The most important form of liberation is to recognize, then give free expression to our God-given gifts: unimaginable rewards are released when we do.
– Linda Tucker, LionHearted Leadership™ - The 13 Laws
Uncaging the Heart of the Lion
Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister
Six of us, tingling with anticipation, mingled with locals from the Tsonga, Pedi, and Shangaan tribes. More than 30 people had come to share some of the philosophy of Lion-heartedness that has made them a coherent and bonded community of practice. A fire in the large, round pit bordered by the open-sided dining room and lounge seemed to dance in friendly celebration of community. This is Africa: the Greater Timbavati region in the north-east of South Africa, and the heartlands of the legendary white lions who were saved from extinction by the heroic efforts of our hostess, Linda Tucker.
One by one, we introduced ourselves, allowing time for interpretation and the welcoming of mother-tongue communication. We each shared our name, where we came from, and an animal we like as well as a specific gift or ability attached to that particular animal. I spoke of the tortoise, who is at home wherever he is. Others celebrated the unique attributes of frogs, turtles, zebras, lions, cheetahs, bees, and ants.
The evening’s facilitators were our StarLion team leaders, Reuben and Lydia, whose infectious enthusiasm had us dancing, clapping, and even singing with abandon. They were there to tell us about liberation, the 11th of the 13 Laws of LionHearted Leadership™ as described by Linda Tucker in her 2017 book of the same name. The StarLion team works on the land with visiting donor groups and local schools to share the wisdom of the lions and help reconnect children with their natural heritage.
To liberate something means to set it free. Reuben and Lydia explained that sometimes it takes LionHeartedness to claim true freedom. LionHeartedness is described by Linda Tucker as “that quality of fearlessness, inspired by love and respect for the natural world, that enables us to transform our human world. It makes us unstoppable.”
LionHeartedness, therefore, calls us to not only uncage our own gifts to serve the world but also to help those around us to identify and liberate their gifts. What are the special qualities we see in ourselves and our communities? Today I look with new eyes at my diverse world, honoring and celebrating the individual and collective gifts that are God-given resources for enrichment, improvement, and divine service.
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.
Thanks, Berry, for reminding us that we are each here as creators with an abundance of unique gifts to give into the world, and that sometimes it may take LionHearted fierceness and courage to keep these gifts consistently flowing.
Katie-Grace
18 hours ago
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Yes they do Berry – and this one was such a deep reminder of what happens to the soul when we look into the eyes of animals – they never lie and there hearts are pure – at lease it always seems that way to me.
Anne-Lise Bure
14 hours ago
Thank you Berry for bringing us so many gifts natural to your Being.
I love ‘LionHeartedness, therefore, calls us to not only uncage our own gifts to serve the world but also to help those around us to identify and liberate their gifts. What are the special qualities we see in ourselves and our communities? Today I look with new eyes at my diverse world, honoring and celebrating the individual and collective gifts that are God-given resources for enrichment, improvement, and divine service.’
How wonderful that we are created with the gift of seeing primarily the divine in everyone we meet, with the beautiful colours and textures of our humanity too.
Our primal identity is natural, as is all of Nature – part of One Creative Life.
Laurence Mendes
11 hours ago
I pause, am still and breathe. I’ve held this journey, and celebrate your Victory of Attunement in the animal kingdom and natural world. A whole body experience I feel, not just the mind. I know portals of joy.
Thanks, Berry, for reminding us that we are each here as creators with an abundance of unique gifts to give into the world, and that sometimes it may take LionHearted fierceness and courage to keep these gifts consistently flowing.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Yes they do Berry – and this one was such a deep reminder of what happens to the soul when we look into the eyes of animals – they never lie and there hearts are pure – at lease it always seems that way to me.
Thank you Berry for bringing us so many gifts natural to your Being.
I love ‘LionHeartedness, therefore, calls us to not only uncage our own gifts to serve the world but also to help those around us to identify and liberate their gifts. What are the special qualities we see in ourselves and our communities? Today I look with new eyes at my diverse world, honoring and celebrating the individual and collective gifts that are God-given resources for enrichment, improvement, and divine service.’
How wonderful that we are created with the gift of seeing primarily the divine in everyone we meet, with the beautiful colours and textures of our humanity too.
Our primal identity is natural, as is all of Nature – part of One Creative Life.
I pause, am still and breathe. I’ve held this journey, and celebrate your Victory of Attunement in the animal kingdom and natural world. A whole body experience I feel, not just the mind. I know portals of joy.