I love stories…telling them and hearing them. I believe it is in the telling and listening to one another’s stories that we move beyond dogma and ideology and toward understanding–of one another, and timeless truths.
After years of trying to escape my fate, I have entered Virginia Theological Seminary to immerse myself in prayer, study, and community. The intention is for me to become an Episcopal priest in a couple of years. I can’t imagine ever being prepared for that role. It will not surprise me to receive a call one day indicating a grave mistake has been made and that it is time to go on home.
But ours are all journeys of one step at a time. The path behind me is filled with joyous surprises and sadnesses which I could have never envisioned. Who can honestly imagine what is ahead for any of us? I’m just setting down another foot. It’s a good day when one doesn’t land in my mouth.
I came to writing late in life, some would say I haven’t gotten there yet. My first book Dancing Naked Under the Moon Uncovering the Wisdom Within is a spiritual memoir. It is a story of love, loss, and forgiveness. Dancing Naked is the account of my heart breaking open at the death of a dear friend–and all the LOVE that poured into and out of that space.
Living AWAKE Forty Days to Renewal is a series of simple, yet meaningful spiritual reflections which can be done in fifteen minutes or less. It is meant to be savored, either alone or in a group. If you wish to gather with friends to share this book, I have created a free facilitator’s guide for Living AWAKE circles.
A few years ago I was given a second chance at love and married Malcolm Marler. We share many passions– nature, writing, laughing, …so many things I would bore you with them all. Mostly we share a desire to live open-heartedly. I am grateful beyond words that Malcolm entered my life. We are immersed in the joys and challenges of parenting newly adult children. Brendan and Kiki are both in college. What a gift to see their lives unfold. What a difficult practice to let them go. I keep forgetting they aren’t mine to manage anymore-as if they ever were.
Ok, I’ve gone on too long about my story…maybe one day we will meet and I can listen devoutly to yours. Thank you for stopping by! Mary Bea
