Humility and Humour

I'm back.

Specifically, I've spent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Harrisburg at the
State Pastors' Conference. The theme was "It's a Different World: Global Community, Globallization and Our Local Churches."
Much of the content was bracing-- ethical questions about our priviledged place in the world were raised by both David Radcliff, Director of the New Community Project, and Rebecca Todd Peters, author and assistant professor at Elon University.
C. Michael Hawn led us in song as he introduced us to our "new stanza". One of his books is entitled: One Bread, One Body: Exploring Cultural Diversity in Worship (Alban 2003).
The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Bethlehem offered hand made baskets and garments from the Mothers' Union of Kajo Keji in the Sudan (near the border with Chad). All the money returns to the Sudan to help fund training programs for women.

Special interest luncheons were held on Tuesday. I was priviledged to introduce Stuart I. Troutman, a Chaplain, who spoke on All Who Hear Will Laugh with ME: Sarah's Gift to the SSP and Chaplains.
He was delightful and vunerable. His talk was a fine piece of theological reflection which included personal experience, scripture study and a look at our culture.

But here's what I want you all to hear from his presentation on the healing power of humour.
Troutman said the first source of humour is ourselves.
We need to be open and humble.
He suggested we try this exercise to experience this connection first hand:
Stand in front of a full length mirror wearing only your birthday suit.
Then pray the "Serenity Prayer."

Hmmm....
I think I'll try it.
Then..
I'll be back.

Peace,
L.