Season of Family

The air begins to fill with the wonderful aroma of spiced cranberry, cookies baking in the oven, and the crackling sounds of a fire going. As we sit on our favorite spot admiring the music of our favorite holiday tone while relaxing to a cup of hot chocolate. This of course only happens in a perfect world, unless you are Martha Stewart. Today we have the bustling sounds of horns and sirens as we drive like maniacs from one shopping center to another stopping for a quick bite to eat before dashing off to another year end sale. We begin to think about our to do list of presents to purchase and how many more shopping days are left until the dreaded morning of the paper shredding ceremony aka Christmas Day. Let us not forget about the real reason behind this time of year, family.

December always leaves my heart full of compassion and joy for those around me, including my family. Most of us consider family as blood relatives, but let us not forget about those whom we have adopted into our lives. The purpose behind every story related to all religions is always overlooked. When we look at the oil lamps of Hanukkah we think of the miracle of it lasting and the greatness of Elohim. Regarding the birth of Jesus for the Christians we are focused on Mary and the virgin birth. Last we are left with the rebirth of the Great God who left us at Samhain. All of these have a theme of God, but there is another theme overlooked, family.

Each story tells about the struggle of a family who stuck together through difficult times in their lives. Family of not only blood, but of close friends who chose in that moment to be a part of magnificent changes in history, without ever knowing the effect they would have. As we approach the Feast of Togetherness this month, let us not forget the main ingredient in our holiday meal, family. Take a moment and spend time together with those who you consider to yours and have a wonderfully blessed season together.

In the fullness of Faith,
Most Rev. Dr. Isaac L. Kramer, Ph.D. Meta.
Presiding Archbishop

Feast of Thankful Giving

As we are fast approaching The Feast of Thankful Giving let us take a moment to recognize what is important in our lives. What blessings have we been given in the last year? November is the time of year to remember all that we have. Most of us only think this way on Thanksgiving. We spend the rest of the time whining about why we have nothing, but if we were to look we have much. We have a good health, a home, family, and friends.

If you happen to be missing any of these in your life I strongly recommend you take the time to evaluate what went wrong. We only lose our health by our own will. People with deadly diseases still find themselves to be healthy at times, why can't we?

If you lost your house there could be a number of reasons. What you must know is home is where your heart is. It doesn't matter if you lost your house. If you happen to move back with parents, a family member, or a friend, that is home. That is where you longed to be otherwise you wouldn't have picked them. You needed that person more then before at this moment in your life. They hold a key to help you heal and move forward into the new year.

If you find yourself with a home and good health but no friends, I can only ask why. Why do you have no friends? Is it because you are antisocial? Perhaps you ran everyone who had concerns for you away. Friends will always be your friend no matter how hard you push them out. They may take a leave, but deep down they still care and love for you. Maybe this year you should find the time to reach out and express your thanks to them for their love in a sincere manner. If they don't care for you, then they weren't your friend to begin with. Take the time to move on to the next one no matter how distant the time has been between conversations. You may find yourself surprised to see someone still cares.

The Feast of Thankful Giving goes far beyond that which we could fully understand. It encompasses the pure love of our maker as a whole. It is about extending our hearts past the full marker and knowing that we still have more of ourselves to give to others. I ask everyone this season to give. You don't have to give money or food or supplies. Your time and love is the greatest gift you could give anyone, including yourself. Find time and find love for those who have been in your heart and on your mind lately. Make this giving season a holiday to remember.

In the fullness of faith,
+++Isaac

Friday's Luncheon

I wanted to let everyone know how last Friday's luncheon went. The luncheon was sponsored by Equality Ohio's Faith division. It was created to have open dialogue between ministers and politicans in the Senate district 19. Needless to say, no politicans showed up. There were a small group of ministers but it was still good. I was asked ahead of time to be one of 2 guest speakers. I was asked to speak about what I have been doing in Ohio to benefit the cause, how others can help, and how we move forward tomorrow. I was very well received and several ministers kept refering back to my speech.

We have all agreed that Equality in housing and employment is important. We are going to be pushing for bill passage in May 2010 in the Ohio Senate, after primaries. In the meantime, public education on basic humanity is needed. I stressed that we must make people realize we are all the same, human. I ask that all ministers please keep this in mind when addressing concerns of others.
As human beings we all want the same, love and acceptance from our family and friends in all we do.

It was a great event and I hope that others will get the chance to join me in events in the future. It seems like I attend plenty a year. :)

+++Isaac