International Women's Day: Part 1

Recently, Kate and I have decided that we wanted to start offering monthly ecumenical prayer services that call attention to and pray for particular social justice issues. In February  in honor of LGBT awareness month, Kate organized a "We are Dignified" prayer service that celebrated the dignity of all people, with a particular emphasis on the LGBT community. And then, on the eve of International Women's Day, I planned a prayer service that recognized and celebrated the voices of women around the world. We used a beautiful litany honoring women poets from around the world, prayers, scripture readings, and intentions that celebrate women, and I gave a guided meditation. If you have a few minutes, prayerful read through my meditation and watch the inspiring video "One Woman" written for UN Women.

"As we prepare for our meditation, find a comfortable position. You may, put your feet flat on the floor and place your hands gently on your lap, or you may find a position that is comfortable for you. When you are ready, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in…and then exhale.

Take a moment to reconnect with your body... As you do, take some time to reconnect with all the women in your life. …

Think about all the women in your life…your mother, your sister, a friend, a teacher, a co-worker...

Think about the women who may have made just a short appearance in your life… think about the women who have touched your heart time and time again…

As all of these amazing women flood your mind and heart, focus on just one. Who is she?  What does she look like? How has she touched your heart? What are the good moments you have shared? What are the difficult storms you have weathered? What have you learned from her?

As you sit with her, remembering, cherishing, and celebrating the time you spent together, thank her. Thank her for the goodness she brings into the world. Thank her for the impact she has made in your life and in the lives of others. Thank her for her unique and inspiring story. And lastly, thank her for being a woman, who reflects the image of God.

Now, take a moment and say good-bye. As you say good-bye, remember every women has a story that deserves to be remembered, cherished and celebrated. Remember that every woman has touched the life of someone, just like the woman you have been remembering has touched your life.

When you are ready, gentle open your eyes and join me in watching this short video that celebrates women from around the world…"