honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, April 26, 2003

EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Learning to spread our aloha

By Rev. Julia McKenna-Dubin

For the past six months, I have been commuting to the Southwest, combining time to recharge my inner batteries, write, compose projects, and tend my far-flung flock. I'm thankful to live in a modern, adobe home on five acres of peaceful 'aina, where varying species of birds, rabbits, quail and other critters dart about, come to feed, sip water from the coyote pond. I feel as if I'm living in a Disney movie, returning to simpler and gentler times. It's a different spiritual renewal.

Like Hawaiians, the ancient Mimbres people had a reverence for the gifts of nature — the land that supported them and gave forth more than food and medicinal plants. The more I have tuned in to the ways of the wide open spaces of the Southwest, the more I quietly smile and say, "Yes, we are all connected and akua, the one God of us all, made all life, nature, animals, humanity, all, to interact as part of a truly divine plan."

I was seated in the side yard, feeling warmed and strengthened by the sun. A gentle breeze caressed me and I thought of home in Hawai'i and the trade winds — how I always feel hugged, loved unconditionally. The breezes of New Mexico felt familiar and I smiled.

A dear friend said via e-mail there had been very few trade-wind days since I left on this last trip. Maybe they were waiting on my return to greet me?

Hawai'i seems to bring forth this kind of gentle, romantic thinking in even the busiest, most logical person. What we call aloha spirit is akin to God's universal expressions of love and caring for us all.

Recently, I volunteered with the Silver City Rotary at the county fair to greet folks at the gate. I took their tickets, saying, as is natural for me, "Aloha."

I received startled looks and thank-yous.

A tall, young woman tapped me on the shoulder.

"Did you say aloha?" she asked.

"Yup," said I.

"I'm from Hilo, play basketball here."

We hugged and talked story a bit; lo and behold I know her Big Island family.

When we willingly live aloha, I feel God's loving acceptance. There is so much we can learn, wherever we are, if we respect that there is knowledge and wisdom, valuable information to absorb from all God's people, all faiths, all life forms.

When I began my ministry almost 19 years ago, I began saying, "You are special to God and to me."

If we show people we value them, amazingly, most people will open up like blooming blossoms.

Wouldn't we make giant strides toward aloha, as Moe Keale taught is our mission, if we would stop limiting how we perceive God's loving presence in us all? All are beloved creations on loan, taking turns at being the kumu (teacher) and haumana (student).

If you're traveling soon, envision yourself as a walking, talking embodiment of God's best.

We are all 'ohana o ke akua (the family of God).

The Rev. Julia McKenna-Dubin, founded and is pastor of Aloha Spirit Ministries.