all that we let in

I went last night and saw "United 93" with Jeff. Not a lot I can say about that. I reflected as we left that when we went in, I thought I was ready. When the film ended, I can say that that wasn't true. But I don't think one can ever be ready. In fact, the film captures that wonderfully- everything feels like it is one step behind for the whole two hours. And were we ever.

With all I've been thinking about lately, and that added in the mix, the old head was spinning. Last week I bought the Indigo Girls' 2004 release, "All That We Let In." The title track played on my ride home last night from the theatre, and I let it resonate within me. Amazing how some of my most insightful, I would daresay worshipful experiences can come from moments emerging from reflection on Islamic militants, underscored by liberal lesbians. I say yes, not in the traditional sense of the word, but in the sense that Eugene Peterson uses it as an Amen in The Message. The divine is in all things.

"All That We Let In"
lyrics by Emily Saliers

Oooooooo
Oooooooo
Oooooooo
Dust in our eyes our own boots kicked up
Heartsick we nurse along the way we picked up
You may not see it when it's sticking to your skin
But we're better off for all that we let in

We've lost friends and loved ones much too young
So much promises and work left undone
When all that guards us is a single center line
And the brutal crossing over when it's time

Oooooooo
(Well I don't know where it all begins)
Oooooooo
(And I don't know where it all will end)
Oooooooo
(We're better off for all that we let in)

One day those toughies will be withered up and bent
The father son, the holy warriors, and the president
With glory days of put up dukes for all the world to see
Beaten into submission in the name of the free

We're in an evolution I have heard it said
Everyone's so busy now but do we move ahead
The planets hurting, atoms splitting
And a sweater for your love you sit there knitting

Oooooooo
(I don't know where it all begins)
Oooooooo
(And I don't know where it all will end)
Oooooooo
(We're better off for all that we let in)

See those crosses on the side of the road
Or tied with ribbons in the median
They make me grateful I can go this mile
Lay me down at night and wake me up again

Kat writes a poem and she sticks it on my truck
We don't believe in war and we don't believe in luck
The birds were calling to her, what were they saying
As the gate blew open the tops of the trees were swaying

I pass the cemetery, walk my dog down there
I read the names in stone and I say a silent prayer
When I get home you're cooking supper on the stove
And the greatest gift of life is to know love
Oooooooo
(I don't know where it all begins)
Oooooooo
(And I don't know where it all will end)
Oooooooo
(We're better off for all that we let in)



((and I hear there the echo of Linford's words in Karin's mouth))
Idea #21 (Not Too Late)
words and music: Detweiler
recording: OHIO

Till we lay these weapons at your feet, Lord
How long, how long
Till we call all hatred obsolete, Lord
How long, how long
Till we walk like lovers thru Bethlehem
How long, how long
Till the lion lies down with the lamb, Lord
How long, how long
Too late
(I know it's not too late)
To wrestle with this angel
Higher and higher
(Don't let go)
Higher and higher
Before we know
How does it end
How does it end
We're all riding on the last train
Trying to find our way home again
Till we wash the blood from the hands of our fathers
How long, how long
We're all sisters and brothers, sons and daughters
How long, how long
Our eyes all shine in different colors we cry, Lord
How long, how long
Our dreams our tears are all the same by and by, Lord
How long, how long
Too late
(I know it's not too late)
To climb up Jacob's ladder
Higher and higher
(Don't let go)
Higher and higher
Before we know
How does it end
How does it end
We're all riding on the last train
Trying to find our way home again

It's not too late

(yes...)