FIRST PERSON
Frt Pro s a pae fr raes t hr proa xeine mi or Frt Pro
is esn i lc o edr o sae esnl eprecs E al yu is esn
story to:
Editor@Oracle20-20.com by the first of each month. All submissions are subject to editing. Name withheld upon request`
expression that matters is one that satisfies another need- bringing with it, whether through the creation or the result, joy, healing, etc.
FAITH, Right This Second By Rev. Dawn Smith-Camacho
Here’s the biggest concept that keeps resurfacing for me lately: if everything is ephemeral—everything—then what on earth (literally) does it mean to do something of significance?
Maybe it’s only significant if it will remain of impor- tance, in some way, in hundreds or thousands of years. I do certainly find enchanting the idea of being a part of a vital legacy. And I am in awe of those who worked their entire lives but didn’t see any of the rewards in their time—especially those who did seemingly thank- less work—the brick layers, the stone builders—those who worked on the pyramids and cathedrals that took several lifetimes. I remain unsure about what this rep- resents for my future. I always felt, with conviction, what I needed to do as I dove in and grabbed on to project after project. Now, the path ahead seems hazy, at best. If I don’t take on a project that is manageable in a timely manner, I feel like I have left ground and am flailing. “Next comes the hardest part for the ego: releasing investment in results. The project may or may not come to full fruition under your auspices or even in your lifetime. Nevertheless, it will flower in its right time because you planted the seed in your time.” Wow. Which seeds should I plant? How do I choose a destination if nothing “matters” (i.e. endures)?
I am led by example to learn from young artists of the hip hop culture. I learned from emcees that one must practice and practice and practice for the sake of being able to have a desirable ‘spontaneous’ response, and I am learning from graffiti artists who are offering me a better understanding of the value of creativity solely for the sake of the process. I never fully understood how these talented artists could paint rich pieces that they knew would survive only briefly—as they would be covered over by other citizens, other artists, or some- times, to my dismay, by the artists themselves. “Every act of creation is important and all things pass. These two insights are twin pillars of a disciple’s understand- ing of creation. There is a unique pleasure in creating with excellence simply for the joy of the process, with- out regard for permanence.” (Gloria Karpinski, Barefoot on Holy Ground) Maybe, I think now, the only creative
Oracle 20/20 November 2011
And, in terms of figuring out what makes a differ- ence—maybe it’s not about what matters in a thousand years, because even that shall pass. Maybe the only thing I, or anyone can do that makes a difference is to make this very instant be the best it can be. And to do whatever it is that feels right, right now. Yes, Faith—but Power, too.
Rev. Dawn Smith-Camacho
www.SpiritList.com a job board for the soul 1-877-SOUL-JOB
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