A prayer for belonging

Last week I posted this photo to my personal Facebook page and asked people: “What is your response to this message?”

It was remarkable to read everyone's comments. Some people loved it, some were upset by it, some were conflicted, some were confused, some were comforted. It ended up being an eye-opening dialogue, and such a gift to be able to witness such diverse and honest perspectives.

Perhaps what I enjoyed most was realizing that asking the question, and welcoming people's answers, was itself an invitation to belong. A mini demonstration of how to actually live that message in addition to saying the words.

That is so much more important to me than everyone liking my shirt.

With that, I offer you these wishes for the week:

May you know that you belong here, on this earth.
May you know that you are seen. Wanted. Needed. Appreciated.
Not for what you do, but for the essence of who you are.

May you know these things as true even though you are different.
Even though you've made mistakes and caused pain.

Your differences and flaws don't damn you to a life of rejection and isolation.
Quite the opposite, they are what make you human.
One of us.

We are all figuring out how to live.

You have a right to be alive in this world. 

May you know that you belong.