Welcome to here we collide. A project by To Write Love on Her Arms.
This project is for you. We believe in stories; when something involves people, our story, and our lives intertwining with others’ it becomes important. Our stories collide. Something happens. And we believe there is significance in these smallest of moments in all of our lives.
You are breathing. You are alive with so much purpose, so full of potential. The future is wide open and full of beautiful things yet to be discovered. We believe in hope, in finding it amongst the chaos of life. We believe in sharing it with each other, and telling stories in our own unique ways.
This project is about moments. The photos, films, words and music we post are small glimpses of the world captured by strangers. We hope they are a light to your story and a daily reminder of possibility. We hope that you are inspired to capture your own moments as these stories collide with yours.
http://herewecollide.com/about
So I have written less and less on this site- and Yesterday I stumbled on a project by To Write Love on Her Arms, a description is listed above... and it brought me back. About three years ago I sketched out a project of my own: using art (photography, music, art, poetry) to capture community; people at work, living, struggling, overcoming, falling, and rising- everyday people- the good, the bad, and the ugly of little towns and big cities- Capturing it all, seeing what life looks like, what it feels like, what it is. How our world affects us and what we can do about it-
This idea, my idea, like so much of our school "work" gets buried away in the notebooks and letters past. I looked in vain for that notebook tonight.
Now I am not saying TWLOHA stole my idea, hardly. I am saying I had a similar idea, a little bit of energy and creativity that made it's way to paper and lit a spark in my heart- a spark that re-lit a lantern. See the "Daring Correspondence" is just that; a notion, an idea, that in everyday life, in all that is right and wrong in our world's, be they big or small, that you have a chance to relate, to correspond. That this chance, this choice, this idea corresponds to you, it hits you in the heart and shakes you to the core.
It could be the light on a group of kids playing in the park, making us feel as if everything is OK; it may be an elderly couple having coffee, allowing us to believe love and devotion to another can outlast the latest divorce statistic; it could be the smile of an old friend, allowing herself to be soaked in forgiveness or even praise, for both are long awaited- It is so normal, yet so daring, so bold.
Because, my friends and family, we have forgotten.
We have forgotten the beauty, the essence, the promise, of every little thing this life has to offer. we have forgotten to the point that to feel these things, to allow life to stir us and move us, we have to be daring. Our part is to be Daring, the Correspondence comes from beyond, from somewhere else, way bigger than us, way too beautiful to comprehend. The Daring Correspondence. A movement, a feeling, a way of life.
As if this little project of mine just began, it is time to put it away. I don't know for how long, I don't know if this is an ending. All i know, is that these principles and these Hopes take great courage, yet they are all worth every little effort. I encourage you to see yourself as part of a story, to believe in what is bigger and BRIGHTER. I cannot agree more with the encouragement to "capture your own moments as these stories collide with yours".
Sometimes people, songs, books, poems, and, experiences, serve us and change our worlds. Yet we experience all sorts of different stuff and certain things strike as at different times- sometimes for but a season in our life- and like the fading days of summer or the first flowers sprouting forth, we have to move accordingly, lest we be lost in the heat of the day, or frozen in time-
Goodnight and sleep well.
listen: Switchfoot- "restless" *new*
Switchfoot- *new* "restless"
Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
My little Poverty
I have been out of college for, let's see, 18 months and am finding it very hard to get "established" after making that final step out of your parents house, yet still needing them, financially every now and then. I am working quite a bit, at least hours wise, and am just beginning to see the light of enough resources to take care of myself fully, almost. Anyways, without disclosing many details I'd like to share a little bit about what my struggle means in the grand scheme of human life and share a story about time spent recently with a good buddy.
My buddy and I were strolling the streets of Concord, coffee in hand, and I asked him, "Ya know, I think people are the most important, I want to help people, what do you want to do?" and he answered, that He was more concerned with nature and the environment and our impact therein. We talked of poverty, riches, preservation, and peace. It occurred to me, very strongly indeed, that I myself, was considered poor, or otherwise, living in poverty, according to U.S. government standards. Yet, here we were, driving around, eating pastries and drinking coffee in a city. NOT POOR.
It made me think about "the gap", "the reality", and "the lie". First of all I am not by any stretch, poor, nor am I living in poverty. According to the world, i am quite wealthy, and, while my bank account may not agree, my heart and soul certainly do. Second, certainly this poverty is not like that poverty. We have different standards in different places, fair enough. But what does it all really mean? We buy a lie, as young people, as Americans, that we are and have the right to be comfortable and safe, at all times. We have no right. Freedom, is fought and earned. What about safety and comfort? Same thing. These are not rights but things to be earned or otherwise blessed with. A time for war, and a time for peace right??? But sometimes we forget, that the truth of it all, is that we often times have to enter into or overcome, dangerous and extremely uncomfortable situations first to find that safety and comfort. Oh, we don't know the half of it!
The reality of all of this, is that we still have poor people in America, absolutely. But the problem is, they are often hidden, or their may even be some politics within their poverty, such as welfare or a certain law pertaining to a certain group of people. We have systems (albeit flawed) to help the poor in our country. As for the ones who refuse help or otherwise do not receive the help they need, in America, well that is up to us, the body, the community to reach out, lend a hand, say a prayer, bake a lasagna, whatever it takes. The reality is, we all have a way here. Wouldn't it be cool if we took care of ALL the Americans and then went out to help the poor in other countries?
