This past Friday we had our friend and former pastor, Janice, over for wine and brownies and the joys of the back porch!

As we began talking about the joys and challenges and opportunities of travel, I thought of the transformation that travel has had on my outlook and understanding of life and my role in it.

Janice recounted, some, of her experiences in Africa and Israel and Turkey.

As she explained the role that she and other volunteers from the United States played in the mission of Marion Medical Mission…the people of Malawi came alive to us and I felt like that I knew them personally.

Indeed, each time I travel to another country I am amazed at the beauty of the people and the intricacies of their ancient cultures.

My mother was enraptured with the story of Wallis Simpson and king Edward III who stepped down from the British throne…for the woman he loved.

I have been enthralled with the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel.  Not since the 1930’s when American socialite, Wallis Simpson married British king Edward VIII, which caused a constitutional crisis and led to Edward abdicating the British throne, has there been a marriage into the royal family from an American.

While, today, the royal family has become so much more enlightened and Meghan Markel, who is an American and bi-racial, is welcomed with open arms and Prince Charles, the next king of the United Kingdom, walked her down the aisle.

 

The famous civil rights songs, ‘Stand by Me’ was sung during the service and, ‘This Little Light of Mine,’ was performed as the bride and groom were exiting the church and I thought that it was beautiful and soul stirring.

We are releasing our hold on our bias and our prejudice…a little at a time.

Leaders who are nationalist or tribalist are well behind the enlightened desire of the people that they are trying to lead.

‘When the light has come

And the land is dark

And the moon is the only light we’ll see

No I won’t be afraid, No I won’t be afraid

Just as long as you stand, stand by me

If the sky that we look upon

Should tumble and fall

Or the mountains should crumble to the sea

I won’t cry, I won’t cry

No I won’t shed a tear

Just as long as you stand, stand by me’

Ben E. King and Stephen King

So…the question is…who is my family?