Happy Birthday to these United States of America!

 The  Ideas of religious freedom and self governance by the people launched a movement 235 years ago that continues to evolve. Thank you to those military & civilians who have paid with sweat & blood over the years for the freedoms we enjoy. We are not perfect and we are not finished yet. May America be a blessing now and always.


I say may America be a blessing because I often hear people say God Bless America. And yes, I too want God's Blessing on America and the entire planet. We are not separate from each other. All of the nations, people, life and this planet are interconnected on multiple levels.


Technology has made it possible to communicate with and, often, see and speak with almost anyone, anywhere at anytime. A couple of years ago, I officiated a wedding in Royal Oak Michigan that used Skype to link with the bride's family in Mongolia. They were able to be a part of the ceremony in real time. I met people in South Africa in 1997 that I regularly email, Facebook and Skype with. More than 500 million people are connected on Facebook alone. Of the worlds 6.9 billion people, 2.1 billion are Internet users.


Corporations span the globe, rapidly moving goods around the planet. Our economies are increasingly intertwined in complex ways. While global commerce has positive and negative aspects, we are still learning how to live on a massively integrated scale.


The ongoing movement of Spirit, by all the names and ways we understand It, is the ultimate connector. More and more, people are realizing that we are not separate beings with individual lives. Rather, we are individualization's of One life. We are part of one living organism called Life.


The rate of interconnections is increasing. Have you noticed? We can allow this transformation to drag us along or we can choose to be intentionally  involved with this exciting evolution in consciousness.


God Bless America and may America continue to be a blessing to all.










(c) 2011 by Richard L. Beattie

Minister Resigns After Church Vote for Gay Clergy, Christian News

Minister Resigns After Church Vote for Gay Clergy, Christian News

In this article, The Rev. Andrew Coghill announced that he was stepping down from his pulpit in a Presbyterian (Church of Scotland) church because of his opposition to gay clergy which the General Assembly moved a step closer to ordaining.

He is quoted, "The Cross is not simply to be preached, it is to be lived." And I absolutely agree.

The cross bridges the apparent gap between divinity and humanity & calls us into a life in relationship to God based on Grace and not on the Law. To live the cross is to follow Jesus and his admonitions & instructions to "Love one another as I have loved you."

To be anything less that I was created to be is blasphemous. Someone recently asked how many homosexuals does God need to create before we get the message that everyone is made in the image and after the likeness of God.

Celebrate your life for it is a wonderful and unique expression of the very Life of God.

Only Love!

Ric

(c) 2011 by Richard L. Beattie

Love is the Guide

Dear God,

We remember that You are the unifying force that links all life.
In the stillness, we connect as One—heart to heart and mind to mind.
From this Oneness flows the guidance, ideas and courage we need to:

Cool reactors
Calm fears
Feed children
Love one another
Restore the planet
Heal the broken
End wars
And change course.

The effects of our error thinking are evident in many places on our planet.
Today, we move beyond effect to the deeper level of cause.
Now is the time for us to unite in thought, prayer and Love.
Remind us God that in You, All is well.
Thank You.
Amen

(c) Copyright 2011 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights are reserved

Waiting for the Storm

I love snow storms. Perhaps I should say I love to be safely at home (or in a cabin with a fire and someone special) with everything I need to stay home for several days when a storm is raging.. I enjoy the imposed slowdown as well as the display of quiet power. Frozen water is tiny flakes that weight almost nothing accumulate as a formidable force capable of stopping our machinery, shutting down airports and train depots.


For several days the weather people have been predicting the big storm was coming, 10-15 inches of snow and the likelihood that most everything would be shut down for a couple of days. The church was closing early so that we could all get home before the storm made its appearance. On the way home, I stopped at the grocery store to make certain that I would not have to go out for several days if needed.


When I got home, I noticed that I had bough ingredients to make comfort food, or the food from my two grandmothers' kitchens.Supplies for chicken soup, chili and chocolate chip cookies. As I work through "A Course in Weight Loss," I'm simply noticing the connections between my emotional state, in this case, the storm and being safe with Grandma by recreating the smells and tastes of her kitchen.


I don't know if the storm will deliver as forecast, but I have experienced another important aha about my eating habits. 


Keeping it as real as I can!
Ric

A bunch of Oneness

It is January 11, 2011 or 1/11/11 for some reason I have been noticing the clock at 11:11 frequently for the last few days, and then again today. I take both the date and my noticing the time as pointing to our oneness. We are all connected for these is only Life which expresses itself in so many wonderful ways including you and me.


I am one with the One!


Peace,


Ric

River Rushes Over Me

Hey God,

You are the River like in this song
running through my life.

Sometimes gentle

and sometimes

wild and raging.

W i d e then narrow, 
fast and all at once still and serene.

I am once again navigating the rapids of change.
Life is asking more of me.
my past life 
is rushing up in its wild and raw state-- flooding my mind and emotions.

In the very moment I am overwhelmed by shame and anger

The River washes over me
Grace floods my heart and awareness.
I am a little smoother for the journey.
Oh Yeah!

Always in Love,


Ric

"Rolling River God" performed by Bridgette Bryant at Agape

(c) 2011 Richard L, Beattie , all rights reserved.

Lesson 1 continues - The voice -vs- The Voice.

(This post is in relation to Lesson 1 in the book, A Course in Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson. This is a journey that I am traveling personally and facilitating a group of people through at Renaissance Unity.)


From the emails I have received, conversations shared and posts in our group area, I am not the only one who is having a tough time getting started on or processing through this list of 25+ words. 


