In the Midst of Everything

14Nov

One of my favorite authors and poets is David Whyte. In his book Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words (Many Rivers Press, 2014), Whyte writes in his chapter on "Besieged" that the "great discipline seems to be the ability to make an identity that can live in the midst of everything without being beset."

How can we know the peace of God that passes all understanding no matter what is going on around us--or even within us? Discipline, in Whyte's phrase seems apt to describe building the capacity to be able to remain in the middle of everything without coming undone. Additionally, withdrawing from time to time for prayer and retreat, to recenter, reground, regroup, recharge, realign, following the example of Jesus Christ our Savior, our model in all things, is also part of developing that capacity.

I wish you peace in the midst of whatever may be around you or within you or whatever you may in these days be passing through. Christ is walking alongside you and is within you just as surely as he was walking with the disciples from Jerusalem to Emmaus.

Padre's Blog A la Mote
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Posted by The Very Reverend Donna S. Mote, PhD

Our 34th rector, Dr Mote, was installed by Bishop Eaton on Saturday, June 5th, 2021.  Prior to joining St Paul's, she served as the Vicar of ATL (Episcopal Chaplain to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport).  With Bishop Robert C. Wright she authored, The Go Guide: 10 Steps for Innovations in Ministry from Luke 10. Beginning in 2016, Donna served on the bishop's staff as Missioner for Engagement and Innovation in the Diocese of Atlanta, to consult on, coach, strategize, support, promote, and provoke innovations in ministry in Middle and North Georgia.  She was also Chaplain to the Georgia State Defense Force and the 76th Support Brigade.

Donna earned degrees from Shorter College (BA), Southern Seminary (MDiv), and Emory University’s Graduate Division of Religion (PhD) and completed Anglican studies at Sewanee: The University of the South. Donna was raised up for ordination by the parish of St Bartholomew’s, Atlanta. She is an Associate of the Order of St Helena.  Donna is married to Rebecca England, and they have two sons, Anderson and Jordan.

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