by Larry Krantz

I recently viewed an interesting talk by a journalist named Suki Kim. She is from a family that escaped North Korea, during which her uncle—her mother’s brother—was caught and executed. The rest of the family made it to South Korea, where she lived until she was thirteen when they immigrated to the United States. As a journalist, and given her background, she had an intense interest to learn more about North Korea, something that could not be done from outside the country. She found a way in with an evangelical Christian group who were hired to teach the sons of elite families. They had to pretend they were not missionaries and the journalist had to pretend she was an evangelical. Lots of deceit, but it was the only way to get into the country for an extended time. If any of them were caught proselytizing, they could be executed since North Korea only allows worship of their god-like Supreme Leader. (https://themoth.org/storytellers/suki-kim)

by Larry Krantz

We use the word, “service,” to describe our time together. Usually when people gather in conferences or religious establishments, the participants hope to get something useful out of it, a nugget perhaps, to help them. However, we are together this morning to give. That is service—to serve. Life flows outward freely; it is not looking to get anything. If we are in alignment with the current of life, we are interested in giving, in releasing what is within, out into our worlds.

by Larry Krantz

It is vital that we learn to work together creatively. We live in unprecedented times, as evidenced by a population of over seven-and-a-half billion people on the planet, which has never happened before, nor has the impact all these people are having on our planet and the environment. Add to that the coronavirus, which affects everyone, and the recent social and political upheavals, including violence at the U.S. Capitol and a change of American presidents set to take place in a few days. Perhaps these disturbances give indication of the tide going out on human nature. But that alone does not accomplish what is needed. There must be an incoming tide of spiritual awareness, a new state to replace the old state. In this, we have a particular responsibility.

by Larry Krantz

Here are words from a letter written by an indigenous woman who lives in the Amazon basin. She is not well-educated or sophisticated, so many people dismiss what she says out of hand. I find this letter, which was later published in the Guardian, rings true. Here are her words: 

Dear presidents of the nine Amazonian countries and to all world leaders that share responsibility for the plundering of our rainforest.

by Larry Krantz

The world is a messy and chaotic place, especially these days. There is an intensification happening which may prove destructive unless there is a rising up of spiritual consciousness to meet it and extend control, and we have an important part to play in letting this outworking be creative. People often favor quantity rather than quality oflife experience. They want more but have less. This notion is well-expressed by Dr. Bob Moorehead of Seattle (from Words Aptly Spoken, 1995). He says:

by Larry Krantz

When a person awakens spiritually, it may begin with the simple questioning of beliefs—religious, political, and others. Such views are often passed from generation to generation. Most families become upset if a child dares to think differently, or questions why they behave a certain way. Actually, almost all of humanity thinks and behaves in lockstep. While one faction may seem at odds with another faction, they are all variations of a theme, and large segments of the populace go along with one system or another, each sure theirs is the chosen path. It is groupthink.