Let Liberty Ring

Good morning everyone! Last night I had the choice between blogging or going out for a late night snack with friends whom I haven't seen in a year. Frankly speaking, it wasn't a tough choice. But the internet is working in this building now and there are a lot of people with laptops. (Writer's conference you know!) Thus, I should be able to keep up blogging from here.

It feels SOOOOO GOOD to be together again as an editorial board along with several other young adults, many of whom are authors in the book. We were so excited to see each other, hug each other, and catch up one one another's lives. Last night several of us went out for a late night snack and we agreed we hadn't laughed that much in a long time. I think we all needed that release. We have worked so hard these last few years on this book, brainstorming for it, traveling and speaking, talking about the submissions, editing it, along with hundreds and thousands of other decisions, that it feels fantastic to hold it in our hands. As Harriet and I agreed last night, it is like holding a baby that has just been born. We are such proud parents.

So since most of yesterday was a travel day, ten and a half hours in the car (it was beautiful), I thought today's post could be more reflective.

On Monday I was in the glass hall that holds the Liberty Bell. To get to the bell, you walk through the long exhibit hall that talks about the history of the bell: why it was made, when it cracked, the repairs done, where it hung, the special occasions on which it was rung, the story of how it cracked again, and then the symbol of liberty it became to people all across the nation, and even, around the world. It occurred to me, while gazing at the bell that this object is cracked, it does not serve the purpose people originally thought it was created for. The bell is broken. Or is it? Could it be that it is because the bell is cracked we love it so? Does it stand for liberty because we see ourselves inside of it? Why is it we hold up what is broken as the enduring symbol of freedom? The enduring symbol of our ability to raise our voices across the land after we have overcome? This bell that no longer sounds is the symbol of the sound of freedom. It's message is quiet; it's in the Liberty Bell's very existence, its survival and enduring presence amongst us, that it speaks most loudly.

We love what is broken. We love looking at this cracked bell because it gives us hope for ourselves. We have all been broken in some way. It is a part of this world and our lives within it. We all think we have places within us where we have gone wrong and not done what we were intended for. We weep over our brokenness and are ashamed of our crack. We hide it. But what if we choose not to be ashamed? What if we choose not to be embarrassed? What if we make a different choice, a different knowing of the truth? Could it be that our greatest, most powerful truth is lived out through our crack? Could it be we could be proud of our crack, as a badge of honor and the enduring power of God's love and triumphal redemption? Maybe our cracks aren't cracks after all along with that inherent judgement we place upon ourselves. Could we transform our cracks if we choose not to judge them? Could we too be symbols of liberty and freedom for others? Not freedom in perfection, but freedom in our humanity, our seemingly imperfect, wonderfully cracked, beautifully designed and created humanity? Could we just let ourselves be who we are, accept that in ourselves, and let our lives speak for themselves, raising our voices, both in sound and in presence? Gary Chapman says, "The parts of ourselves left out of our offering [our lives] weaken our gift." If we do not acknowledge all of ourselves and live out of that, we weaken the gift of ourselves God wants to give the world. We are each an expression of God. Why would we want to hide even the smallest bit of his face?

I saw a beautiful illustration of this in the Magic Garden. This man has taken broken tiles, old glass bottles, well-used plates, bowls and cups, old metal wheels from bicycles, and created an astounding mosaic grotto. It is a place of beauty, of rest and creativity. You see yourself in the shards of mirrors that scatter the light. This man has taken what is old, unused, and broken, and created something of incredible beauty. You can never get enough of it. You always see more. You see, it is not despite of but because the pieces are broken, because they are cracked that he can use them. Only when they are willing to be what they truly are, apparent cracks and all, only then can he place them into this beautiful design that speaks of life and wonderment.

When we bewail our cracks and hide them away, it is as if we are staying in the box in our master's workshop refusing to come out. We refuse to be placed in the design because we don't want anyone to see our broken places. We are ashamed of ourselves. What we don't understand is God is not ashamed of our cracks and neither should we be. Perhaps he even placed them there because they are the most powerful places he created within us. They are his glory shining out in our power. Let this liberty, this freedom, ring out across the land. Let our voices sing "We are broken. We are good and we are glad." May we be proud of our cracks.

Hiking with a Twist

This morning started out with a ride in the subway ending on 2nd street where I got out and walked to South Street. It was a hike with a twist. Along the way I got to see Society Hill which is beautiful and very historic and then all the interesting shops along South Street including the outside of the Magic Garden which was closed. Rather dissapointed, I walked up to the city hall to pick up a ticket to the tower. Not having one available until after lunch, with some time on my hands, I went to visit the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting offices. It was a Divine appointment. Sometimes, when things don't turn out as planned, God has a reason for that. At their office, I met many people to whom I talked to about publicity for our book that is about to be released. The people there were really nice and I really enjoyed our visit. One woman and I even sat down for a bit and discussed the movement of many young adults out of the Quaker meetings. For those of you not aware of this, Philadelphia has a huge group of young adult Quakers who flock here for community but do not attend the Quaker meetings. This is an issue everywhere, not just here in Philadelphia and it was interesting to discuss. I then literally ran to meet Emily at the Friends General Conference offices a few blocks away so we could head over for lunch, and I'll admit, to be able to HOLD THE BOOK!!! I knew they were there and I wanted to see one. It is a beautiful book. Emily's copy is actually sitting behind me as I type this. I'll pick up mine in Indianna with the rest of the editorial board.

