Notice During the Covid-19 Outbreak
In solidarity, we at the Interfaith Peace Project stand together in these times of heart break and upset. Some of you may have lost friends or family members. Some of you may have lost your job and your income; some may be working overtime to help with the crisis. Some of you may be home and alone and some may be trying to figure out a new way to live. Please let us know how we can help. If you would like a phone appointment with any of us, give us a call.You may call or email Tom at:
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February 6, 2021
HERITAGE AND LEGACY
ANCESTOR’S PRAYER
From the Kwanzaa Observance
Interfaith Harmony Week Day 6
Our great Afrikan parents who are among us we humbly
offer our thanks for the many blessings you have given.
We extend our love to its ultimate state of being –
For the suffering that you have endured so that we may not suffer so.
offer our thanks for the many blessings you have given.
We extend our love to its ultimate state of being –
For the suffering that you have endured so that we may not suffer so.
Mothers of our great Afrikan nation
Fathers of our Afrikan selves –
We invoke you to further lead and guide us to a higher understanding
Of our true greatness –
And a more encompassing dedication of love for our Afrikan people.
Fathers of our Afrikan selves –
We invoke you to further lead and guide us to a higher understanding
Of our true greatness –
And a more encompassing dedication of love for our Afrikan people.
Parents of all Afrikan children;
Guide us toward a greater unity –
Guide us in a stronger Afrikan Value System and lead us
into the zenith of respect and love for our people, through
education and the “Family Communal Structure.”
Guide us toward a greater unity –
Guide us in a stronger Afrikan Value System and lead us
into the zenith of respect and love for our people, through
education and the “Family Communal Structure.”
We swear upon the heritage and legacy that you have left us
to uphold and sustain our rightful status on this earth, and
to continue the struggle for the total mental and physical liberation of all Afrikan People.
to uphold and sustain our rightful status on this earth, and
to continue the struggle for the total mental and physical liberation of all Afrikan People.
ADUPE ARIKU BABA WA
(Thank You, by the Spirit of Our Ancestors)
Kwanzaa
The Kwanzaa observance is “rooted in both the cultural values and practice of Africans on the Continent and in the United States with strict attention to cultural authenticity and values for a meaningful, principled and productive life. … The values and practices of Kwanzaa are selected from peoples from all parts of Africa. … Tradition is our grounding, our cultural anchor and therefore our starting point. … Our tradition enables us to select, preserve and build on the best of what we have achieved and produced, in light of our knowledge and our needs born of experience.”
Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture
Maulana Karenga
Los Angeles: University of Sankore Press (2008), pp. 15-16
For more information on Kwanzaa: www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org
Reflection/Response
In many parts of the World, the Ancestors provide the wisdom for living in the present moment. The spirits of the Ancestors live in our memories, our stories, our interactions with one another. The Ancestors remind us of the virtues we must practice if we would be people of respect, kindness, and generosity.
As you look back upon your life, remember a person who touched your heart, mind, and soul. What blessing did this person impart to you? Remember and light a candle.
As you look back upon your life, who inspired you to greatness of heart? Remember a story about this person. Evoke their presence and greet them with open arms and heart. Invite your memory to bless you.
As you look back upon your life, remember the people who loved you. Invite them to come into your presence and dance with you in your heart. Realize anew we are born from a people for the sake of the World. In the future, when you are resting with the Ancestors, what story would you like future people to remember about you? Live your story in the moment blessing the future forever.
Feel the Presence of those who have gone before you. Express your gratitude to them for the wisdom they imparted to you.
Off