I recently attended the Sacred Activism conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, sponsored by Wisdom University. It was a great experience and there were lots of organizations exhibiting about how they are making a difference in the world. One of the booths was for a magazine “Authentic Living”.
I decided to put my name in the hat for the drawing. The prize would be a book which I love. Can never have too many books! Fortunately I was one of the winners. The book I won is one I already had and instead of asking to exchange it I was gracious for the offering but now I have two of the books.
I can’t explain why I would say something. I can’t explain why I felt that the gift in and of itself prevented me from speaking up especially since I was the first of four to claim my prize. It really is a mystery to me and one that concerns me because if I give up my voice here…where else do I give up my voice.
As pilgrims we need to be able to have accept gifts and be gracious but not if it leads to self-sacrifice. I’m grateful for the gift, just wish I would have asked for one of the books I didn’t have; but now I know and next time I’ll do better!
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 