There are two voices in my mind. The voice of my ego: shrill, judgmental, fearful, absolutely committed to keeping things, me stuck exactly where I have been for so long. The other Voice, the Voice for God: the voice of Love, calling to me to rise up and into a higher possibility, calling me to face the fears and move through them, reminding me that we are all connected and that I am not alone, reminding me that I do not have to rely on myself alone.


Just reading the list slowly, as MW suggests, triggers my monkey mind  to go in several directions at once. One direction is something like, "Oh really Ric, what do you know about changing your image in relation to weight, have you looked in the mirror lately?"  Another direction my ego takes is, "If you are really openly honest about all of these things, they (the congregation/you)  will know how weak, messed up, incompetent, nuts you really are!"  Looking at the ways I have shamed myself, judged both myself and others, dealt with injustice, been unjust, been fearful -  oh there is the trigger word for today, fear.


Fear of  letting myself down, fear of failing the congregation, fear of failing, fear of not being able to follow through. Fear of being a fool. Fear of allowing myself to be vulnerable & transparent and being ridiculed. No, that isn't the big one. Fear of having shared publicly in a sermon,  in the class,  through this blog and my conversations and then failing to make the changes personally.


I realize I am at choice, I can continue living the way I have been which is slowly killing me by limiting my physical activities and isolating me, even in a crowd of people. Crying tears in silence, rather like the tears of the clown. Or I can dare to follow The Voice for love & life and my highest and best - calling me to change and be the man I was created to be - and encourage others to live their best lives too.


So I press on, a word at a time, a painful memory at a time, a thought at a time. It's just a thought. I can hear Katie say, "a thought has no bearing on reality". If the thought is bringing me stress, I question it until it lets go of me, releases my mind. Each thought is bringing me useful information that I can take to inquiry. 


I am grateful for "A Course in Weight Loss"  that I am certain Marianne Williamson wrote for me. And I am grateful too  that I have The Work to process the list of stressful thoughts  my ego would use to keep me stuck. I find it interesting that earlier this year I attended The School for The Work. Then again, is it interesting or Divine Order? I find the universe is very friendly and supportive when I notice. More importantly, I am grateful for those sweet souls who are traveling this path with me.


Yes I can do this work and transform my life! And you can too because together, we create an incredible field of potentiality.


Only Love,


Ric

The Connection Between Food Stains & A Wall of Bricks

One hundred thirty-five people showed up for the first class in the series focused on Marianne Williamson's book A Course in Weight Loss this afternoon. So many people holding an intention together has created a powerful field of resonance. I am so grateful to have such a band of travelers on this journey. Many dear friends that I know well and another group of people that I don't know so well yet. 


My approach to teaching this is very different that anything I have done in the past. It isn't like I have mastered this material already and am now sharing what I know.  This class is live and alive.  The strategy  I have been guided to follow is to share my own journey as honestly and self revealing as I can. We are going to travel this journey of discovery and healing, together. 


The assignment for our next meeting on January 23 is to read and journal the items in Lesson 1, Tear Down the Wall. The idea behind the lesson is that we have  built a wall of bricks between ourselves and other people/life in order to protect ourselves.


The first "brick" in the wall is shame. So many images flood my mind, so much shame in me about my body, food, eating, clothing, etc. 


On New Year's Eve, two of my dearest friends and I decided to check out the "scene" in Royal Oak after we finished our annual Burning Bowl service. Royal Oak was host to a free concert and ball drop and it had been years since any of us had done anything on New Year's Eve.


We began our evening with dinner. After a wait for a table (we did not have reservations) , we were seated in a booth.  I normally do not sit at booths in restaurants because I cannot sit forward at my current size. Most people do not realize that they sit forward as they eat to keep the fork and food over their plate. If something drops from fork or mouth, it ends up back on the plate. 


When I sit in a booth that is fairly narrow, I often find that I am reclining slightly,  away from the table. If any food falls from my fork or a drip of soup or whatever, it ends up on my shirt. I knew that a couple of items had fallen as we had eaten our meal but when I went to the mens room and had a look at myself in the mirror, I was mortified. Several small stains were plainly visible along with the mother of all gravy stains, clearly visible. My attempt to clean myself up just left a larger, more visible smear.


I hurriedly got back to my friends and let them know that I was tired and going home. I was too ashamed to share that I was going home because I had stains all over the front of my shirt. I  know that my friends love me unconditionally and would not judge me and still the shame was so great, I could barely stand. Carefully, I moved through the crowd to the relative safety/isolation of my car and then home. 


This is just one shameful incident and shame is only one brick in a wall that is high and thick and so very effective at keeping others/love away.


Dear God,
Help me notice the feelings and thoughts that have formed into bricks.
Help me release them to You so that I might be whole.
I want to love and be loved.
Help me let Love into my life and heart.
May we all experience the transformational power of Love on this journey of discovery.
Give us all the courage to open our hearts to each other and to You.
Shine a light into this darkness that causes it to vanish forevermore.
Thank You God!
Amen


On the journey,
Ric

Happy New Year, New You & New Me too!

Happy New Years Day! I am watching the final rays of a most glorious sunset as this first day of a New Year slowly gives way to the nighttime.


I have enjoyed this day spent reading Marianne Williamson's new book, A Course in Weight Loss, listening to a webcast on emerging consciousness, walking the neighborhood and quietly reflecting on the areas of my life that have been in motion lately. Front and center of which is my recent participation in The School for The Work of Byron Katie in Los Angeles this past October.


It feels like there is a huge connection between The Work and A Course in Weight Loss for me. When I was getting ready for The School for The Work, I set and held an intention of developing a new relationship with my body and of learning to release this barrier I had created that keeps people at a distance personally. As I read A Course in Weight Loss in order to prepare for our first session in the class I am leading at church, this seems to be next in this process of personal transformation that began in earnest at The School in October.


