All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in other languages,
as the Spirit gave them ability.
—Acts 2.4
Probably not eloquently. More likely
in halting Phrygian, mangled Mesopotamian.
It probably took some back-and-forth, some double-checking,
requiring not just proclaiming but listening,
relating, getting feedback,
patience on the part of the hearers,
and courage and humility on the part of the speakers—
willingness to risk, to be beginners, to appear foolish,
to forgo the safety of being in the dominant group,
overcoming barriers.
None was a solo. They were all ensemble pieces.
Pray for such humility and courage,
to risk for the sake of love,
to be foolish for the sake of relating,
to let other people’s reality be real.
To harmonize.
This is how the Holy Spirit speaks, loud and clear.
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
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