SHELTER

SHELTER has always been one of those words. It conjures up, for me, memories, emotions, desires and basic needs. My oldest recollection of the word is from childhood Christmases in a Catholic family. There was always a Nativity Scene in our home, complete with angels, camels and wise men. More than just shelter, Mary and Joseph needed a place to spend the night safely and comfortably, a place where Mary could give birth. What they were given was a place where animals are the usual residents. A stable. It was probably not what they had in mind, but remember, among the definitions of stable are: steady, calm, secure. 

Upon hearing this tale, I've wondered how many of us would be brave enough to let strangers enter our homes, or even the garage or patio. Yet, we do feel outrage at the massive numbers of children in cages, overfilled detention centers and prisons, where stability, (from the word stable) is absent. Homeless numbers are hitting the breaking point for many U.S. cities. Human rights and basic necessities, ie., water, safety, food security, protection, environmental and economic stability are missing from so many segments of our society. When all of it feels so overwhelming, how do we find our place within the need, the hunger, the injustice? 

It goes without saying that 2020 has been a year in which everything shifted, sideways and upside down. Beginning  with Covid19 in March, people around the world were cautioned to "shelter in place." On this Christmas Day almost one year later, many of us still are staying home if we can, being careful so that ourselves and others are safe, but many are not. We humans are still and forever in a learning curve.

Today and every day 
may we make ourselves accountable 
to shelter in love 
shelter in peace
shelter in compassion. 

Every inch of me is grateful for a soft and beautiful place to shelter, and I'm grateful that it's also true for my kids and grandkids, and most of my friends. If you are not yet in a place as fortunate, I send you love, light and hope for better times and safer shelter. Until we can all gather in joy and celebration again, may we be mindful of what we have, be kind to those we encounter, and give from the heart to those seeking safety, protection and a chance to survive.

 

detail from "Soul Shelter" huipil.

repurposed textiles and found objects. 2020