Honoring our brave sisters: the Philadephia 11

                                      My signed copy of Rev Alla Renee Bozarth, PH.D's book _Womanpriest_  Photo by The Pensacola Hippie 

Today, 11 brave women made history at an Episcopal church un Philadelphia, PA. They stood for ordination { irregularly} as priests in the Episcopal branch of the One Holy . catholic  Church. Here is the collect for today:

 O God, you poured your Spirit from on high to bless and summon these women, who heard the strength of your call: Equip, guide, and inspire us with wisdom, boldness, and faith to trust you in all circumstances, hear you preach new life to your church, and stretch out our hands to serve you, as you created us and redeemed us in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God everlasting. Amen.

 In the entire history of Christianity, ordained women are still a new concept.  The Philadelphia ordinations happened in 1974-- two years before The General Convention of The Episcopal Church would officially recognize women as clergy. 

I honor the bishops who stood up for justice and equality and ordained these women against the wishes of the majority of their colleagues in the House of Bishops. 

The Rev Carter Heyward, one of the 11 women ordained on this day in 1974, had this to say in an article

“Well, we were really quite privileged to be able to take that step. Somebody had to take it and it was our time, I guess. We came along and we were ready in every way other than the fact that the church wasn’t ready, but we were.”

She said " The church wasn't ready, but we were."

Each and every step towards justice and equality for all involves people bravely stepping up to do what many say should not/could not be done.

Following Jesus requires risk. Christianity is a way of life that requires apostolic, prophetic action. As followers of Jesus, we look to Him for the model of how to bring about change that honors the image of God that is in every person on Earth. It seems like working for justice for all often has us taking one step forward and being thrown two steps back by people who oppose systemic change. We must press forward regardless of the challenges-- future generations need you and me to be trailblazers in our own lives.

I'm blessed to be a part of a Christian community with TWO women clergy among us. For me, the fact that women are priests and deacons in my Church is something which I will never take for granted. My earliest Christian formation was sitting in a Roman Catholic church with my paternal grandmother and feeling befuddled that all the priests I'd seen in my short life { I was 4} had been men. I asked Grandma after Mass one day: " Grandma why are their no girl priests?" She looked at me sadly and said " That's a good question.' I am pretty sure that Grandma would agree with me when I say that the Church is blessed by the gifts of people of all genders { and people who do not claim any gender }

Today, let's honor all woman who have the courage to follow God's path for their lives-- in spite of obstacles that human institutions might place as blockades.

Stand tall. Be seen. Speak loudly. Be a force for good in this ever-darkening society.

Be brave, like our sisters who were ordained 47 years ago today.

~Sarah McCarren

Pensacola, FL

I stand with Simone

 

                             Me, med-forties and still healthy & fit thanks to a lifestyle learned while participating in sports.  I know that no sport is worth sacrificing one's mental or physical health.  Photo by Brian. 

  I stand with Simone Biles. I admire her integrity & bravery away from the gymnastics club as much as I admire her breath-taking talent as an athlete. 

  It takes courage to stand up to abusive coaches, and it takes even more chutzpah to call out slimy " team doctors" who are touching the athletes inappropriately. 

 In school, I was an athlete. Most of my coaches are/were wonderful people who helped me grow in a healthy direction. However, I had to quit basketball as a high school junior because of a coach's behavior. This person's style of " leadership" involved screaming at the athletes and humiliating  them in front of teammates. That is all I can say without mentioning this coach by name or any other identifying feature. 

 My junior year of high school was rough. To be honest, I blocked most of that year from memory-- it was just too painful. My mental illness was still at its peak and I probably spent more time on the therapist's couch than I did in class.  My eating disorder was also at its worst-- which depleted my physical abilities. My coach didn't see me as a person-- a person who needed help, so I quit.  I had enough internal chaos without someone shouting in my ear-- reminding me that I am not a star. 

  The problem of abusive coaches in girls/ women's  sports isn't confined to the elite ranks of national teams. Nor is coach's abuse a new phenomenon in elite sports-- look at Kerri Strug's ' miraculous' vault after sustaining a bad injury 

Win At All Cost is a fallacy.  Revisiting the Strug situation as a grown adult 20 plus years later has me seeing through different eyes. The athlete needed medical attention and a little mental health TLC. Instead, her coach forced her to perform like a circus animal. 

