A Love Movement

When love beckons to you, follow him,
though his ways are hard and steep.

And when his wings enfold you, yield to him,
though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.

And when he speaks to you believe in him, though his voice may shatter your dreams as the North wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.
Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.

Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire,
that you may become sacred bread for God’s sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure,

Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love’s threshing-floor,


Into the seasonless world where you


Shall laugh, but not all of your laughter,


And weep, but not all of your tears.


Love gives naught but itself and takes Naught but from itself.


Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;


For love is sufficient unto love.


When you love you should not say, “God is in my heart,” but rather, “I am in the heart of God.”


And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.


Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.


But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:

To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.

To know the pain of too much tenderness.

To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.

To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;


To rest at noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;

To return home at eventide with gratitude;


And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

There is no commentary that would do this story justice.

11-Year-Old Hangs Himself after Enduring Daily Anti-Gay Bullying

NEW YORK, April 9, 2009 - An 11-year-old Massachusetts boy, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover, hung himself Monday after enduring bullying at school, including daily taunts of being gay, despite his mother�s weekly pleas to the school to address the problem. This is at least the fourth suicide of a middle-school aged child linked to bullying this year.

Carl, a junior at New Leadership Charter School in Springfield who did not identify as gay, would have turned 12 on April 17, the same day hundreds of thousands of students will participate in the 13th annual National Day of Silence by taking some form of a vow of silence to bring attention to anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) bullying and harassment at school. The other three known cases of suicide among middle-school students
took place in Chatham, Evanston and Chicago, Ill., in the month of February......

Please click on the above to read more

Ephemeral Mists is a new musical project by composer Brett Branning (also the composer for The synthetic dream foundation & Abandoned Toys). "Moon Ritual" is the debut cd, out now on Mythical records.

The sound of the project is best described as downtempo ambient new age music mixed with ethnic world musics in the vein of "Karma" era Delerium, Amethystium, and Steve Roach. Its really a very intoxicatingly beautiful creation and I sincerely recommend it to anyone into newage music styles. I'm looking forward to further releases by this project.

.......of what is wrong with our religious and spiritual dialogues.

I was sent this today by a family friend:

ATHEIST HOLY DAY - ( A MUST READ ) FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY!
In Florida , an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!" The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays." The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists." The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God. Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day.

Court is adjourned.

Now, I am sure there are a fair amount of Christians (and maybe some Jews) who get a little chuckle out of this. Me, I just shake my head. And partially because there was a time where I probably shared the sentiment inherent in this writing (which I am fairly sure is not a true story).

The reality is this. Some of this worlds smartest and most intelligent people have been atheists. Likewise, some of the most vile and evil and stupid people have been Christians.

( Read more... )

This podcast, we discuss the notion that racism is over due to President Obama, and we discuss how racism, bigotry and prejudice are manifested and are different.

You can download the podcast by going to http://alovemovement.libsyn.com/ or you can download directly from iTunes by clicking here!

You can also listen to the podcast directly from the download page at http://alovemovement.libsyn.com.

For any questions, comments or suggestions for future topics, e-mail us as podcasts@anewlovemovement.com, visit our website at www.anewlovemovement.com or friend up on MySpace -- www.myspace.com/anewlovemovement

Also, you can use our RSS feed: alovemovement.libsyn.com/rss

Let us know what you think!!

I kinda do this every year when "A Charlie Brown Christmas" comes on TV. One of my favorite sermons that I have preached. I think the first time I did was around 1995 or so. Then I re-tooled it and preached it again starting in 1997 and the last time I preached this was probably in 1999, when I preached it for Rev. Bob. So here it goes:

God’s Gift

or

What’s The Point? (The Remix)

( Read more... )

Recently, This American Life re-aired their episode focusing on the rise and fall and attempt to rise again for Bishop Carlton Pearson, the evangelical minister who was drummed out of his denomination and denounced by his friends and peers for declaring there is no Hell. You can check out the episode here via podcast. It's really interesting and fascinating listening.

I first heard of Pearson via a story on Dateline NBC a couple of years ago, and I was moved to tears. So I listened to the episode again, and had pretty much the same thought process as I did the last time, only this time I identify even more with what was said.

According to many on the Religious Right, Carlton Pearson is a heretic. He was officially voted and branded a heretic by a couple of different religious movements. And I think, wow, kinda cool.

Only because there heresy of today becomes the accepted theology of tomorrow. This is the way the world has worked over thousands of years.

It's really interesting, when you think about it, of what Pearson has gone through, what he has suffered, all because he had balls enough to speak his truth. Granted, he admitted that if he knew what was coming, he would have kept his mouth shut, but that die is cast.