I don't know exactly where this is all leading, yet I feel big energy moving in and around me. I believe this process is the next step in several areas of my journey. I surrender myself to the process, trusting that Love is my guide and is leading the way.

How do you measure a year?

As we come to the end of 2010, it is hard not to remark about how quickly it has passed. Indeed, how quickly this decade has gone by. 


525,600 minutes - How do we measure the passing of a year? Cups of coffee, miles driven, thoughts thought, money earned? 


For me personally:  funeral services officiated, counseling appointments, meetings attended, weddings performed, sermons preached? How about measuring the increase in Love on the planet? Or in how many people I have loved? How many people have I allowed to love me?  How many people are enjoying a real, dynamic, life changing experience of God? 


I love this song because it brings up such a strong emotional response from the very depths of my soul.

Who is that man behind the curtain/mask/insulation?

Many speakers, preachers & teachers (including me) say, "I always teach what I most need to learn."  During last Sunday's sermon, when I shared the plans for the upcoming class I'm leading on Marianne Williamson's newest book A Course in Weight Loss, I knew that it would touch others though I underestimated just how many. I am encouraged and humbled by the number of people who want to travel this path with me.


As I prepare the class outline,  I notice how many of the questions in the book take me directly to the process of inquiry known as The Work of Byron Katie. I notice the many stories I have created or adopted (from other folk) about my body and my weight. Who am I without the stories?


My ego is screaming at me, "I can't believe you dumped it all out in public during a sermon. Why are you doing this to us? Don't you see that everyone knows now. They are all laughing at us now. Who do you think you are? You are not smart/serious/grown up/ enough to pull this off. How will you explain it away when you fail miserably? How are you going to lead a group of people into a place you have only visited, and never for very long?" My ego is trying to drag me into The Hole:

So I say to my ego, Peace - Be still. Now is the time. I am not relying solely on myself for I have surrendered this deep stuck place to the Holy Spirit, a power greater that I am which does for me what I have not been able to accomplish. I am not afraid of my own darkness for it is merely the absence of light and not real. 


I am not alone and neither are you! Make this an awesome day in some way.


Only Love,


Ric

Farewell Miss Jeannie

I attended the memorial service for a giant of a woman this afternoon. Rest In peace Jeanne Frazier, thou good and faithful servant. Miss Jeannie as we called her at church, was an amazing woman. Her faith was enormous and her word was impeccable. She would often call you, "my love" in a way that made you know she meant it.

Miss Jeanie was grateful for every moment and rooted in the present in a powerful way. Thank you for sharing your gifts and faith with so many of us.

Otherwise, this has been a slow down take it easy day off. A bit of a cold is trying to settle in so a great day for some reading in " A Course in Weight Loss" in order to finalize our upcoming class. Many people expressed interest in being part of this journey. Come Holy Spirit and take us to the core of the issue.

The Beginning of the Beginning

Two weeks ago, I announced from the platform on Sunday, that I was forming a class/group to study/experience Marianne Williamson's book, A Course in Weight Loss because it is my journey to me

I was very touched by how people responded. Some thought I had a new diet to share, or wanted to share a new diet with me. This is not about diets or food or exercise. There is no magic pill, potion, lotion or drink. No perfect melt away the pounds exercise machine, video, system or wand. To lose weight eat fewer calories than you burn.

This is about transforming consciousness at the deepest level. This is about discovering the stuck story of me and healing it, releasing the story so that it releases me.This is about living the abundant life, a journey toward life in it's fullness. It is the story of my life.In a couple of hours I am going to share this beginning with a coup[le thousand people. Am I nuts? Maybe, but it is the thing that I am guided to do.

Hold onto your hats, this could be an interesting ride.

Only Love!

Ric

Happy Birthday to Me

Hey God,

It's been another year already. Fifty five years ago in the early morning hours, I entered this experience of the Journey. I have come to understand that You are the Life that lives me. Life, Your life, the One life expressed in, through and as me.

As I begin this new year, my heart is very full. This song by Jami Lula, speaks to my heart. Into Your  "hands" I surrender. Maybe into You as Your hands but those are not the words that Jami wrote. Into Your will, your plan, Your divine design I yield myself once again.

My birthday is an interesting day in that it is both not a big deal and I like people to remember.

No time to be weighed down

Have you ever experienced having an idea float into your consciousness over and over in a short period of time from many different places and angels? Almost as if the idea is trying to get your conscious attention.

One of my great challenges in life has been maintaining a reasonable and healthful weight. Twice in my life I have released (not lost because I tend to find what I lose, like duh I found it again, over in the corner) more than 100 pounds. I am now embarking on that journey again.

Life/Spirit/God has been nudging me in the pesky way It does for a while and over the past few weeks, the pace has definitely quickened. This video below floated up in my face recently and as I watched it I laughed and cried. I know the story all too well. Now, I do not think I will be running anytime soon--the knees and hips of a 54 year old are not designed to run with the amount of weight that I am currently carrying which I am so not comfortable to post at this point.