This is so wrong. Athletes, regardless of the level at which they compete in sports, are human.  Their physical and mental health is important. 

I stand with Simone, and every other female athlete who has suffered because of a ruthless coach. 

~Sarah McCarren

28 July 2021

Furious , Sad, and Exhausted : But NOT Broken

                                                    My Grandmother { who went to Heaven during the pre-vaccine days of COVID} and my Uncle. I come from tough stock Photo credit unknown. 

Brian and I returned from our wonderful trip to the North Carolina mountains to find Florida among the states that are overrun with COVID19 patients. Unlike last summer's wave, the majority of people catching the virus are younger & UNVACCINATED adults.  Additionally, this particular variant is harder on children & younger adults . Thirdly, this strain CAN " break through" and infect those of us who are vaccinated. I know some people who caught it in spite of vaccination, and they report milder symptoms. 

Brian says that I always return from vacation in somewhat of a funk. This time, I dreaded coming back to Florida, knowing that my state is among the worst of the unvaccinated cases flooding hospitals.  Knowing that our Governor plans for " business as usual here in the Sunshine State, Brian & I are masking up every damn time we are indoors with people whose status we do not know. 

I hate the damn masks. Furthermore, I resent the fact that the poor, selfish choices of the Unvaccinated are forcing myself & others to take two steps back and cover our faces { in the heat of a Florida summer, too. Damn! } 

We are also choosing to stay home more, as we don't want to catch nor spread the virus & it is too hot & humid in Florida to make masked outdoor gatherings enjoyable. 

I'm FURIOUS. But I am not broken. 

COVID { or "La Rona" as some people like to personify the virus} did not beat me the first round. While my household remained free from the unwelcome pest, its effects were { and still are} felt from the " Covid year" of 2020. Everyone sacrificed, and I rejoiced when the vaccine rolled out early in 2021. 

My dear Grandmother died in December of last year, and thanks to the unavailability of vaccines for the general public at that time, Florida & Atlanta McCarrens were grounded from flying to Pittsburgh. Thankfully, one of the cousins attended the Mass & Zoomed the event from her phone, but that let me with no real closure. Through no fault of our own, the southern branch of the McCarren family were grounded in Florida & Atlanta. Out of caution & care for ourselves & others, we elected to stay home and stay safe from a virus that we could transmit to others without feeling ill. 

We willingly sacrificed our own spiritual/mental health needs to keep our community safer. 

Now, we must once again mask, clean and stay away from people. The big difference is that this time , people who CHOSE to not receive a FREE vaccine are who are crowding our hospital beds & making some vaccinated people sick. 

"Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect."

Eleanor Roosevelt

Yup. Some of us used our freedom to act responsible & receive our shots. We know that the wellness of the entire human species requires us to put our fears and POLITICS aside & get vaccinated against this killer. 

Y'all, I am sick and tired of being PUNISHED for others ' poor choices. In the United Sates, there are no consequences for adults who choose to play Russian Roulette with others' lives.  They are allowed to live " normal" lives while spreading death and disability to others. 

This COVID wave has bent and shaken me. But I am not broken. 

Get the damn shots! 

~Sarah McCarren

27 July 2021

An Open Letter to Unvaccinated Adults

                                     Safe road trip to North Carolina mountains thanks to VACCINATIONS and SCIENCE.  Photo by Brian 

                     Dear Unvaccinated American Adults: 

   I see you, and I know some of you. And if you feel called out by this letter-- that is my intent. 

   Cases of the delta variant of COVID 19 are on the rise. While a few of the vaccinated adults are catching this virus, the majority of those cases are among adults who refuse the vaccine. 

  While I would NEVER wish this illness on anyone, I must admit that I resent the hell out of the need to return somewhat to COVID Life. I, and almost everyone I know and love, have received their vaccine. Parents of children I know & love are waiting for the CDC to deem vaccines safe for people under age 12. Many families with young ones are still in quarantine-- doing their best to keep their children safe, since the Delta variant is known to be more dangerous to young patients. 