I've said it before, but it really amazes me how much people NEED to believe in Hell. Never mind the fact that the notion of Hell is in direct opposition to the image of a kind, Loving and peaceful God. Instead, what we have are images of a petty, small, vengeful God. A God who is more replete with human frailties than Godly compassion.

( Religious rant under the cut )

This isn't about rewriting or changing anything. It's about taking a logical approach to these issues, and then apply the God given methods of discernment that we are all supposed to be invested with.

Pearson has used his discernment to present a more Loving, compassionate, giving and gracious God. A God who Loves unconditionally and fully. A God who says, "yes, you are saved, saint and sinner alike." A God who truly embodies Love. A God who truly embodies peace. A God who above all, if I paraphrase a quote, makes the difference with Love. For this, Pearson is branded a heretic.

Makes sense, right?

*Mod, if this is not allowed, i'll delete asap.
...........................................................................


There are times when I feel out of place..
I got the idea to start a community for those of us who feel sometimes like we don't belong.. anywhere.

A Place To Belong
http://community.livejournal.com/b_e_l_o_n_g/

It's brand new and need members.. [hint hint]

Mythical records, is now taking pre-orders for their new compilation "Odyssey of Rapture" vol. 1. The album includes newage and neo-classical compositions by Abandoned Toys, Library Tapes, The synthetic dream foundation, Hannah Fury, Samantha Bouquin, Ephemeral mists, and many more great composers/artists. The official release date is Dec. 10th 2008. The full track list includes:



1. David Reyes "The magic woods"
2. Library Tapes "The rivers turned to cobblestone"
3. Abandoned Toys "An expanding tremble"
4. Ephemeral Mists "A pale slumber"
5. Phanatos "Voyage (quest for the shores of aphrodite)"
6. Aranis "Vala"
7. The new pollutants "Kidnap theme"
8. Hana (Jeff Greinke & Anisa Romero) "Hide"
9. Michel Avannier "La rencontre"
10. The synthetic dream foundation w/ Hannah Fury "Trapeze"
11. MePhI "Crystal night"
12. Aonua "Spirit of the deep"
13. Fiona Joy Hawkins "Contemplating"
14. Samantha Bouquin "Tale for a sunken moon"
15. Scythelence "Transparent eyelids"
16. Enigma de Ultratumba "To my unrest"
17. Samanta Ray & Pete Ardron "Interuterion 3"

(New Experimental Art)

1. In connection with the so-called global crisis art movement "POP-REVOLUTION"
(with the partial assistance of ART-REVOLUTION) and the artist Artyom Suslov
as well as several other free artists decided to create and implement the concept of
promotion of new art "Dyudrok."

The essence of this art is to re-establish the own way of avant-garde and surrealism.
Dyudrok included any avant-garde and modern art with blurred boundaries of genres and
unlimited fantasy of the author.

At the moment, the world economic system as well as world political system infringe
on the majority of rights, freedoms, opportunities and even hopes of man.
In this regard, decreasing the creative capacity of most people because
it decreases the level and scope of vision as well as the hope of translating its
into reality. At the time of the current crisis, a simple man forgets about high ideals,
he dreams at a low level. Dyudrok must to protect people from objective reality.
We believe - the objective reality that is at this level of crisis can and should move to
second place. We have the right to push it into second place if we give to the man a
new reality, which will carry the title of "objective". what is now "objective" will take
second place, or just disappear for a man.

Accordingly, we believe that everyone, regardless of his religious beliefs, his status in
the society, and regardless of the sanctions, which in future could be taken against the
"Dyudrok" has the right to go to the new reality at any time, partially or completely .

2. In our view, any human rights organization and any commission or authority that
to deal with human rights have the obligation to protect the right of every adult
in the transition, partial or complete, in a different reality.

3. If the man who entirely gone in a different reality according with the laws of this reality
can no longer be capable - this is his personal decision as the new reality does not contradict
the existing laws and not causing harm to anyone. Neither does the campaign leading cause harm.
No one is obliged to support the individual's life in old reality when he left a letter of
advice (note) with the signatures of witnesses.

4. The departure of a reality, as well as assistance in this, not an injury to humans,
because the only thing involved in this process - the human imagination.
But imagination does not belong to the bodi, as well as the experiments of the imagination
is not harmful for the rights of mental functions.
Accordingly, there is no room for any regulations on the intentional infliction of harm or death to
humans. Also note that imagination is fully subject to his master.

5. Relatives and friends of man who passed away in a different reality have the right to challenge the
decision through the courts or through the human rights organizations and and demand to return
him to the reality in which they are located. In doing so, c. 5 is partly contrary to the core - 1 item,
and further debate on this soil can be resolved only in the mutual agreement of the parties.

