October 8, 2024
Dear Friends:
The Interfaith Peace Project continues its ongoing observance of the International Women’s Day, March 8, by sending you a reflection on the eighth of every month. We invite you share in this effort by sending any articles or information concerning the voice of women that you would like to share to:
Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
[email protected]
925-787-9279
DANCING AS IF…
Continuing to Honor International Women’s Day
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

A Moment of Tenderness
AdobeStock 876521600 By pisan
DANCING AS IF …
The lovely woman danced around the store with great delight as she saw me observing a small but beautiful statue of what appeared to be a goddess. The statue stood by itself with dignity and a glowing countenance of heartfelt gentleness and fierce care.
My dancing friend informed me my goddess was carved by her husband. He was a gentle man who told me his wife inspired the statue. It symbolized their love for one another.
I felt a sense of guilt as I purchased my newfound treasure. I did not want to separate her from the couple whose love inspired her. The lovely statue is resting in a quiet place. Soon, she will be a Christmas gift. I carried her home with great care. I could feel her blessing me. A fellow passenger on the train, observing my concern not to injure the box, said, “You must be carrying a treasure – I can see a gleam in your eyes!”
I shared the story of the goddess resting in the box with my traveling companion. The dancing lady in the store reminded me the statue was the Lady Who Dances before the gods as she blesses the people of the world.
Some rap performers boarded the subway train at that point, transforming the train with rap and dance. Two little girls jumped out into the aisle and danced, and danced, and danced. I felt the Lady Statue in her gift box dance a step or two.
Blessings to all the women and their allies who have and continue to dance for what is right, true, good, hopeful, and beautiful. They dance with their wisdom and courage. Consider a few verses from Crystal Jackson’s powerful poem, “Dancing for Peace”:
… Dance as if the rhythm of your movements
Sent the world spinning and gave birth to galaxies.
Dance as if your sweat fed rivers that wore paths
through tall mountains,
As if your aching legs could absorb the heartache of the world.
Dance as if dancing brought an end to tyrants,
As if a war of movement could usher in peace.
Dance until you are exhausted and elated,
Until your fury and sadness are spent.
Dance until all that is left Is the ecstasy of the dance.
Crystal Jackson 2019
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Blessings to you, Beloved Community, for dancing the dance of justice in the cause of what is right and true. Continue to dance us into a peace born of justice beyond our wildest dreams.
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