The power of a praying wife and mother

Happy Feast of Saint Monica!  I know you're like bruh what?  In the Episcopal Church we celebrate the lives of those in the communion of saints who lives served as a model as to how we as 21st  century Christians or saints in the making should live.  We do not worship the saints, we venerate them, that is to say that we hold them in a very high, reverential regard.

In the spirit of Mother's day, allow me to tell you the story of St. Monica.  Monica was born around 331 AD to a very devout and influential family in North Africa.  St. Monica is said to be the patron saint of abuse victims, alcoholics, difficult marriages and wayward children.  It is even said that as a child Monica had a bit of a drinking problem because one of her chores was to draw wine for the family meals.  After being outed as a slight drunkie by a family slave, Monica, covered with guilt and shame, gave up the sauce and soon became baptized to lead a life of virtue and servitude to God.

Upon reaching the age of marriage, Monica's parents found a husband for her, as was the custom of that time.  Monica married this pagan dude named Patricius.  Patricius is described as a man of a violent temperment.  I am sure that their house was not a happy home.  Monica and Patricius had three children, two sons, Navigius, Augustine and a daughter Perpetua.  Eventually after years of prayers and supplications, Patricius finally accepted Monica's faith and became a Christian, when Augustine was about 17 years old.  Although Augustine was brilliant, he proved to have been a very difficult child.  He was sent to Carthage, so that he might develop his talents and become a man of culture.  Needless to say that after all the years
of praying for an abusive husband and a wayward and semi-prodigal son, Monica had her hands full.

When Augustine was in his late 20's, he duped his mother into thinking that he relocated to Rome, but had actually gone to Milan.  While in Milan, Augustine came under the influence of Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan.  Eventually Monica reunited with her son Augustine, and became a very cherished friend of Bishop Ambrose.  One Easter, Ambrose baptized Augustine, much to Monica's pleasure.  Not very long after Augustine's baptism, Monica's health began to decline and she died knowing that her life served as a witness to win over both her husband and wayward son over to the kingdom.

What I find to be particularly interesting is that in the city of Raleigh, NC,there are three historic institutions which honor the lives and connections of these saints.  Monica, the praying wife and mother, Augustine the wayward son and,  Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan.  The historically black St. Monica's School was a Catholic school that educated hundreds of students during the time of segregation in Raleigh.  The school is no longer in operation, but many of its alumni stand as a testament of the education they received from there.  As a product of a Roman Catholic education, I too appreciate the value of the Catholic traditions and approaches to learning.  Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located in Raleigh operates the St. Monica Center as a part of its urban ministry.  St. Augustine's College, also located in Raleigh, is one of three black Episcopal  colleges in the nation.  The Falcons of St. Augustine are a proud group of people who continually celebrate their legacy and alma mater.  Finally, St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, my home church was established in 1868 by alumni of St. Augustine's College.  St. Ambrose Church has a strong and vibrant legacy and is the spiritual home to politicians, educators, doctors, entrepreneurs and the list continues.

I am not suggesting that if Monica never would have prayed, that these institutions would not be here today.  The challenge for today is to live your life as Monica did and NEVER underestimate the power of your prayers.  The task ahead of you is never greater than the prayer behind you.

Peace,
Karsten

A letter from the Rector

The following letter is from the Rev. Canon Robert Wright, Pastor and Rector of St. Paul Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia.  It is something to ponder, as I share similar sentiments.

Brothers and Sisters, I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ. 

I write in response to the report that Osama Bin Laden and others have been killed.  While some will, understandably, rejoice at this news, I do not.  I believe many others around the world do not.  Something other than celebration is required here.  A human being is dead, killed by other human beings.  To say nothing of the many human beings killed over the nearly ten years since the war and manhunt began.

   

            While it is reported that Osama Bin Laden was a killer himself-and I have every reason to believe that- yet, even killers are human beings made in the image of God.  Some say that justice has been done in ridding the world of Osama Bin Laden, and other "high priority targets," but this is not the justice that Jesus himself lived and taught.  At His arrest the night before his Crucifixion Jesus told His disciples, "...those who live by the sword will die by the sword."  There is no real justice or victory in the killing of Osama Bin Laden, or in any terrorist attack, or in any war, or with the execution of any criminal, only a tragic continuation of violence as a false solution passed on from one generation to the next.

