Over the next few weeks in the gallery we have created a space to reflect upon the experience of depression. This complex experience is difficult to define, and yet often glibly address. And yet, from the place of trial, of persecution, of pain of the relentless suffering that cannot see an end, the long dark tunnel with no light at the end of it, comes a voice that invites us to look beyond. Discovering voices of encouragement, of love, of comfort, of hope in the midst of the situation, that ground and connect are absolutely critical.

Let us not downplay the reality that in the depth of depression it is even possible to imagine something beyond the experience I am having right here and now. It is impossible to conceive of someone outside ourselves that cares at any level at all. But I offer this to you today as a reminder… that in the midst of any dark experience, there is a need to be reminded that we are connected to a larger reality that cares. And we, as a community, must be the expression of that to another. Not in creating communities that pretend everything is ok, and we should all be happy… but in walking patiently and caringly alongside. We are the face of God in such a time, reminding those on the way, that they matter. And in that holding place, something sacred can happen. I hope you find the opportunity to spend time in reflection with the art.

Today we explore our connection to the ‘vine’, a metaphor used to illustrate both the source and the movement of our lives. There is both a sense of the source of life in the root of the vine, as well as the purpose of bearing fruit. And what an interesting image to place alongside a day when we focus upon motherhood… the bringing to birth of each one of us. The curious image of motherhood is one which bids us to return to our roots, the source of our own being, from generation to generation. Interestingly, Barb Adams, in her image “The Land Remembers” does just this same thing, as the tree stands at the surface of the earth, the roots stretch well below into the layers of earth, the myriad of stories echoed in the shades and levels of the landscape. Curiously, in one level of the earth, there is a line of books, expressing the story held within the layers. This moment in which you and I live and breathe, is not just a moment, but is held in the eternal story of creation. We do not spring from nothing. We are born from the larger story of humanity, the hint of which we see in our mothers. There is a much larger more complex vine, which takes us back to the source of life.

Come, Creator,

parent of all,

and unite with all the earth community

around the sacred story of creation,

and help us to recall:

the first fresh breath of life,

the first hint of your presence,

the first song in the dawn

that opened our souls to you

and taught us to honour our days,

and live!

Today we welcome Wendy and Andrew McCulloch, who are heading overseas shortly with GIA.  We look forward to hearing what they have to share with us, and our connection with one another as part of the global village.  Indeed, this last week has seen just how small our globe is, and how inter-connected we are as an international community.  As we prepare for Swine Flu, may we be mindful that we live in a country where it is easy to forget that our connections extend across the planet, and that what happens to one of us affects another. I share with you part of this prayer from Be Our Freedom, Lord.

“We pray for those who find it hard to believe because they have too many things, and for those who find it hard because they haven’t enough.

We pray for parents who, because of their poverty, and a lack of concern on the part of others, must watch their children die.

We pray for those who face each day with dread, because their lives are so dominated by the power of others.

We pray for those who are so lonely that life is robbed of all loveliness and hope.

We pray because you are in our midst, and have made people in their need present to us, and us aware of them.

We pray because you call us as your disciples to reach out from ourselves to all our fellow human beings.

Amen.