While running the rapids called Hell’s Half Mile on the Green River years ago, I was spilled into the depths of a hydraulic hole when our raft caught a rock. Trapped at the bottom, pummeled in the deafening roar of the turbulence and looking up at the light on the surface, my world slipped into slow motion.
The image returns today. Caught in the churn of current events, I struggle to keep my head from debilitating panic and my heart from unsustainable pounding. I am searching for words that will be a life line of perspective to pull me out of the hole and back into the raft.
Born under the sign of Libra, I am disposed to seek balance and harmony, especially when it comes to the scales of justice. The prophet Micah captures it best for me: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
How does one “do” kindness in the face of injustice? When conflict and obstruction replace comity and compromise for the common good? When zero sum reigns supreme, requiring losers so that others may win? When truth is held hostage to alternative universes of spin? When fear fed vilification of “the other” replaces a welcoming light for the stranger?
How can one be true to self and speak truth to power? What are the words that will free our trapped longing to fill our depleted lungs, releasing us the way the Green River freed its captive decades ago?
How do we in this day live the prayer of St. Francis – Lord, make me an instrument of your Peace?
sacredlead 
Thanks for the wonderful words and for the link to the song. I do find myself turning more and more to music these days – it is such a powerful healing release!
Especially the breadth of music you enjoy. It is a gift of some genes that you have multiplied many fold to serve not only your healing and release but deep joy for those who are blessed to listen to you.
“…A welcoming light to the stranger.” What a powerful image.
Thanks for your comment, Pats. It is an image I aspire to; perhaps the aspiration will lead to delivery!
Bob . . .we’re in the same sad predicament. So I have selected Gordon Bok’s “Turning Toward the Morning” as my mantra, and I sing it early and often. Paul
Thanks, Paul. I hadn’t heard it before but it’s beautiful. Here’s a link for those who would like to hear it.
Paul, this song is one I too sing often.