Finally, the Gap. No not the clothing store. But rather the space between. It seems there is a gap between these types of poverty. From rich to middle/lower class in this country; but especially from poverty to poverty. Like, for instance, my poverty versus the poverty in Mexico or Russia. Looks different. There is a space. How do we close the gap? How do we build a bridge? Why don't we want to? What is our human responsibility? What is our right (and isn't it a universal one)?
listen:
Shawn McDonald- "the space between us"
My buddy and I were strolling the streets of Concord, coffee in hand, and I asked him, "Ya know, I think people are the most important, I want to help people, what do you want to do?" and he answered, that He was more concerned with nature and the environment and our impact therein. We talked of poverty, riches, preservation, and peace. It occurred to me, very strongly indeed, that I myself, was considered poor, or otherwise, living in poverty, according to U.S. government standards. Yet, here we were, driving around, eating pastries and drinking coffee in a city. NOT POOR.
It made me think about "the gap", "the reality", and "the lie". First of all I am not by any stretch, poor, nor am I living in poverty. According to the world, i am quite wealthy, and, while my bank account may not agree, my heart and soul certainly do. Second, certainly this poverty is not like that poverty. We have different standards in different places, fair enough. But what does it all really mean? We buy a lie, as young people, as Americans, that we are and have the right to be comfortable and safe, at all times. We have no right. Freedom, is fought and earned. What about safety and comfort? Same thing. These are not rights but things to be earned or otherwise blessed with. A time for war, and a time for peace right??? But sometimes we forget, that the truth of it all, is that we often times have to enter into or overcome, dangerous and extremely uncomfortable situations first to find that safety and comfort. Oh, we don't know the half of it!
The reality of all of this, is that we still have poor people in America, absolutely. But the problem is, they are often hidden, or their may even be some politics within their poverty, such as welfare or a certain law pertaining to a certain group of people. We have systems (albeit flawed) to help the poor in our country. As for the ones who refuse help or otherwise do not receive the help they need, in America, well that is up to us, the body, the community to reach out, lend a hand, say a prayer, bake a lasagna, whatever it takes. The reality is, we all have a way here. Wouldn't it be cool if we took care of ALL the Americans and then went out to help the poor in other countries?
Finally, the Gap. No not the clothing store. But rather the space between. It seems there is a gap between these types of poverty. From rich to middle/lower class in this country; but especially from poverty to poverty. Like, for instance, my poverty versus the poverty in Mexico or Russia. Looks different. There is a space. How do we close the gap? How do we build a bridge? Why don't we want to? What is our human responsibility? What is our right (and isn't it a universal one)?
listen:
Shawn McDonald- "the space between us"
Monday, March 7, 2011
Internal (from the inside out)
Seems as we move faster and faster in the world, with all the communication, media, ideas, etc. that we are forgetting a big thing. OURSELVES. We have many personalities, a multitude of attitudes and faces and a wellspring of things to do with our time. Yet, we are struggling. There are new statistics on the rise and it seems like we young people just aren't as happy as we used to be. There are many, many reasons for this, but i believe the most prevalent one is found within the false self, or rather, as Brennan Manning refers to it, "the imposter".
The community in which I reside has really taken on a new focus as of late. Seems like many of my friends are not only Slowing down, but they are also facing things head on and seeking healing and truth in the process. I have used what I have seen to take stock of things in my own life and see where I am at in terms of being true to myself and the people around me. Scary what you uncover when you look to the past to go forward.
It is also scary that just slowing down, (i.e. sitting down and turning off your brain for a few minutes, meditating, reading or even sharing a cup of tea) with no distractions (school work, television, music) can actually be a terrifying ordeal. As we begin to discover our identity in society as a new age of communication and young people emerge, this may be the biggest threat to our well being and success as world changers and overall happy and fulffilled individuals and communities.
Can you sit and reflect, without being nervous or upset?
Can you sit and tell your mind to hush, if even for a moment?
Can you sit and not be consumed by the fear of a vintage Alfred Hitchcock film?
Can you sit and be... with yourself?
The answer to all of these questions is Yes. Maybe not right now, but it will be a convincing yes. With practice and letting go and slowing down. It may be our only option. So we are all people made for awesome and amazing things. After all, if you can sit and rest, within the "sound of silence" or even, as one friend says, "sit in the pain", then you can see the situation for what it really is, and, in the light of revelation, darkness has no choice but to flee. Once you understand the situation, once you see things for what they are, you can see how you have the strength to overcome, even when things speed up again.
It is only when you allow that spirit to embrace you, that you can see things with eyes of truth and make peace with whatever the "imposter" says, which is not you at all.
If we cannot find this in an increasingly fast paced society, we may never come to realize who we are or what we are actually doing here.
"Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you]."- Jesus
listen:
Damien Rice- "what if i'm wrong"
The community in which I reside has really taken on a new focus as of late. Seems like many of my friends are not only Slowing down, but they are also facing things head on and seeking healing and truth in the process. I have used what I have seen to take stock of things in my own life and see where I am at in terms of being true to myself and the people around me. Scary what you uncover when you look to the past to go forward.
It is also scary that just slowing down, (i.e. sitting down and turning off your brain for a few minutes, meditating, reading or even sharing a cup of tea) with no distractions (school work, television, music) can actually be a terrifying ordeal. As we begin to discover our identity in society as a new age of communication and young people emerge, this may be the biggest threat to our well being and success as world changers and overall happy and fulffilled individuals and communities.
Can you sit and reflect, without being nervous or upset?
Can you sit and tell your mind to hush, if even for a moment?
Can you sit and not be consumed by the fear of a vintage Alfred Hitchcock film?
Can you sit and be... with yourself?
The answer to all of these questions is Yes. Maybe not right now, but it will be a convincing yes. With practice and letting go and slowing down. It may be our only option. So we are all people made for awesome and amazing things. After all, if you can sit and rest, within the "sound of silence" or even, as one friend says, "sit in the pain", then you can see the situation for what it really is, and, in the light of revelation, darkness has no choice but to flee. Once you understand the situation, once you see things for what they are, you can see how you have the strength to overcome, even when things speed up again.
It is only when you allow that spirit to embrace you, that you can see things with eyes of truth and make peace with whatever the "imposter" says, which is not you at all.
If we cannot find this in an increasingly fast paced society, we may never come to realize who we are or what we are actually doing here.
"Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you]."- Jesus
listen:
Damien Rice- "what if i'm wrong"
Monday, April 26, 2010
BEGINNINGS- Sanctuary in a Lions mouth
REVERSE!
Why the blog and what's it all about? And how come correspondence is such a long word?
Well, I want to write, as the sub title mentions about everyday miracles and important lessons I learn in my life adn maybe, just maybe they are helpful to others, if even one other person. Believe it or not, lessons learned in New Hampshire are actually applicable to life outside of living free and looking at mountains. Ok, so Correpondence comes from a phrase that has meant a lot to me the last few years. Your could also write heart, or spark, or feeling. The correspondence is that moment where your heart feels alive, it could be a spring rain shower, a smile of an old friend, the voice of God, a sunrise, a song- whatever. Point is it moves you, and it sustains you. This is the movement of the heart that we all so desperately desire, and, need.
The word Daring simply comes from the fact that so few actually take the chance at letting this feeling move them and help them live and discover that a heart alive, is a heart right. SO what does this feel like?
You'll know when you get there. Trust me. There is nothing else like it. In the words of Jon Foreman, "there ain't no durg, no drug to make me well"-Maybe the drug is the heart, and maybe it takes feeding, nurturing, affection, creativity, and even words to move- Maybe its been ransomed, but yet still feels trapped.
Anyway, this is about our hearts. recapturing them, feeling them, making them move. Its not easy; its actually petrifying. Yet it is worth it. And somehow your body, your soul want to head towards this correspondence, this light.
I believe it is found in all things, but especially in simple conversations where tow people share whats going on and encourage one another. It starts at the ground level. It starts with you, and me. It's a courageous heart, its a bold proposition, its a true feeling, it is a Daring Correspondence and its there for the taking. Are you willing to Move? Chances are I am just as scared as you, but, I am Hoping beyond Hope this is true-
We are ALL alive, but how many of us are really living?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-QThgztMUw
Why the blog and what's it all about? And how come correspondence is such a long word?
Well, I want to write, as the sub title mentions about everyday miracles and important lessons I learn in my life adn maybe, just maybe they are helpful to others, if even one other person. Believe it or not, lessons learned in New Hampshire are actually applicable to life outside of living free and looking at mountains. Ok, so Correpondence comes from a phrase that has meant a lot to me the last few years. Your could also write heart, or spark, or feeling. The correspondence is that moment where your heart feels alive, it could be a spring rain shower, a smile of an old friend, the voice of God, a sunrise, a song- whatever. Point is it moves you, and it sustains you. This is the movement of the heart that we all so desperately desire, and, need.
The word Daring simply comes from the fact that so few actually take the chance at letting this feeling move them and help them live and discover that a heart alive, is a heart right. SO what does this feel like?
You'll know when you get there. Trust me. There is nothing else like it. In the words of Jon Foreman, "there ain't no durg, no drug to make me well"-Maybe the drug is the heart, and maybe it takes feeding, nurturing, affection, creativity, and even words to move- Maybe its been ransomed, but yet still feels trapped.
Anyway, this is about our hearts. recapturing them, feeling them, making them move. Its not easy; its actually petrifying. Yet it is worth it. And somehow your body, your soul want to head towards this correspondence, this light.
I believe it is found in all things, but especially in simple conversations where tow people share whats going on and encourage one another. It starts at the ground level. It starts with you, and me. It's a courageous heart, its a bold proposition, its a true feeling, it is a Daring Correspondence and its there for the taking. Are you willing to Move? Chances are I am just as scared as you, but, I am Hoping beyond Hope this is true-
We are ALL alive, but how many of us are really living?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-QThgztMUw
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