Lunch was at the Reading Terminal Market where we searched out a soft pretzel and a delicious hoagie, the last two Philadelphia food items on my list I had to try. Walking through the stalls felt like walking through the world because I think just about every ethnic cuisine was represented, and then some! It was crowded, but there was a lot to see and I had enjoyed it. We at our hoagies outside the convention center and then I headed out to City Hall to take the elevator to the top. We just kept going up and up and I could see through the tower's windows just how high up we were. It was actually quite exciting to keep going up and of course, there was a wonderful 360 degree view of the city at the top.

From there, I prepared to book it through the city. I REALLY wanted to see the Rodin museum, the National Philadelphia Museum of Art, and from the little I saw of the Magic Garden, I wanted to get a good look at that too! So I hurried through the city, walking, to the Rodin museum. I absolutely love the human form in art, especially in sculpture and that is Rodin's specialty. I was in heaven, I loved seeing the figures, the different interpretations, representations of myth, and all the faces. I believe our bodies are beautiful. God created us beautiful. I wish more people saw sculptures like Rodin's. Perhaps then they would come to appreciate how wonderfully made we are and how we need not be ashamed of who we are. Such sculptures are also far more realistic about what we look like than any magazine I've seen.

For my art afternoon, I then headed further up the museum district to the National Philadelphia Museum of Art. Believe me, there are A LOT of stairs!!! It is the most imposing museum I have ever seen. SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL and stately! I first saw the Picasso exhibit. I am not a huge fan of cubism, I am more of a realism gal, but I love art and art history and Picasso is an important part of that. I wanted to see his works in person. I do these things to invest in myself, my interests, knowledge, and to make me a more well rounded person. It was really interesting and I did see many pieces I liked. Next I indulged myself in the post 1500-1850 European wing of the museum, losing myself in the rooms. By the way, I do mean rooms. The museum buys whole rooms from ornate houses when they are about to be demolished and sets them up in the museum. It was fantastic! I particularly was touched by the monastic cloisture in the pre 1100-1500 European art. As much of that art is religious, I felt like I was walking through my Christian history books. Again, in heaven. Dutch paintings from 1600-1800 are also favorites of mine and I got to see those too. Skipping down to the American wing, I saw some beautiful paintings and furniture there too including various Shaker objects. Having read about and studied them, I was excited to see such things in person.

Going outside, I hired a cab to take me to the Magic Garden. My feet, very tired by now, were extremely grateful. It would have been a really long walk. After spending so much time in museum halls, the Magic Garden was a breath of fresh air. This man is completely covering a building in mosaics and has created an incredibal grotto in the lot next door. I have A LOT more pictures than I'm posting here and will use them in the same post when I talk more about the Liberty Bell. I wandered and took pictures to my hearts delight. I even found a very comfortable chair in one grotto to sit in and rest for a while. It was walking into a piece of art and touching is highly encouraged. I loved this man's creativity. He has many murals up around the city, especially in the south. If you ever come to Philadelphia, check it out. It truly is an experience.

From there, I asked one more huge favor of my feet. I needed to get back up to Market Street to catch the subway. They complained but complied. I caught the subway there out to West Philadelphia, which lies on the other side of the Skuhkill (sp?) River. Emily picked me up from there and I watched her and Anna play soccer. Actually, I only watched part of the game. Most of the time, I laid in the grass and stared up at the sky with my ipod in. I needed to just veg for a while. I also got to read for a while and take some pictures of Emily. It was quite a day. In three days, I have learned a ton about Philadelphia and have seen an amazing amount of sights. I am so glad I came here, so grateful to have had an opportunity to see these things and spend time with friends. A huge thank you to Emily for her company and hospitality, both are precious gifts.

Tomorrow morning we head out to Richmond, Indiana, a ten hour drive I am actually looking forward to. I'm ready to sit down for a while and to watch the countryside, not to mention working some more on the writer's workshop I'm giving and the blogging panel I'm on. It's a switching of hats. Except for some time in the offices today, I have been pure tourist and now I get to be a very happy editor, a networking publicist, a confident workshop leader, and an interesting panelist. Most of all, though, I get to be a friend. We're coming!!!! The editorial board stands (and parties) together one last time to send our hearts out into the world.

Walking on the same streets the men and women who founded our country walked upon.

The Market in Society Hill

South Street

In the library of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting with a new friend.

Reading Terminal Market eating a soft pretzel.

