Choosing Home

This Week's Quotation:

At present mankind is undergoing an evolutionary crisis in which is concealed a choice of destiny; for a stage has been reached in which the human mind has achieved in certain directions an enormous development while in others it stands arrested and bewildered and can no longer find its way.

~ Sri Aurobindo, "Evolutionary Crisis"

Choosing Home

Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister

This week I joined a small group of people from around the world to talk about Freedom and Justice. Speakers and participants shared profound thoughts which led me to consider the choices we make in every moment that either block our way or expand our vista. Rev. Riaan de Villiers, the minister of Cape Town’s famous Groote Kerk, told us life is lived forwards but understood backward. Dr. Aydin Inal, Regional Director of the Turquoise Harmony Institute, said without freedom of choice religion loses its meaning. Carol Roberston spoke about overcoming the human tendency to be “bound by society” and Howard Goodman commented, “Consciousness is the agent of change.”

It was a rich conversation; one that unfolded against the backdrop of grief after the murder of an interfaith leader a few days earlier in South Africa. There is speculation that the victim, Imam Muhsin Hendricks, who was openly gay and preached about compassion, inclusivity, love for all humanity, and a world of non-judgment, was targeted by extremists for his progressive views.

Imam Muhsin’s life reflected the power of choice. As a young man, he tried to fulfill the expectations of his community: he got married and had children. Later he realized that his strongest calling was to be his authentic self and made the choice to change his choices. He divorced, came out, and started ministering to the marginalized, the oppressed, the discarded, and the broken. For these dear hearts, he was a sanctuary and radiated the essence of a home that welcomed all. His last earthly act was the celebration of love at an interfaith wedding. He once publicly said the joy of an authentic life was stronger than the threats he received from time to time.

Imam Muhsin triumphed over fear, found radiant joy in his authentic God connection, and lived his truth courageously. He made daily choices that brought him out of crisis, into peace. Every day, for the rest of his life, he chose to be at home with truth and love.

Let us be inspired to do the same.

About Open Windows

We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.

We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.