Spiritual Moment:

One of my summer reads was Sacramento native Dr. Cornel West’s memoir “Living & Loving Out Loud.” “Brother West” debunks the idea of a post-racial America, but notes that we can and are forming (slowly, painfully) a “less racist” America. I like how he emphasizes that as a teacher, Christian, scholar, and African-American activist, he soaks up wisdom from many cultures and over many generations. One encouraging note from his postscript honors his many mentors. I am rejuvenated by the message:

At times our light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have (re)lighted the flame within us. (Albert Schweitzer, one of my childhood heroes and apparently an honorary UU!)

Music Moments:

Gordon Gerwig shared a fire-starting spark with this uplifting song from Middlechurch, where Greta attends. (I’ve shared it with staff for possible future use. It’s written by Melanie Demore, whom Lucy & I experienced as a powerful workshop leader a few years ago with SMS ):

Put One Foot in Front of the Other and Lead With Love (3.5 min)

Newish ‘fan’ of my music ‘blog post’ ( ?!?) UU poet Joann Anglin shared this “Hymn to Freedom” by genius jazz pianist Oscar Peterson & his trio (7 min):

(More music and musical instruments next week! Please let me know if you are up for some audio / video virtual singing /recording for a service if we can get the technology sorted out)

Black Lives Matter Moment:

On my stay-at-home task list since late March: learn more and expand more (as I am trying to do with rap) Never a sports fan, (except following the GIants as a youth), I did look into the shortened career of courageous 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Here is his stellar NFL teammate Eric Reid introducing him at an Amnesty International awards event (5 min):

Humor Moment:

Our good friend and singer Courtney O’Neill (didn’t know we are neighbors til I ran into her at our Cameron Park library pre-Covid) shared this very funny item. Apparently it reminded her of me (?!?!)

with affection and friendship

Keith

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