Outside the Convention Center enjoying my hoagie.

In the tower of City Hall looking out at the city.

Some of Rodin's art.

The National Philadelphia Museum of Art. I had already gone up a huge staircase before taking this picture.

The Magic Garden on South Street

Watching Emily play soccer while taking a much needed rest in the grass.

Thank you Philadelphia!!!!!!!!

We the People

Wow!!! What a day! I kept hearing those words, "We the People". They have made me think a lot about what they mean. Being in the place in which our country was created certainly brings them home in a whole new way.

It is amazing how much I fit into one day. It felt like time kept expanding so I could fit it all in. My morning started with the subway (for the third time in my life) out to Fifth Street to see Independence Hall. It was humbling and fascinating all at the same time to be standing where our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence and to think about what that meant for them. I saw the place where the second and third presidents were sworn in, moments that tested the government they had created. Next was the Liberty Bell. It was extremely cool to see in person but what surprised me was how deeply it spoke to me about our beauty, flaws and all. There will be a post later on about this. Other highlights included seeing Arch Street Meeting House, a place I had heard about from Carole Spencer in our Christian History classes. To actually be there, to walk on the street they used to cover with straw to quiet the horse hoofs, was incredible. I love being in places I've only heard about! I also saw where Ben Franklin is buried, toured the Betsy Ross House and learned about our first flag, and visited Christ Church that is steeped to its steeple in history.

You can imagine after all that walking I needed a break and since I still had nearly the whole afternoon, I took a rest down at Penn's Landing, a place I didn't think I would be able to fit in to my schedule. After a breather, I headed toward Franklin Center to see where Ben Franklin's house once stood and his post office. After walking through some lovely 18th century gardens, I headed up to the National Constitutional Center, another attraction I didn't think I would be able to fit in, to see their exhibits. The show where they talk about our country's birth and following struggles, I admit, brought tears to my eyes. The circular exhibit was also chock full of information and interesting interactive media.

There were many other things I saw as well. It was a very fun and educational morning and afternoon! After five, I walked to Emily's work through China Town (GREAT egg rolls!) and she showed me some of the city squares which thrilled me! After a drink at an outdoor cafe facing Rittenhouse Square, we had dinner with some friends of hers which was delicious and the conversation enlightening on many subjects. It was great to get a taste of urban living. We even took a taxi home (second time in my life to be in a taxi). Now my feet are recovering and I am ready to head to bed.

Tomorrow I am walking along South Street which Emily tells me has some very uh... interesting stores to ogle at followed by the Magic Garden which she says I will love, going up to the top of City Hall to see the view, having lunch with Emily at the Reading Terminal Market with a tour of the Friends General Conference offices, and then on to the Rodin Museum and the National Philadelphia Museum of Art and then back to the city center. This will involve TONS of walking. It's the sandals for me tomorrow!

I have lots more pictures than this (of course) but I thought the ones of me would be more interesting to many of you. Enjoy!

Independence Hall

The Liberty Bell

Arch Street Meeting House

Betsy Ross's House

Christ Church, where many of the Founding Fathers worshipped.

Penn's Landing

Ben Franklin's Post Office

Signing the Constitution at the National Cosritution Center

Having a drink with Emily at a cafe across from Rittenhouse Square

Kissing a frog in Rittenhouse Square

Friends of Emily's with whom we had dinner. Delicious!

From the Franklin Institute to Pendle Hill

This morning Emily dropped me off at the Franklin Institute which I explored while she went to church. It's this fantastic museum for kids and pretty fun for adults as well. I got to walk through the heart, sit in a fighter plane, played with magnets, and lights, and rode a bike through the air. By the time I finished with that, I was ready for a walk so I stopped by the front of the Rodin museum before Emily picked me up to head out to Media, Pennsylvania, and Pendle Hill, stopping by "Rita's" on the way for some mango gelati.

Pendle Hill was great! I have heard so much about it, it was great to finally see it. Walking in the garden, I called Angelina who had written a blog post about it when she was living there. I thought it was a poetic moment. We took the time to talk about our upcoming meeting in Richmond and our concern that John might not be able to make it as he is flying through Europe from Kenya. Our prayers that they open up the airspace is with him. Angelina took me on a bit of a virtual tour and "walked" with me on a path on the other side of the garden to where the 300 year old tree stood majestically through time. We saw Harriet there. She is on the editorial board with me and is living there right now. It was really fun to see her! We will spend more time together in Richmond.

When Emily and I got back to Philadelphia, we met our friend, Anna, for some delicious!!!!!!! Etheopian food. The last time we ate Etheopian food together was in Nairobi, Kenya. It was a great time and oh, that food was SOOOO GOOD! It was great to have that taste of Kenya in my mouth again with people I enjoyed it with before. It was a great mini reunion.

Tomorrow I am seeing the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and all kinds of other great sights. In the evening we are joining some friends of Emily's for dinner. It will be a great day!