6. As Dyudrok is not limited with anything and depends only on the human imagination,
it does not conflict with any law and religious customs.

7. For the same reason (not limited and opportunity
giving own properties) Dyudrok and concept its development
and its veneration is not any organization or religion
nor the political movement. Because Dyudrok do not have its own symbols and beliefs.

The author of the Manifesto is Artyom Suslov.
Art - Movement "POP-REVOLUTION"

So, the jubilation over the election has worn off. I didn't believe 6 months ago he would win. I didn't believe 6 years ago he would become Senator. I was wrong. And I am glad that I was wrong.

I have a certain amount of personal pride in his election, for reasons I have stated in this journal before, so I will not repeat them. But personally, I think it kicks ass. I have never had such a reaction to an election before, and I doubt that I will again. The only thing that could have made it better is if Obama was in my frat (which according to some, he almost was).

But.........and you know there's a but.........I have a problem.

Many people are saying how proud they are to be an American today. How proud they are of the American process, of this democracy of ours. There are those who are celebrating at the possibility of this suddenly become a fair and equal nation. Cornel West wrote in an essay posted on Facebook this morning that the glass ceiling has been broken.

It's a little too early to think like that. However, I like something else Cornel West said on Bill Maher a couple of months ago. "The moment he gets elected I go from his biggest support to his biggest critic." And that's kinda where I am right now.

The problem is, despite the joy and emotionalism of the election, not much is going to change. In the long run, it is really not that important that a black man was elected president. I mean, it's nice, but in the truly grand scheme of things, it's not at the top of the list.

( Read more... )

Hello All,

A Love Movement Podcast #36 is up!!

In this episode entitled "Justice is what Love looks like in public," using a quote from Dr. Cornel West, we examine the relationship between justice and Love, and how Love becomes a function and an expression of justice, and why justice tempered with Love is needed.

You can download the podcast by going to http://alovemovement.libsyn.com/ or you can download directly from iTunes by clicking here!

You can also listen to the podcast directly from the download page at http://alovemovement.libsyn.com.

For any questions, comments or suggestions for future topics, e-mail us as podcasts@anewlovemovement.com, visit our website at www.anewlovemovement.com or friend up on MySpace -- www.myspace.com/anewlovemovement

Also, you can use our RSS feed: alovemovement.libsyn.com/rss

Let us know what you think!!

While this is a little bit of a shameless plug, I was e-mailed by a listener last night and asked to repost the transcript from podcast #33 -- "Defense of Marriage or Defense of Love" episode. So below is the transcript. If you want, also, go here to listen to the podcast.

Given what is going on in California right now, I am a tad ashamed that I didn't think of it myself.

Feel free to post it wherever.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Defense of Marriage or Defense of Love

Before I get into today’s podcast, I must ask your indulgence, because I am doing something I have never done before on the podcast. And that is, I am reading off of a script that I have pre-written. An essay, if you will.

I am doing this because sometimes I know I get carried away during the podcasts and get slightly off track, and sometimes stray away from my core points in a manner which is even hard for me to return to the original points or statements.

So I ask for your indulgence during this episode if I sound stunted or rehearsed or if I am devoid of some of my normal inflections. But I want to be very clear in everything I say about this subject.

( Read more... )

The front page on the site is for the movie "Call + Response" which deals with the worldwide sex trade. The quote from Cornel West comes from this movie and is actually in the trailer.

Check it out.

Justice is what Love looks like in public

-- Dr. Cornel West

Here is a pic of "Joy's" tattoo as referenced in podcast #35, "The Hidden Power of Words".

Hello All,

A Love Movement Podcast #35 is up!!

This episode, partially inspired by "The Secret," we discuss the iimpact of words, the futility of the casual use of negative words and ideas, and other writings, with an aim to start using positive words and ideas to gain positive outcomes.

You can download the podcast by going to http://alovemovement.libsyn.com/ or you can download directly from iTunes by clicking here!

You can also listen to the podcast directly from the download page at http://alovemovement.libsyn.com.

For any questions, comments or suggestions for future topics, e-mail us as podcasts@anewlovemovement.com, visit our website at www.anewlovemovement.com or friend up on MySpace -- www.myspace.com/anewlovemovement

Also, you can use our RSS feed: alovemovement.libsyn.com/rss

Let us know what you think!!

Tomorrow marks the tenth annual Celebrate Bisexuality Day, a day to recognize the accomplishments of bisexual people, to show appreciation for bisexual history and culture, and to increase bisexual visibility.

The day was conceived distinctly from other LGBT-pride events, to combat bisexual invisibility, both outside and within queer communities.

Whether you identity as bisexual or you are an ally, all of us can work actively to ensure that the B in GLBT doesn't become a b.

Be proud. Speak out.