Please do not think me naïve; I was in New York City when hijacked airplanes toppled the Twin Towers.  I was at Ground Zero while the buildings were still on fire ministering to First Responders.  I saw first hand what hate and murder produced, and that emboldens me to say these things to you now:  murder in all its forms is a moral failure, and a confession of our lack of creativity and civility.

Today I ask you to join with me and other people around the world, Muslim and Christian alike in praying for the souls of all those killed: Osama Bin Laden; the men and women of our armed forces; all the families that have an empty seat at their dinner tables; the nameless faceless people in Iraq, Afghanistan Pakistan and finally for ourselves, our nation and our President, that we would recommit ourselves to the justice that Jesus actually taught, " to love enemy, to bless those that curse you; to pray for those who despitefully use you."

Alleluia Christ is Risen!

Rob+

A Letter to my Seniors 2011

Karsten Tyson, maestro de Español                                el 28 de abril, 2011

My Dearest Seniors,

You are receiving this correspondence from me, because in some capacity our paths have crossed here at Saint Mary’s, either in class, the Spanish Club, on dorm or just randomly chatting it up.  This moment is both joyous and bittersweet, as I bid you farewell and wish you godspeed.  Congratulations to you, on going to the next level of your academic career.  Some of you still have unanswered questions about life beyond SMS, but that’s okay. 

If you would, allow me to slip into my Brother Tyson hat; as I feel like the Apostle Paul writing to one of his churches.  I have seen some of you transform from dubious and energetic freshmen into the glorious sisters of Saint Mary’s School.  You have many reflections of your high school career to share with your family and ultimately, posterior generations.  I hope that you have had a joyous learning experience here in the hallowed halls of Mary.  One of my favorite hymns is “Love Divine.”  I am sharing the last verse of the hymn with you.

                    Finish, then, thy new creation;

               pure and spotless let us be.

               Let us see thy great salvation

               perfectly restored in thee;

               changed from glory into glory,

               till in heaven we take our place,

               till we cast our crowns before thee,

               lost in wonder, love, and praise.

While sitting in chapel for the SGA and Marshall inductions today, it dawned on me that you are really about to leave this place in a little over 20 days.  I did not come to know many of you personally until last year.  One thing that I have noticed about you, is that you are your sisters’ keeper.  You look out for and protect each other in ways that are good and at times not-so-good.  That is one of the things that we do best here at SMS, taking care of each other.  This not only happens within the student population, but with the faculty and staff as well.  You all have made it through very tough obstacles, lost loved ones and faced consequences.  We have worked, played, learned, and prayed together. 

Some of your peers from the class of 2011 have been instrumental in the continuing of my faith formation.  In January of 2010, Lindsey Johnson proudly stood with me as my confirmation sponsor, as I was officially confirmed into the Episcopal Church.  Working with you has helped me realize my love for people, service, God and the church.  Virginia McMillan and Hayden Rizer sat on my ministerial discernment committee here at SMS in conjunction with other adults on campus and from my home parish, St. Ambrose.  I have discerned the call of God on my life to enter ordained diaconal ministry in the Episcopal Church.  Through their prayers, my discernment committee has formally nominated that I go forward to be presented as an aspirant for holy orders to Bishop Curry. 

I have had the pleasure of teaching some of your sisters, whom have gone on to do wonderful things after leaving this place.  I will more than likely have the joy of teaching some of your younger sisters who will soon come to Saint Mary’s at the appropriate time.  I don’t know where the wind of change will blow us collectively or individually, but I can rest in confidence that as I celebrate twelve years of teaching and learning from my students, that I am a better teacher because of you.  I want to encourage you to “reach out and touch someone in an unimaginable way.”  You’ll feel better, and the love will continue to flow from every mountain, valley, and the uttermost parts of the earth.

