Greetings!
Well, after 4 months, I think I’ve adjusted to the life of being a “student.” We’re all students of life, yes. But I mean, REALLY being a student, like taking classes, doing homework, terms papers (oh my!). For many years, I thought I’d never go back to ANY kind of school. However, it began to dawn on me that if I ever did, it would be something along a spiritual nature. This is where I’ve found the most fulfillment, joy, and valuable tools for life.
I’ve completed some great coursework already during the spring term – – History of Christianity, Pastoral Counseling, Spiritual Intelligence, and Homiletics – – and two courses just completed during the first summer session: The Peace Seminar with Dr. Sharif Abdullah, author of Creating a World That Works for All and global peace negotiator; and Advanced Homiletics with Dr. Robert Fish (who I had known years ago when I sang at Unity of Fremont).
So, HERE I AM, loving it! I’ve finished my second term and I’m now taking summer courses. Oh, and yes, I have had a chance to sing here at a Vespers service in the Fillmore Chapel for the graduating S.E.E. class back in April. I sang “Touching the Stillness” from my CD. They liked it so much they invited me back to sing for their graduation ceremony on Thursday evening! Their theme was “Welcome to Your Awakening.” It was beautiful. So, things are moving along nicely.
It’s funny, in the mid- or late-80s, I had considered getting a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) when my brother was pursuing his M.Div. at Howard University, but I dismissed it, thinking…now, what would I do with that? At the time, I guess I was mostly concerned with “survival.” Following 11 years of marriage and then a divorce, I went on to carve out a career in Information Technology in the 90s to support myself; but simultaneously, I continued my passion of singing and connecting in a spiritual community so that I could continue to grow and evolve spiritually. I spent many years trying to put my life back together again, that is trying to put together a life – – period. Taking several baby steps in personal transformation, I grew and found a spiritual path that worked for my life, which helped me get back on track and be on my way to expressing more of myself and trusting myself. So, really I have come full circle with an idea that was dropped into my mind over 20 years ago.
Well, it’s been 4 months since I’ve landed at Unity Institute and Seminary. My life took yet another exciting turn when I finally answered the call to ministry. I’ve always believed we are all called; however, it is up to us to answer and determine what that means for us and how we can best express it. I believed I had answered “the call” in various ways throughout my life, or so I thought, by being more dedicated to my church, or being more loving and serving in my community and family, even by singing. I understood my calling was to accept, live, and be all that Jesus taught us to be… and to be about my purpose. Many of us spend a lifetime figuring out and finding a way to articulate exactly what that is all about. I know it’s a very personal thing.
It was so easy for me to sit back in a conditioned, pre-conceived, packaged form of what my role was supposed to be…afraid to live out loud. But now I’ve come to realize even more of what I sing in my song “Greater Things.” We WILL do greater things when we awaken to our true spiritual identity. We all must find a way to release the imprisoned splendor inside and bring to the world our own unique gifts, which will awaken everyone around us to their divine purpose.
This summer, may you have all the fun and excitement, joy and relaxation that brings a smile to your face and satisfaction to your soul…as your spirit continues to soar!
Love & infinite blessings,
Dinah