Nudges and subtle pushes have come recently in a variety of ways:

• Really paying attention to the way I feel when I exert myself
• Watching a DVD of myself preaching, great sermon but who is that man?
• Intentionally standing naked in front of a full length mirror
• Trying to date someone recently (who pursued me) and having it bring up so many insecurities that I have never experienced before. I have been out of the dating scene for a few years, but there was a time, a long time, where fat or not I was a busy dating dude. Not now it seems.
• I am a spiritual teacher, a pastor. To teach is to demonstrate and it is time for me to demonstrate leadership over my self, in this area. I know that the outer world is a reflection of consciousness. To change my life, my body starts with changing my mind and I know how to do that.
• Desire to reduce or eliminate some of the medications I take for diabetes and my heart, hence part of My Heart's Journey
• I will turn 55 in November and I am so not ready to sit down and be an old man, there is more Life to experience and express.
• If Ben Davis (video dude) can do this, I can too! Thanks Ben for the push! Ben has also inspired me with his blog about his journey: http://bendoeslife.tumblr.com/

Five Freeing Ideas

Originally a sermon, these ideas are my personal signposts.

Five Freeing Ideas

1. It is what it is. No matter how much we might try to convince ourselves that a situation is different; no matter how hard we “push”, things are just the way they are. We accept what is at this moment. No rose colored glasses, no drama, no denial, no aggrandizement. We realize that accepting what is does not mean we cannot change; it simply means that we stop deceiving ourselves and we stop fighting with the current reality.
2. It's not about me (or you). No one is out to get me; in fact "they" are not nearly as concerned about me or focused on me as my ego would like me to believe. I am not the center of the known universe nor am I a target of ridicule. I am an intrinsic part of the whole.
3. I forgive and I am forgiven. True forgiveness is coming to realize that every experience I have ever had-- every condition or circumstance in my life--is a perfectly designed opportunity for the unfoldment of my soul. I release the past and open myself fully to the opportunities I am presented with in this moment to evolve spiritually. I let go of my "story." I let go of the trauma and drama that I thought was who I was. I consciously shift from victim to victor.
4. God Is. I am. We Are. One. Who and what I am, in reality, is so different from and so much greater than I dared to think or dream until now. God is everywhere present in my life. The universe is wired in my favor. I am an emanation or expression of the pattern of energy that some call God. God is another name for the life that lives me. Wherever I am, God Is!
5. Freedom is Surrender. Surrendering to the moment-by-moment guidance of Spirit is the ultimate freedom. We do not have to try to figure it out! As we listen with our hearts, get honest with ourselves, and release what we think we know we will be led through any and every circumstance.

Five Freeing Ideas, copyright © 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010

by Richard L. Beattie all rights reserved

Magnificent You

In this moment, right where you are, know that you are Loved. The world is waiting for you to be who you are here to be.

So be It!

(c) 09/27/2010 by Richard L. Beattie

A Prayer for Healing of the Gulf of Mexico

Loving Spirit,

We join in prayer for the healing of all creatures, people, plants and waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
We have long known that we are connected to all life.
Now, more than ever before, our hearts are also aware of this truth.
There is only One Life, One Presence, One Power.
This One Life is shared by all living things.
We recognize that there is no them only us.
We know that all things are working together for our good.
Divine wisdom and guidance are now directing the efforts to stop the oil spill and restore the balance.
May this tragedy become a point of awakening and transformation.
We are willing to become better stewards of this beautiful Earth.
We are willing to change the way we live.
Teach us Your peaceful way to be a harmonious part of the whole.
We pray in the name and nature of our Way-shower, Jesus Christ.
Thank You.
Amen

Copyright © 06/23/2010 by Richard L. Beattie

Avatar is amazing

I went to see the movie Avatar this evening with a dear friend. I left the theater with tears in my eyes, a smile in my heart and feeling more deeply connected to life.

I love movies that touch & inspire me. Avatar does both, extremely well. There is so much I want to say but this is a new movie and I certainly do not want to ruin the experience for you.

Below are a few general thoughts. I'll preach several of the themes the film explores in the near future and I will definitely see the movie again, soon and I will buy the DVD as soon as it is released.

In my collection, I place this movie next to Star Wars, The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, Wizard of Oz and Dune, among other movies, that use a fantasy (at the time) setting to communicate universal spiritual themes.

I marvel at the many people, forms, formats and methods that Spirit is using to help us awaken. A shift is happening in our consciousness. The old paradigm of the few taking what ever they want by force, consumer driven greediness and duty as a method for control are giving way to deep heart connections, life as a unified field and Love being real. This movie is another of those channels for a universal message that now is the time to arise.

I have added Eywa to my list of words that refer to that presence and power some people call God. Thank You, Eywa for this stunning reminder that we are all connected in You.

By all means, go see the movie (in 3D) and lets chat.

Copyright (c) 2010 by Richard L. Beattie. All rights reserved.

Welcoming 2010

It has been an oddly quiet New Years Day. Perhaps that is in comparison to the extremely busy December that has just passed. At any rate, I am guided to share more of my own journey via this blog.

My Intention/Prayer for this morning (which I set as my Facebook Status) is:

Holy Spirit: I invite You to move in and through me as peace, strength, faith, wisdom, courage, hope, guidance, joy and Love. I dedicate this New Year to increasing my experience and expression of Your presence. Speak, write, witness, dance, walk and live me, as You will. Thank You!

One of the recurring messages for me has been that the "work" before me is to get out of God's way and allow that which Is to express. Not exactly sure how this happens, but I am open and inviting the process.

Happy New Year & New Decade.

Copyright (c) 2010 by Richard L. Beattie. All rights reserved.

Fifteen years and Dad, I Still Miss You

Fifteen years.

Seems like just a few days ago and it also seems like a diffirent lifetime.

It has been 15 years since you left this dimension. Fifteen years since my world was stood upside down and shaken hard.

From that point of impact much change has spidered out across my life. I wonder sometimes what you would say about how I am doing in life. So many mistakes and so much growth. Feels like I have found my stride finally.

I wish we had spent more time together and I had paid better attention when I was younger. You get smarter and smarter in my memories.