I do not have deep or prolific words to share with you, just a ton of memories and my personal love for teaching Spanish and the passion that I have tried to instill in you all.  I truly count it a blessing to have been in service as your maestro de español, for some of you, for others maybe your favorite non-teacher, and Monday night A-team Rover. I am thankful for those of you that put up with me as a teacher and stuck it through, there are some who came to my class on day number one and made an immediate B-line out the door, not mentioning names but (Virginia F, Abby and Millie).  Think about what Carrie said to us in chapel about SMS being a TV show.  What is your favorite episode?  Who is your favorite returning character?  I would not take nothing for my journey now, I have no regrets.  Live life like it’s golden.  Remember that life is good. 

In dedication and faithful service,

Karsten G. Tyson

Because he lives!

Happy Easter!  I know you're probably thinking -- Bruh, you late!  I know.  It is now Thursday and Easter Day was this past Sunday.  Incidentally, did you know that Easter 2011 was the latest that it can ever be on a calendar?  I had a friend ask me why didn't the "calendar man" just make Easter one set day like say December 25th?  Unlike Christmas, Easter does not work like that, because its a holiday that is celebrated based on the moon cycle and other factors.  

One of the things I love about the Episcopal Church is that we celebrate things in seasons.  We observe the Christmas season right on up through the Epiphany and we will do the same with Easter as we transition into the season of Pentecost.  Again I say to you, Happy Festival of the Resurrection!  Easter is the very essence of Christianity.  Our faith compels us to believe that Jesus Christ, the incarnate deity dwelt among us, lived as one of us and did not sin, was crucified, and resurrected from the dead.  Yeah -- you gotta have some faith to not only believe, but accept that at face value. 

All week long, the song "Because he lives" has been in my conscious.  I've been bopping my head to it, humming it at work while people are annoying me, and belting it in the shower.  Jesus died that you might live and because he got up, you can get up.  So, now that you've gotten up, what are you going to do for the kingdom?  How are you going to share his message of love and inclusivity?   Check out this verse from "Because he lives"  I really think that Bill Gaither was on to something.

God sent his son.  They called him Jesus.
He came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon.
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives.

Because he lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because he lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know -- he holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because he lives.

As a child when we would sing this in church, it really didn't have too much personal meaning or significance to me.  However, as an adult who has learned a few lessons and gotten a terminal degree from the University of Life, I can honestly say that this song he really gotten me through some tough times.  Friends, the tomb is empty and our savior lives!  You can face tomorrow and all its obstacles.  Your tomorrow may be unemployment, challenged finances, drama with the significant other and family, trouble at work, poor health, bitterness and resentment from others.  One of the things my grandmother used to say to me is "I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future."  Think on the fact that even through everything that you've been through, you are still here.  You live, because He lives and he has preserved you for such a time as this to manifest his glory.  Alleluia, the Lord is risen indeed!  Happy Easter!

Peace,
Karsten

Kevin and Sean -- Part II

You may recall that back in December, I blogged about two brothers, Kevin and Sean.  They have a story that is very interesting and quite different from mine and maybe some of you that are reading this.  I reposted the original blog.  Read it to familiarize yourself. 

I honestly do think about those brothers a lot, often praying for them that God's will would be manifest to them and that his mercy would clothe and surround them.  In addition, I also prayed that God would allow our paths to cross again.  Be careful what you pray for, you just may get it.

This past Saturday, while walking through downtown before the storm of the tornadoes swept through our city, I ran right into Kevin.  It was a very pleasant reunion, as I was very glad to see him.  Kevin had changed a little since I last saw him.  He looked to have been thinner and he also had the beginnings of what will eventually be dreadlocks.  He looked up at me and said Hey Big Bro, you remember me?  I looked at him and said of course I do.  I thought that it was odd that Sean was not with him.  I asked him how he was doing and where was Sean.  He told me that Sean was not good, and that Sean was with their mother.  Since I last saw the two brothers, Sean had a mental break down and needed an intervention.  I was speechless as Kevin was telling me all the details and assuring me that he was in the process of getting himself together. 

