’ new book challenges the “Contemplative” circles of the church to expand. This is a book that invites returning, dwelling. At the end of most of the chapters, Holmes introduces spiritual practices a community might engage together. I pray she is right, and that the church has the courage to go deep and wide.
“After Whiteness” Willie Jennings
The resonances in Jennings’ work for those of us leading historically white churches and institutions are hard to escape. I found myself questioning the assumptions with which I walked into classrooms and vestry rooms. As a white man, I was formed to believe I am supposed to come with more answers than questions, that I am a "natural" when it comes to leadership. How do we move from privilege to communion? How to we build a community where everyone is allowed to belong?
“Julian of Norwich: The Showings” Translated by Mirabai Starr
Language matters. Dame Julian wrote in the vernacular, perhaps the first woman to do so in English. She chose, and at times made up, words to name concepts in spirituality. I found Mirabai Starr's rendering of Julian helped me to get past the heavily churchy language that has often led me to put Julian down in the past. This translation let me access teaching on questions still relevant today.
“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” Benjamin Alire Sáenz
And now for something completely different…If you have yet to discover Aristotle and Dante, you might really enjoy this YA novel. 2022 was a year when I really enjoyed queer storytelling. For me is something healing about reading (or watching, see the next post) two boys fall in love. This book sets the love story in the desert Southwest, a place that also has part of my heart. Highly recommended escape:
Watching:
Heartstopper
As I just mentioned, this was a year of queer YA fiction for me. The series Heartstopper (based on the excellent webcomic by Alice Oseman) answers the question: “What would it have be like if the boys you liked in high school liked you back, and were brave enough to admit it?” I am glad and a bit envious that Nick and Charlie and their friends are available to teens around the world today.
Listening:
The Cosmic We
Barbara Holmes, Contemplative Teacher at the Center for Action and Contemplation and author of one of the books above has an amazing podcast. Interviews range from spirituality, to racial justice, to ecology all with gentle humor and hope. Take a listen to this episode with Richard Rohr. Then dig around and listen to some other interviews.
“For Freedom” a sermon by the Rev. Winnie Varghese
Winnie is one of my favorite preachers, and this sermon from the fourth of July Weekend tells you why. She dives into the story of Pauli Murray in ways that open the complexity our relationship to the notion of America and the Gospel.
Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlisle at Newport
Brandi turned over her whole set at the legendary Folk festival to Joni Mitchell, and what a gift they both gave the world. Brandi stood by Joni after her aneurysm, and didn’t let disability get in the way of friendship or a massive comeback. Every day we can choose to see the dignity and grace in one another.
Visual Art:
“Rise Up” Cbabi Bayoc
This year, after a long wait, my parish installed a new stained glass window featuring Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The work was featured on NPR (radio being a great medium to experience stained glass) and some other outlets. Local artist Cbabi Bayoc collaborated with Emil Frei studios to make the window, the first time the historic studio had worked with a Black artist. Every Sunday I find kids looking up at the window and think, “what if Jesus had looked like this in the stained glass where I grew up?” You can order a print:
Icons by Kelly Latimore
My friend and neighbor Kelly Latimore reimagines icons, sometimes including say the face of George Floyd in an image of the pieta. Sometimes canonizing unlikely saints. I got to talk with Kelly at our Theology on Tap program this Fall, just before he installed an image of Matthew Shepard at the National Cathedral. I find Kelly’s images consistently challenge me to open my heart and find God in what challenges me.