I have always loved you.

Milk - The Movie

I just got home from seeing the movie "Milk" with my niece Ashley What an emotional journey this film has been for me! Emotional in that I have not walked through those memories in quit this way ever before.

I am a child of the 70's. I graduated from Lake Orion High School in 1973 and promptly moved to Detroit's gay ghetto (at the time) which was Palmer Park. The several blocks of apartment buildings that occupied the North West corner of the Woodward Ave McNichols Rd (a/k/a/ Six Mile) intersection.

I moved to Los Angeles in 1977 just before my 21st birthday. I left the Detroit area with $330 in my wallet, a suitcase, my tool box (I was a machinist) and the name of a friend of my pastor who would let me stay on his sofa for a couple of weeks.

Within those two weeks, I landed a job, met two other transplants who were looking for a roommate and found a small church family at All Saints MCC (no longer exists) in what is now West Hollywood. Over the next few months a very naive young man from Lake Orion, Michigan came into his own as an activist for gay rights and in so many way had his eyes opened wider than he had previously thought was possible.

In the movie Milk, one of the several issues that Harvey Milk was working on was the defeat of Proposition 6: The Briggs Initiative. This referendum was an attempt to ban gay/lesbian persons from teaching in public schools in California. As part of my venturing out into the world, this political issue became my personal coming of age experience in terms of the ability of ordinary people to change the political tide.

Along with most of my new friends, I got involved with working to defeat Proposition 6. I because a deputy registrar of voters in and for the county of Los Angeles and spent a lot of time registering people to vote and encouraging them to get involved. In June of 78, I attended the Christopher Street West (gay pride) celebration in Hollywood and worked the crowd registering voters and talking to people about exercising their right to vote.

There were fund raisers top attend such as a $100 per plate dinner at the Beverly Hilton that was amazing. My first experience of Hollywood and politics coming together with big money. And my hera from the Vietnam War protest days , Joan Baez, gave a concert at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to help raise money to defeat Prop. 6.

Seeing the movie brought that entire time of my early adult life back for a walk through my memories. It also reminded me that a price was paid for the progress we have achieved thus far. Harvey Milk paid with his life. Few of us will have to make that sacrifice, for which I am grateful. But we all have work to do. One of Harvey's basic strategies was to encourage people to come out to their families and friends, because people who know someone who is gay are much more likely to vote with us than against us.

The work is not over. In fact, the work for equality in marriage and under the law is ramping up. Let us have the courage to overturn the recent Proposition 8 in California. Let us work to restore rights that have been repealed in many places in our nation. And may we all find the courage to proudly live with the fire of our lives shining brightly on the hillside for all to see.

Thanks Harvey Milk for your courage and thanks to Sean Penn for his courage and brilliant performance which brought this beautiful story out for us to experience!

(c) 2009 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights are reserved

World Aids Day 20th Anniversary 1988-2008.

Stop AIDS. Keep the promise.

Today on this twentieth anniversary of World AIDS Day (1988-2008), we acknowledge those who have died from HIV/AIDS and we recommit ourselves to the eradication of this disease on behalf of the millions who are living with HIV/AIDS and for future generations.

During the early 80’s I had been able to side step AIDS.  I was living in Detroit, Michigan at the time. Occasionally we would hear about this strange illness that seemed to be affecting gay men in LA, New York and San Francisco but there was no much real information. And we were too caught up in having a good time to pay much attention/

In 1984 I moved to Ventura, California and there was not much happening with AIDS there either. Oh, we would visit LA read the gay papers and slowly became aware that this disease was killing many men, but Ventura was an idyllic, sleepy seaside town that seemed off the path of this plague we were hearing about in the news. The sense of denial gave way as the pandemic exploded and men that I knew or rather knew of were starting to get sick and die.

Prior to moving from Detroit to Southern California, I had been very involved with Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit where I was part of a group of 12 guys who went to The Woodward Bar every Sunday night after the evening service. We would hang out and talk, eat a burger, drink a beer, play pool and play video games. It was a wonderful, easy end to the weekend and we were very much like brothers for each other. We loved, accepted and encouraged one another without hesitation or reservation.

When I moved back to Detroit and reconnected with MCC Detroit around 1990, I discovered that of that group of amazing men, only five were still living at the time and at least one of them was living with HIV/AIDS. I will never forget that day – I felt like someone had punched me in the gut, repeatedly. I struggled with learning of and grieving multiple losses all at once and I wondered why I had been spared.

During the course of the 90’s, I said good bye to many more men and one woman as each in turn succumbed to AIDS. At one point I realized that I was barely able to cry or feel anymore. I had become numb and detached. It was the only way to survive.

In 1993 we in the g/l/b/t/a communities marched on Washington D.C. for the third time to demand g/l/b/t equality and more action on AIDS. The entire AIDS Memorial quilt was on display on the mall and they were reading the names of all those who had died who had panels in the quilt. What a haunting sound. I walked the panels with my brother, who had just found out he was HIV+. I walked the panels, listening to the names being read and was crying for him and because I had discovered in those quilt panels the names of several former friends or partners.

Everything seemed to change in the latter part of the 90’s as the new drugs were being tried and seemed to be working. For the most part, people stopped dying of AIDS at least in the western world. But living with HIV/AIDS is not like ever getting over it, you are not an AIDS survivor, you live with the disease.

One of my brothers and several friends are currently living with HIV/AIDS. They endure endless drug regimens, doctor’s visits, blood tests, stress you and I cannot imagine, almost constant diarrhea and the long term side effects of the drug therapy which take their own toll on a person’s quality of life.

