I am not an activist. I am more of a mystic. This activist stuff I am doing this summer is new to me. I am usually more the laid back see good in all things, study and learn deal with people and issues on a one to one type basis.

I can remember the first time I even came close to activism. I was sitting in my dorm room at a jr seminary on 82nd & glisan circa 1982 and there was a young couple setting up camp in the park right next to our dorm, just outside my window in a tent made of branches. I watched them and wondered kinda like Gautama on his first trip out of the palace. I had never seen homeless before. I spoke to them through a crack in the window and learned their story. I told my roomate craig and we discussed this in the usual "down and outer way" of thats their lot in life type thing. And we prayed about it. But over the next few days something in me told me I have to do something. No one else is, none of the other men in the dorm did anything but pray about it. The people that were studying what the Christian message was all about did not seemingly know what to do. And I was feeling that prayer was not enough.

One day Craig came back in from his classes in his excited frame of mind as he always was and looked at me and knew what I was thinking. He could see the concern. And that to me is always the way I have always prayed. Its more than meditation for me, more than folded hands, words, lit candles. Its deep overwhelming concern that spands the day and time, it's almost a mood and part of a lifestyle. Craig felt this and we discussed it and decided to work to get the school to allow us to bring it to the forefront, make it an issue. A collection was taken, a house was donated and that couple was given a boost in a new chance. I have never acted in that way since.

The other day a friend asked if we had ever spoken to a plant. I truly believe the first time I spoke to God was through a tall blade of grass on the banks of the sandy river at camp collins when I was 11. Something breathed an inspiration and thirst into me that has never for a second left me my whole life. Since then I have learned that this type of moment is called a calling. It was a mystical moment for me that has led to a life of love and argument with the Christian church and dogma.

I am very concerned now that we have a crack in the window, a chance to take care for people to a whole new level and we and the church might let this moment go. I am sitting here with that same look and feeling. Deep concern. Yes I've studied the issues and I feel we are sitting right next to the solution and know the path we should take with healthcare and am so wondering if the people that should be seeing this as well, really do. I prey Christians and the Church are Open enough to prey about this and to recognize that this may be a call to act.


Open - Part 1
www.youtube.com/watch

Open - Part 2
www.youtube.com/watch



Peace



Christian mysticism refers to the practice and experiential knowledge of deep prayer (ie. meditation, contemplation) involving the person of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. This approach and lifestyle is distinguished from more "mainstream" forms of Christian practice by its aim and depth of devotion. In the words of Oswald Chambers, "We receive His blessings and know His Word, but do we know Him?"