I thought about the few times in my life when I was near the breaking point, but God through his infinite grace and mercy kept me.  As we commemorate Jesus' journey to the cross on Good Friday, let's take time to remember those in our society in which it is so easy to forget and overlook.  Christ came that we might have abundant life.  But what good is good living, if you refuse to share it with others right here among us.  As I concluded my conversation with Kevin, I assured him that he and his brother Sean would be okay.  The challenge for today is to pray for those who cannot pray for themselves as Jesus did for us in John 17.

Peace,
Karsten

Kevin and Sean

You know sometimes I just have to break out of the office at work and clear my head.  Earlier today during my planning period, I decided that I was going to take some much needed me time, and run an errand.  As I was returning to school, I decided to see what was going on at my neighborhood Goodwill Industries (a thrift store).  I pulled up and parked, as I was getting out of my car,  a young brother approached me and said very politely, "Hey Big Bro!"  would you happen to have any men's clothes that you can donate?  I said, not with me.  He also told me that he and his brother lived in a local shelter and had not eaten breakfast.  This was about 2:15.  I told him that I had to go look in the store and would be back.

The young man and his brother sat on the stoop and his brother said, I guess it's gonna be one of those days.  His brother told him.  Man, just calm down, Big Bro is going to look out.  Meanwhile, I may have stayed in the store less than five minutes and did not see any vintage books or vinyl of interest.  It's so funny how you respond to people when you're called certain things.  Most of the times when I'm approached by someone in public needing assistance, I'm usually greeted by an "Ay yo my mane!"-- Instant turn off.  But this particular guy called me Big Brother.  Coincidentally, I am the youngest of my family, and always wanted to be a big brother, so naturally this greeting not only intrigued me, but pulled at my heart.

I reached in my pocket and pulled out a crumpled five dollar bill and gave it to the guy who I learned was the younger of the two brothers, whose name is Kevin.  He thanked me, but instead of walking off and rushing back to my office, I engaged in a conversation with the two young men.  Sean, the older of the two brothers is 27 and is the more laid back of the pair, while Kevin is 23.  I discovered that they are local natives with family in the area, but are living in a shelter.  As we were talking, Kevin complimented me on my haircut.  I don't know their story, but I could not judge them, or scoff at them.  I was not fearful in my dialogue with them, because I know that one of the areas that I am called to serve in, is urban ministry.  I knew that God had my back.  Five dollars would not send me to the poor house, but it got a meal for two brothers who probably had not eaten since yesterday. 

If at all possible, during this holiday season and beyond, practice random acts of kindness with friends, family and strangers.  There is always someone in a worse situation than you.  I felt so much better giving that money to Sean and Kevin, someone with whom I connected, as opposed to dropping spare change in the red kettle, which I will continue to do.  Remember the words of our Savior "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."  Matthew 25:40

Peace,
Karsten

When I survey the wondrous cross

I cannot believe that Lent is almost over.  For those who have abstained from certain habits, come Easter Sunday, they will be able to indulge and go on with life as usual.  But has your Lent been a holy Lent?  At least that's how my priest rolled out the lenten observance the Sunday before Mardi Gras.  The old hymn "When I survey the wondrous cross" has been on my mind lately.

What do you think about when you see a cross?  They are all over the place these days, in churches, cathedrals, in the homes of family and friends, bejeweled and tattooed on the bodies of people.  There are several types of crosses -- Let's see, we have Egyptian, Coptic, Canterbury, and St. George's cross.  Let's not forget the Red Cross which we very often see during tragic times to offer disaster relief.  Then we have the crucifix, which depicts the Christ on the cross in the final moments of his life.

What immediately comes to your mind when you see a cross?  A simple figure of two perpendicular lines, that to some is just a simple adornment or accessory.  To others it is a profound representation of their faith in something greater than themselves.  To some it is representative of lovingkindness in an oftentimes cruel and unpredictable world.    Several things come to my mind when I see a cross.  When you see a cross today, and believe me you will, think about what it represents to you.  As I close, I leave with you the lyrics to "When I survey the wondrous cross."  If you are not familiar with this song, youtube it.

When I survey the wondrous cross
where the young Prince of Glory died,
my richest gain - I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did ever such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Peace,
Karsten