5 minute read
What has carried you through this pandemic? (page
What will you carry forward?
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SPIRITUAL ESSAY
With the governor’s order lifting COVID-19 restrictions on June 30th, we have entered a new space as a community. What from these forward into this new territory before us?
This virus has taught us, hopefully at the cellular level, that we are one family sharing a single planet and that what infects one can infect all. May we carry forward the awareness that our destinies are tied together and work for better local, state, national, and international public health measures.
While our destinies are tied together, COVID has not affected everyone equally. Health care access and vaccine availability have skewed toward richer nations and wealthier people within those nations. Yet it was poorer “essential workers” that insured crops were picked, trucks were driven, shelves were stocked, fast food prepared, and meals were delivered. May we carry forward the awareness that those who mattered most in the worst of last year ought to be matter equally this year.
When hospitals were swamped last year and healthcare workers were stretched beyond reason, communities rallied to express support of frontline workers. By physical distancing and masks, we were able to protect others so healthcare workers could do their life-saving work. With the Delta variant overwhelming hospitals now, the best way we can protect healthcare workers is to be vaccinated. May we carry forward protecting frontline workers as diligently today as in 2020.
Parents and caretakers
What has this What has this virus taught us? virus taught us?
COVID has been for them, the effects on children and elderly are greater. Curtailed social interaction will have lasting effects on both. May we carry forward the commitment to walk alongside them and others as we re-socialize, rebuild, and renew our community. What has carried you through this pandemic? What will you carry forward?
Rev Sybrant has a Masters in Divinity, Social Work, and a Doctor of Ministry. For more information, visit us at 15050 SW Weir Road www.murrayhills.org | 503-524-5230
#OREGONLIFEREGON How Gizmo, a very magical horse, helped save my life... one ride at a time
My journey to calling Oregon Home
LIFE ESSAY
Iwoke up shivering and in a state of panic in the middle of a cold and snowy winter night three years ago when I lived and worked near Washington D.C. A few hours earlier, I had engaged in bench-watching the new season of Orange is the New Black
The popular show that displays the rough life of female inmates, including cheating, verbal and physical abuse and deceit, had left me numb and tense. Besides my hectic life in a busy city as a single mom dealing with long hours at work, the show was probably not the right addition to my stressful lifestyle. I felt unsettled, anxious and on the edge. That fateful night, trying to lower my stress levels, I grabbed the remote control I stopped on a show called Heartland. The story revolved around horses. Not only did it help soothe my nerves, but the show also grabbed my attention as I became more curious about horses.
As my curiosity peaked, take horseback riding lessons in West Virginia. As I got to learn more about horses and deal with them in person, I realized how much these wonderful animals could soothe and make me feel safe.
Although I liked their physical beauty, I had always imagined horses as larger-than-life creatures and somewhat intim initial direct contact with horses was magical and made me feel at easy and connected.
My love affair with horses in the Virginia heartland didn’t last long. I decided to move back to Washington County, Oregon, to be close to my mother who had serious health issues. The move across the country with my daughter and facing a new daunting reality was taxing and stressful. Being a caregiver and seeing my mom’s condition deteriorate didn’t help either.
I didn’t have time for horses anymore. Eventually my mom passed away peacefully as I because I had not considered Oregon as home - only a temporary residence to be closer to my mom.
That week, as my family was taking care of funeral matters, I met my neighbors who said they owned two horses. One was named Gizmo. They were very kind and invited me to ride the horse and even take lessons. I obliged and was happy to be around horses again. Gizmo was the best healer. Exactly what I needed at that moment in my life.
I never knew my life could be saved and healed by this beautiful horse. Large and strong yet gentle and so forgiving. Gizmo is teaching me patience and unconditional love one ride at a time. Not only is Gizmo helping me deal with grieving, but he has also helped me call Oregon home again.
Sharing Bread and Salt Event Coming in October
The Zada Show will host a welcoming gathering, bringing together diverse members of the Beaverton community at a Middle Eastern restaurant to breakthe-ice over sample appetizers, build camaraderie, and exchange culture in a socially-distanced, but engaged forum.
Sharing “bread and salt” is a welcoming tradition across many European and Middle Eastern cultures. These two ingredients are the basics of any meal. “Once we have shared bread and salt,” the saying goes, “what disagreement is big enough to divide us?”
Guests will get to try some new foods and learn about the cultures they come from. The hosts will get to share their stories and pride in what they bring to their home in Beaverton. A hosted conversation will follow, encouraging all attendees to exchange their own memories and traditions around hospitality and meals in an environment promoting generosity, inclusivity, and equality.
Naskah Zada is host of the online forum, The Zada Show, her mission is to educate and debunk misconceptions about the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Her passion in seeking the truth has grown to a following seeking the same information with thousands of viewers internationally. Each moment, each video, each presentation can impact the mindset of the audience in hope to deliver a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Middle East.
