Christmas Magic
Monday, December 24, 2007
(11.30 p.m. Santa Cruz, California - local time)
Allowing myself to be invited to a local church service under the title “Inner Light” by Marcia (who is one of the great people I have met sitting in Michael's kitchen) is one of the magic moments I’ve had on this journey.
Certainly, not a Christian believer or New Age kinda guy, I was impressed by gay priest Rev. Deborah Johnson, who brought down the house with a tale about the meaning of true kingdom of god - a christ consciousness for the people.
Ultimately, every faith-based religion will talk about their prophets and saints, but the way Rev. Johnson put it together was challenging and intellectually demanding. Not your usual roller coaster ride between hope and redemption. She activated and untangled the revolutionary message of Jesus Christ that serves an inspiration not only for Christians, but all those who seek truth and wisdom. Seeking for justice was the central theme of her sermon and it was connected to political as well spiritual implications.
I have seen all kinds of white folks in churches, but when I saw how they stood up and sang and danced like black folks, I could not help but seeing the parallels in this enthusiasm for Obama, who has a strong following in the white community. These folks can clap and hold a rhythm and they all sing in tune. How nice and refreshing!
I felt Rev. Johnson and her black sisters on stage gave back to white America what it needs most. Soul. A holler with clapping and dancing and a jazzy good tune. Everyone really wants to be black here. As far as I know, back in the day, this was a celebration only found inside black churches. But here we had big white mamas and large families attending her sunday service in Santa Cruz.
The fact that a diverse crowd comprising of Asian, African American, Mexican and Native Americans joins the majority of Anglo Saxon locals to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ lets me believe the audacity of hope might be getting real here.
I sense an awakening on the grassroots level that will bring the transformation and change that is needed to tackle the big questions of our time. Individual responsibility and global awareness. A bigger vision of peace in harmony with universal laws of nature.
I took a tour with Michael’s friend Theo around Santa Cruz this morning and finally had a sense of place and time. It’s a beautiful bay area with lots of trees and plenty sunshine that helps pelicans relax on rocky cliffs on the sea and everybody just chills.
This place has energy and abundance for creative stimulation. Those who live around the suburban enclaves and hippie spots seem to have survived in the spirit of revolution back since 1968.
BUT I also notice an unusual high number of drugged out souls on the streets, whose journey to the other side lapsed into deep despair. Inhaling and swallowing the wrong drug at the wrong time. It produces a sorry sort of mercy in me watching them minding their business among the crowds.
I have two people that Jeanette from Hawaii suggested to contact for a possible interview. I am not sure if I need to tap into them on my journey or follow the moment. Anyway, Rev. Johnson has agreed to drop me some gospel on Friday morning. Hallelujah... Amen.