Many times over the past few years I have read about “bug chasers” and “bare backing.” It seems that some people are returning to risky sex practices because they think it’s not such a big deal to be HIV+.  You just go to the doctor and take some pills and carry on with your life. While the drug therapies are miracles and preserve life, it is not easy to live with AIDS and no one really knows what the long term affects are of these powerful drugs.   I hope and pray that anyone who thinks that HIV is not a big deal will think again. I also hope and pray that we continue to research a way to end this living hell for good.

On this twentieth anniversary of World Aids Day I remember these dear friends. You are not forgotten. I am a better man for having known and loved each of you. You made a difference for me and for many people. Thanks for sharing part of the journey we call life. You are missed!

In loving memory of: 

Mr. Douglas J. Arsenault
Mr. Keith Apple
Dr. Eric Loranger
Mr. Richard L. O’Dell
Mr. Jon Rowe
Mr. Patrick Lee
Mr. Woody Lee
Mr. Joe K. Grantham
Ms. Tracey Mae Artinian LaCroix
Mr. Larry Gaynier
Mr. James Proffit
Mr. James Holman
Rev. Roger Webb
Mr. William R. Fischer
Rev. James Sandmire
Mr. Phillip Gallnitz
Mr. Dennis Tracy
Mr. Peter Salm
Mr. Andrew Satterfield
Unnamed

 

Dear God,

Today we remember the many that have died from HIV/AIDS and the millions more who are living with HIV/AIDS.
May our eyes and ears be open to those who cannot act or speak out for themselves.
May we maintain our vigilance and continue pressing for medical research.
May our hearts and arms be wide open to each other.
Expand our capability to love and care for one another.
Grant us the grace and courage to live in Love.
Help us to stop AIDS and keep the promise.
Amen.

 

Always in Love,

Ric 

© 2008 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights reserved

Historical Night: Barack Obama nominated for President

I just watched one of the most amazing political speeches I have ever heard.

What an awesome testimony to the real strength of America - tonight, a man of color was nominated as the Democratic Party candidate for President of The United States of America. I cried through the culmination of the most amazing political convention I have witnessed during my life time.

That a person of color is nominee from one of the two dominant parties is something I was not sure I would see in my life time. The fact that the close runner up to that man was a woman is equally awesome. And for the first time, I have heard the candidate for the highest office in our land talk about gay rights as civil rights during a major speech to the nation. We have all come a long way from the late '60's. Thank You God!

Copyright (c) 2008 by Richard L. Beattie. All rights are reserved.

I Lift Detroit In Prayer

Today, Renaissance Unity launched a twenty-one day prayer vigil

McCain not sure how many houses he owns -- Queer Lesbian Gay News -- Gay.com

McCain not sure how many houses he owns -- Queer Lesbian Gay News -- Gay.com

I'm not sure I even need to say anything about this story. In a time when many American's are struggling to hold on to the one house they own (with their mortgage company) John McCain is not sure how many houses he and his wife own.

Earlier in the same interview, he quipped that to be rich in America you had make at least 5 million a year.

Both of these ideas are a long way from where I live...

Randy Pausch - The Last Lecture dude dies at 47

YouTube's star lecturer dies at 47 - CNN.com

If you haven't watched The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch I urge you to take the time to do so. In the process of dying Randy taught us all, and most importantly his children an amazing way to live in the now. Randy shares what the power of an intention or dream held in expectation can achieve in our lives. By sharing his own process of living though this experience, Randy inspires all of us to be alive while we are alive.

Randy made his transition today, Friday July 26, 2008. I am a better person for having been touched by his story. What childhood dreams are lying dormant in you? Watch this video and then allow Spirit to dance your dreams awake!

Co-Payments for Expensive Drugs Soar - New York Times

Co-Payments for Expensive Drugs Soar - New York Times

Until recently, I understood insurance to be a method of spreading risk of loss over many people in order to provide coverage most could afford. Now, with the new "Tier 4" formulary prescription pricing, drug coverage for some of the people who need it most has shattered that illusion of sharing the risk among many for the benefit of the few.

I wonder if we will ever understand that we are all connected. WE are emanations of the One life that lives us all.

International Childhood Cancer Awarness Day

Today is International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. If you have ever been close to a child who is dealing with cancer then you already know the roller coaster of blessings and heartache that are involved for the entire family.

I am close with a family who have a 4 year old boy named CJ who has been dealing with neuroblastoma for the last 14 months. Watching him lean into (for the most part) each phase of treatment has been a real inspiration for me. This family has grown closer as they have lovingly cared for CJ. There have been moments of amazing sweetness and rejoicing and there have also been heartaches and unbelievable anguish. CJ is still undergoing treatment and we are filled with hope for him.

I invite you to do whatever you can for children who are dealing with cancer: Visit, pray, encourage, provide respite assistance for parents, send money for research to some place like St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Children's Hospital of Michigan. Above and beyond all else, will you keep your heart open to the people around you?

This too is part of My Heart's Journey!

In Love,

Ric


(c) 2008 by Richard L. Beattie

A Quiet Hush to Welcome the New Year

The last few months have been very busy for me. Early on December 30th, my Mom had a critical health scare and was hospitalized teh same day I was leading our church in a first ever Youth Ministry led service involving more than a hundred children. It felt like I was running hurdles, each event completed merely revealed the next hurdle to jump, so when we had finished the New Year's Eve Burning Bowl service at church I knew it was time "To Be Still and Know..."

I have always enjoyed a big snow storm. There is a magical quality for me in watching snow fall one fragile, unique flake at a time while everything seems to move slower and slower until there is so much snow the machine of civilization takes a break. Snowed in at home and all is calm.

