Dear Friends and Family,
I hope that you had a gentle entry into the New Year. I am so grateful to be spending my days reflecting on love as I prepare for our upcoming production at Grace Cathedral in February, Love, a state of grace. In The Fire Next Time, James Baldwin reminds us that “Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. I use the word 'love' here not merely in the personal sense but as a state of being, or a state of grace - not in the infantile American sense of being made happy but in the tough and universal sense of quest and daring and growth.” This state of grace is what I am wondering about. How do we empower ourselves with this grace? How do we maintain it in times that challenge our beliefs and our moral grounding? How do we nurture and love ourselves through our never ending doubts and self judgment? And how do we love the planet in a way that secures a future of generous productivity?
After a couple of years of research, I've become more interested in what my community, family, and friends are think. Our connection is where love impacts and matters the most in my life. So, I am reaching out to ask you to share your thoughts on love.
Also, if you are willing, I would like to include some of your words in the Love, a state of grace program. You can share anonymously, with a pseudonym, or with your first name only. And, while of course you can let me know if you don't want to be included at all ... I would still be grateful to hear from you. Please share this with others who you think might like to share their thoughts.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
With love and gratitude,
Joanna
