Prairie Wisdom

From Michael Coyner's personal Litany for facing change, with words that provide strengthening for many in the church family and those serving on the Bishop's Cabinet: "We pray for security, but God terrifies us with freedom." The immense size of Coyner's new area of North & South Dakota is daunting; the diversity of the people amazes, as does the facility of Dakotans to act as though Native Americans exist only in old 'Western' films. Native Americans have maybe 14 words for "snow", and Bishop Coyner thought during his first winter that even more descriptive words were needed! Blizzards were followed by snowmelt and floods - - leaving FIFTY THOUSAND homeless. It isn't difficult to imagine that people in the Dakotas are always fearing the 'next' winter. Did you know that the sunflower head standing tall can be harvested as long as the valuable head is still above the snow? I wonder how many Dakota parents embroider this truth somewhat to teach their children about survival, and to be stalwart? (Matthew 6: "Tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today" . . . compare with John Bunyan's words "He who would Valiant be . . . " set to the music of Vaughan Williams & sung in St. Paul's Cathedral London. (# B00002EIUG) Following a 'learning experience' with vandalism, the Bishop prayed: "Protect us from vandals who seek to deface; but PROTECT US EVEN MORE FROM IRRELEVANCE & inability to proclaim your good grace." In times of trouble, God will launch us to use our energy & imagination to "overcome" - - with the best examples coming from black sisters & brothers. In the most poignant chapter of all, "Sap on the Family Tree," Bishop Coyner states that "Racism has led us to disregard our common humanity." His ancestor owned a slave named "Sall" valued at $200. and he now has that to ponder. For each of us to ponder are other chapters: "Pavement Ends," "Sandbags," "Connected by the Inner Net," "Remote Starting the Church," "Celebrating Small Successes," "The Prisoner's Note." How empty the lives of those who do not make 'eye contact'. That sad fact goes back to experiences early in life when gentle, sometimes challenging words spoke by my father when offering the elements of communion, always with loving eyes, speaking always with kindness. This bishop has demonstrated such kindness. When receiving communion from him early in the year (2006) I 'flubbed'! He continued to encourage me by gesture & kind eyes, and that was true kindness to someone feeling the earthquake of leukemia. Reviewer mcHAIKU will close with a part of the bishop's prayer, (p.132): "Thanks for those who pray for ME each day, who pray I will follow your way HOPEFULLY." "Guide us, direct us and show us your ... way," but please . . . DON'T avoid detours!

Mike has been a friend of mine for years. He and I were ordained in the same class in our Annual Conference. However, I believe knowing him has helped me assess this work. The devotions are very thoughtful and the reflection of a well-trained pastoral mind. The stories show the a very compassionate human being who can see the hand of God in the work of people. Thanks Mike.

Though probably best read in small doses for proper assimilation and reflection, I found myself compelled to keep reading page after page of this wonderful collection of meditations. But donÕt let the term meditations throw you. There is nothing dry or boring about them. Bishop Coyner has a wonderful way of using the everyday events of our lives and how we react to them as reflections upon our relationships not only with each other, but with our Creator as well. I never felt that I was being preached to, but needed to be reminded of the need to "shave my head" when called to do so, learned a wonderful new word (Uffda!), and discovered that El Nino is not a bad thing for everyone. There is so much more to share, but some journeys we each have to make ourselves. This is definitely a trip worth taking.