Take a moment to allow yourself to be...

gay news blog: Aging and Gay, and Facing Prejudice in Twilight

gay news blog: Aging and Gay, and Facing Prejudice in Twilight

After reading this article about being gay and living in (some) nursing homes I felt a little like I have been punched in the gut. Perhaps because I'll turn 52 next month and my thoughts turn occasionally to older age and wondering what my living situation will be. As of this writing, I have not had any children so I am not sure who will care for me, should I require assistance as I get older.

It is one of the things you never think of when you are 30 or even 40. It seems that the party is always young and the men are cute and I'll think about those things later.

One day, later knocks at the door! Oh My!

I have heard of a few gay oriented retirement resorts. They sound fabulous and hopefully I'll be able to afford a lovely condo in a gay village where I shall gracefully age while living a rewarding and meaningful life filled with interesting people, parties and romance. However, I am not sure if that is an option for some GLBT folks.

Perhaps this is another step in our maturation as a people in our culture.

"Not special rights, equal rights. Nothing more but nothing less."
--Ric Beattie

RJ the DJ and his journey to wholeness.miracles, blessing, prayer, healing

Do you ever think about the people that you "touch" that you do not know?

Most of us give some thought to the ways we affect the lives of those who are close to us--family, friends and co-workers. But what about those people that you have never met but have a connection with in some way?

I have been writing prayers for several years and many of them have been sent out from Renaissance Unity over the years in the form of a daily inspirational email message. Occasionally, I become aware of one of these prayers being posted on a website or blog.

This morning, I discovered one of my prayers posted on a blog called

I Am Doing Great- Just Like You which is published by a guy named RJ. His "handle" is DJ-RJ because he is a DJ in Austin, Texas. Since May of this year RJ has been blogging his experience of cancer treatment and healing. As I read his story, tears filled my eyes. Tears of joy and connection and blessing. Tears of the Oneness.

I have never met RJ but we have connected in that wonderful way that only Spirit can orchestrate. His story of moving through this experience and facing many challenges both health wise and financially touch me deeply. His quiet courage and remarkable faith inspire me. The journey is not over for RJ, but I can tell you he has already won the prize! If you have a few moments, check out RJ's blog.

We can share a blessing so easily. Perhaps your gift to the world today is a smile at a stranger or a kind word to someone who passes your way.

I invite you to join me in this prayer for RJ.

Dear God,

Thank You for RJ.

Thank You for the clarity and strength of his gentle words

which are a passionate and powerful witnesses to Your love.

Thank You for his willingness to share this journey

of healing and hope which is a blessing to many people.

Thank You for divine order and harmony

which are now established in his body and affairs.

We give thanks for Your Light as it shines brightly through RJ

transforming all that it touches.

In Your name we bless RJ and all who love him.

Expand their experience of health, joy, peace, harmony, abundance and love.

We know that You are the one life that lives in and as us all.

So it Is!

Amen

--Ric Beattie

(c) 2007 by Richard L. Beattie - all rights are reserved.

My Nieces Ashley & Alicia Graduate

On Friday evening, June 1, 2007 two of my nieces, Ashely & Alicia "The Twins" graduated from Lake Orion High School. I am so proud of them and of my sister, Dion who has done an amazing job raising the wonderful young women as a single Mom and solo breadwinner.

I remember the day Dion told me she was pregnant and I remember the day she discovered she was pregnant with twins! I clearly recall; the first ultrasound pictures and the day of Ashley and Alicia's birth, first bottle and first cereal and first food all were memorable. First time I baby sat and first time to use a potty, fist overnight stay, first day of school, first ... My nieces had given me a wonderful glimpse of what a father must feel for which I am eternally grateful.

The Other is me.

There has been a lot of press recently about Imus being fired for his remarks about the Rutgers Women's' Basketball Team. Beyond the obvious issue of the racist and one wonders "what was he thinking" remarks which ignited the firestorm; I cannot help but notice the intense polarity between folks getting behind Imus and against him.

ABC News: Imus' Wife: Send All Hate Mail to Him

It jumped at me as I read -- here is another issue to add to the already enormous and growing every day it seems--list of issues arising in our world at this time that sharply divide people:

War & Peace in Iraq and elsewhere
Republicans & Democrats
liberals & conservatives
gay & straight & Bi
brown & pink & more & mixed race people
moderate conservatives & the radical right
moderate liberals and the way off on the left
The ways we understand, think about and experience that Presence which some call God/Allah/Jesus/The Christ/Atman/The One/Mind/Spirit/Great Spirit
You are with us or you are with terrorists
us and "those people"
God Bless American & ? for the rest of the planet
urban & suburban & rural
Wars on: each other, terror, drugs, poverty, pregnancy, welfare, illegal immigration
______________ & ______________

We are creating more and more ways to see our selves as divided and thereby we feel increasingly divided and separate. Could it be that we look more closely for the oher than we do for our neighbor?


Always in Love,

Ric



PS. It's No Secret: what we focus on expands &
what we try to defend ourselves from we draw into our experience



Copyright (c) 2007 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights are reserved.

Support our Troops and our Veterns - Oppose Escalation

I love the point that this video makes. Opposing the escalation of the war in Iraq is an action that supports our troops! This is not a issue of Republicans or Democrats. It is about Americans and whether or not we want to lose/shed more blood in the Middle East or anywhere for that matter!

And its 1-2-3 what are we fighting for?

The Little Boy in Me

Today, I met a young boy who is bright, a bit shy, cute and who has been alone for a long time. It has been a while since he was able to give expression to himself.

