“Among many oppressed cultures in America it is a sign of respect and honor to call people by their full given names. We do so to bear witness, respect, remember, remind, educate and ultimately press to terminate violence and murders.”
– Melville Miller, Jr.

Dear Friends and Family, 

Rev Celeste gave us a powerful message last Sunday, which was just in time for the year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. My prayer is that this is the last time we as a society must witness such a horrifying event.

I realize that many would love to ignore or not discuss such matters, and it is my belief that it is not only our job as a spiritual community but our responsibility. As Rev Cheryl and I both say very often, nothing can be changed or shifted until it is brought to the light.

Personally, as a minister who happens to be a minister of color, there is nothing that would bring me more joy than to see all beings live from a place of understanding which leads to at least tolerance and possibly even to acceptance.

We are a powerful nation on the brink of destruction if we cannot learn to respect and tolerate others that are different from the majority. All of us who feel that it is time for this to shift must be willing to hear that which is difficult to hear and speak up to those causing harm.

Until and unless we are willing to move into the Wholly Holy Uprising that is now underway, we will not see the end of this chapter in history. I choose to use my voice to educate, uplift, and inspire Centers for Spiritual Living’s vision of creating a world that works for all.

I do this in peace and love knowing that although it is uncomfortable while moving through this condition, there will be a day that this too has passed on to the nothingness from which it came.

Namasté,
Rev Staci