Ghost Ranch 2008

So how can I sum up an eventful summer – wow. I am still relishing the profound impact of both weeks at Ghost Ranch Abiquiu, New Mexico. Family Week was crazy, fun, and moving. I’m looking forward to next year on that one. The Peace and Justice week opened such hopeful light. I met so many passionate people across different faiths (a rabbi and some muslims) as well some deep thinkers from my own Presbyterian tradition that all believe in peace with justice. I am compelled to write simply to report some of my observations. I saw the rabbi and muslim embrace each other. I have heard the way muslims always follow the name of Mohammed with something like “blessed be his name.” I had the priveledge of hearing a muslim speaker discuss her study of some of the Christian scriptures but was quite unprepared when I heard her say “Jesus, blessed be his name…” I found myself weeping at the idea of this muslim affording such respect. This of course is no shocking revelation to any muslim because they all revere Jesus. I may have known this fact but I was overjoyed to be reminded in this way. The truth is out: people of different faiths CAN get along – even laugh together and are working for peace with justice – may it come quickly.