Hello Everybody,
I hope you’re enjoying your summer! Wow, it is hot today (July 23) with a heat index of 111F! I saw a meme on Facebook that referred to this season as “Hell’s Front Porch.” Honestly, I’m a little hesitant to open the front door and get in my car after I’m done with work today!
I also hope you’re enjoying the Spirituality of the Beatles talk series that began in July. It’s fascinating to learn about the back story behind each song, both the music and the lyrics, and to learn more about the artists who are covering the songs at the beginning of each talk. I’ve had such a positive response from people that I’m going to extend the series one more month through the end of September. Here’s the September lineup:
7th – We Can Work It Out
14th – Getting Better
21st – Yesterday
28th – Within You Without You
On another subject, I’d like to share a poem with you:
The Sacred Gift of Rage
by Rich Orloff
Let me learn how to use the sacred gift of rage
How to use it skillfully
Not to injure
Or destroy
But in service of causes needing help
In jungles that need a machete to cut through thick growth
For the fragile who need protection
For the unheard who need another voice
Let me not be afraid of my fire
Let me appreciate its source
This energy placed inside us
Is a tool not given to us by accident
Use it wisely, I hear
Do not confuse it with hostility or hate
Do not waste it on petty matters
But do not shy from its awesome power
Let passion flow through me
And not be blocked by fear
Or by voices who try to convince me
That rage is inherently wrong
Let the world know
That I’m willing to use rage as needed
Let me embrace my warrior spirit
And treasure this divine weapon
I posted this poem on our Facebook page recently. So far it has just one like, and I felt it needed more exposure. Why? Because there’s a lot of anger being expressed in our world today from many directions. The news is the frequently the kick starter of this anger. There is a tendency to shy away from our anger. It may frighten us because we’re scared of what we might do that would be irreparable.
What this poem says to me is that feeling angry about injustice or the negative behavior of others is okay. It’s normal, even among the calmest us. What’s important to our well-being is to not identify with anger, to let it pass through us, and then take the energy of what’s left for constructive purposes that can make our world a better place.
Abundant blessings,
Alden Studebaker
Written on July 13, 2025