The inquisitive, playful, frightened, precocious boy that I encountered is within me. I had not realized that he was really there or, if I was aware, I had left him behind. I now realize that in leaving him behind, I had left some of the best parts of my own character behind as well.

I am not sure where we go now, but I do know that we go together into this uncharted territory. Perhaps we can have a future unlike our past. Perhaps we can achieve a new sense of balance and purpose. Perhaps, together we will find love.

Ric and Richard are together at last!

Brokeback Mountain

A few hours ago I finally went to see Brokeback Mountain.

Damn! My emotions are so raw. I feel elated, angry, sad, enthralled and lusting. But above all of that I am RAW. And I have been to Brokeback Mountain. And I have been both Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist.

I cannot even really put my thoughts into words. I have not been so "opened up" by a movie in years, maybe since "the kiss" in Making Love.

My tears are not for Jack and Ennis, I do realize that they are fictional characters in a movie scrips and in a short story.

My tears are for me
And my tears are for the child in me.
And my tears are for my nieces.
And my tears are for us all.

Katrina

Dear God,

Please help us look at what happened after Katrina ploughed into the Gulf Coast without judging each other or ourselves.
This is not about Republicans or Democrats.
This is not about liberal or conservative.
This is not about liturgical or evangelical.
This is not about Jew or Muslim or Christian.
This is about people.
This is about Human Beings!
This is about Fellow Earthlings.
This is about Family.
And this is a shame.
Shame on us for our arrogance and unwillingness to do everything we could do.
Now and then.
Recently and historically.
It is time to change the way we live,
individually and collectively.
Help us God to get over our ego's and ourselves.
Amen




(c) Copyright - by Richard L. Beattie on Sept 6, 2005

Remembering Erik

My youngest brother, Erik Jon, would have been 35 today. Although he has been gone from us for almost 8 years, I often wonder what might have been for him. So many things were just beginning to happen--he was a few months away from graduating from college when he died in his sleep.
I remember the day I first saw him as a baby and I shall never forget finding him dead in bed at his apartment.

Good reminder to live in the moment!

Churches face exile over gay issues - World - smh.com.au

Churches face exile over gay issues - World - smh.com.au

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the courage of the US Episcopal and Canadian Anglican churches. It seems that both of these groups are following in your footsteps by bucking the status quo in favor of unconditional love.

Thank you for the courage of the people in Pasadena and for their pastor, The Rev. Susan Russell.

Thank you Lord for being the Higher Authority. May the Anglican Consultative Council awaken and rise up in love and compassion.

Amen

Sri Lanka charges 1 million to charity who is working to help them???

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Oxfam pays $1m tsunami aid duty

Stranger Than Fiction!

I had to read this article twice because I could hardly believe it. The huge British charity, Oxfam recently paid the government of Sri Lanka 1 million dollars in import duty for some all terrain vehicles that Oxfam needed to assist the people of Sri Lanka rebuild after the Tsunami of last year. Supposedly, this duty policy is to encourage local procurement, which is fine under normal circumstances. In another twist, Sri Lanka does not even produce automobiles.

BBC NEWS | Technology | Microsoft censors Chinese blogs

BBC NEWS | Technology | Microsoft censors Chinese blogs

Modern times, ancient tactic.

Historically, governments have attempted to control access to the "press," to the exchange of ideas and information, as a way to control people. The press today includes the Internet, the worldwide blogging craze, Internet radio stations and email systems that can send thousands of messages per hour.

Standing at the foot of a moving mountain of information is the government of China, the most populous nation on the planet, swatting at the avalanche with a broom.

The question is not really about Google or Yahoo or Microsoft, It is a question about fear. Fear of the truth. Fear of change, of things being different than they had been. Fear of losing control and power. We cannot fight fear, for it truly is a no-thing. Fear, like darkness, is dispelled by lighting a lamp. Let us hold the people of China in Light, knowing that Truth will always find a way to shine. Of course, letters to the Chinese and other governments, flexing our economic muscles by "voting" with our purchases and travel are important efforts too. As we continue to shine light on the darkness, it will disappear into the nothingness from which it appeared.

In thinking about repression of freedom and choiuce, in China and elsewhere, I am grateful to be able to write what I want to in this blog. Freedom is precious. Perhaps Microsoft, et. al. must conform to the will of the government of China. But you and I can speak up, hold out and hold on to the truth. As Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

"H" Day - One Year Later...

Happy Heart Day to Me!

One year ago this morning, I had just let the cat out and laid back down for those 15 minutes of quality "snoozed the alarm" sleep that seem like the best of the entire cycle. Then, an odd and funny feeling in my chest presented itself. Suddenly, I sat straight up in bed as I realized that I knew what was happening. I was pretty sure I was having a heart attack.

I took an aspirin and asked my roommate to drive me to the hospital. Five hours later, Dr. Dickey looked down at me at said, "Well, Ric--you have either just had or are currently having a heart attack."

I said, "What the #$^@ does that mean?"

In a moment I became aware that everything about life had changed. I have said it many times, "Having a heart attack is a highly underrated form of personal transformation."

Thank You God for a year without a cigarette! I am absolutely amazed and mystified.
Thank You for a new consciousness about:

• Life
• Love
• Food
• Surrender
• Exercise
• Priorities
• Work
• Money
• More ...

Thank You for this journey into the heart of It--that we are travel each day!

I love You! And I love me too.

Amen

Been awhile

I haven't felt much like blogging for the last month. Perhaps I am just afraid that I have been too all over the map. Up and down, second guessing myself. Finding my feet on the ground one moment and then wham bam everything upside down.

And yet, isn't that just life? I think so.

I am so glad that the weather has finally warmed. I can walk and talk and be with Love!