Sunday, October 25, 2009

Principle 14: Consider the Thistle


The thistle blooms in streets and alleys where women walk and sleep.

We spend a lot of time considering the thistle --
it's rough exterior,
its soft and regal center,
and its capacity to break through concrete to blossom.

In a world that names weeds,
we taste the riches of thistles and savor their beauty.

We are thistle farmers.
The world is our farm, and we harvest where other people
do not want to travel.


Sunday, October 18, 2009

Principle 13: Laugh at Yourself


The only way to survive communal living and
have it be a spiritual experience is to allow humor to be part of it.

Finding the humor in anything is a sign of grace.
We do not have to take ourselves too seriously.

If we can laugh at the small things that make us mad,
they will not undermine our work or our community.



Sunday, October 11, 2009

Principle 12: Show Hospitality to All


We are called to offer hospitality to every guest,
resident,
staff member,
stranger,
and old friend.

We remember all the kindness that people have offered us.

We treat everyone as a blessing
and offer them something such as a tea,
handmade products,
or a story to take on the road.

We go back to the streets and offer out gifts to the women
who are still walking.


Sunday, October 4, 2009

Principle 11: Unite Your Sexuality and Spirituality


We have been taught that our sexuality is a commodity
and have learned to live in a spirit of mistrust and manipulation.

In community we claim ourselves again,
saying no to people and institutions
that are not part of the healing of our
bodies, minds, and spirits.

We are sexual beings made in the image of God.
We are spiritual beings made in the image of God.
We are allowing one another the dignity of experiencing
our spirituality and our sexuality.