  I am not a parent, but I am the Aunt of a beautiful nephew and niece { ages almost 8 and 6} I fail to understand why anyone who is around children can still stubbornly refuse the vaccine . 

  I am vaccinated, as is my spouse and everyone with whom I associate closely. But I do now people who are among the unvaccinated, and it is to you that I make my plea. 

  You have the right to your political opinions.  But for the sake of all that is decent--- PLEASE listen to science and not talking heads on the TV. Read the CDC reports. Better yet: talk to people who have survived COVID. Someone once told me on Facebook { and I have blocked such person} that they didn't think that a virus that is ** only** fatal to ten percent of those who catch it is cause for masking / vaccine . Let me ask this: what if your spouse , parent, sibling best friend.. ect had bee among the ** only** ten percent of COVID deaths. 

  Each death from Covid is a family tragedy. Vaccines have saved lives: yet so many Americans are digging in their heels based on nothing but suspicion. We could have seen every American adult vaccinated by now, but instead more people are sick and dying. 

  Florida, where I live, is one of the worst states with COVID hospitalizations. Once again, my spouse and I { WHO ARE BOTH VACCINATED}  are masking up and sanitizing hands after every indoor encounter with the public. Of course I'll do this to protect the more vulnerable among us, but I honestly resent adults who can but will not get the vaccine. I did my part to keep folx safe and will continue to do what is best for all humanity. I refuse to be a silent spreader-- and I DO blame unvaccinated adults for this plight we are in now. 

Own it-- and just get the damn shots. 

Pissed off, but not pissed on...

~Sarah McCarren

25 July 2021

  

God's Country : Part 5

                                   Pisgah National Forest trail. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie 

Today Brian and I had every intention of going to see Linville Falls: I'd even Googled the location. When we got to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance, we discovered that the direction where " Mile Marker 315 ' is located is on a portion of the scenic highway that is closed for repair.  Since we had already invested time and gasoline to get to the Parkway, we decided to pivot and drive a little in the opposite direction, and we fund a wonderful trailhead. 

                             Yours truly at the trailhead in Pisgah. Photo by Brian. 

The hike was lovely, and not too strenuous for Brian. While I am a wee bit disappointed that we di not get to Linville Falls, I am grateful for the quiet time in the woods with my spouse. To be honest, I really do not want to go home tomorrow-- especially to a COVID-ravaged Pensacola. I know that this is hitting those foolish adults who refuse to vaccinate. Pensacola unvaccinated  people are finally getting sick-- and I've seen heart-breaking stories of patients who, before they are intubated, beg for the vaccine { Science is not consumer-driven, one needs to follow correct procedure for the vaccines to work} Meanwhile, we vaccinated people are doubling down to keep children under 12 safe until medical science deems vaccines safe for them .

I don't want to leave western NC until late November. 

~Sarah McCarren

Beech Mountain NC

 

God's Country: Part 4

  View of Mile High Swinging Bridge from a lookout post on Grandfather Mountain.  Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

Day 4 . 

Today Brian and I visited Grandfather Mountain. It was NOT cheap, but worth every penny of admission price. Due to COVID restrictions, we had to secure reservations online prior to driving over to Linville. Our arrival time was 9 a.m., but we were able to get in fifteen minutes early.  Due to some physical restrictions for both of us, we opted to not  hike the long, steep path to the famed Mile High Bridge. We drove to the summit and walked steps to the bridge. 

 Me at one end of the " Mile High Bridge on Grandfather Mountain. Brian chose to not walk across the suspension bridge, but I overcame my fear of heights and walked across it. Photo by Brian. 

Walking across the bridge, I put one foot in front of the other while staring straight ahead-- avoiding looking in either the right nor left. I reached the other side with no panic attacks, but did not trust my balance enough to climb over the rocks to the second peak. The last time I visited Grandfather Mountain I was eleven years old-- and now I am middle-aged.  It is better to be safe than stupid, and the view was just as lovely from my sturdy perch. 

                        One side of the Bridge. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

After we visited the summit, we drove down to the Wildlife Preserve and took a lovely walking tour of native animals who are year -round residents of Grandfather Mountain. We saw several native species, but our favorites are the black bear and the trio of { male} elk. 

Our last activity on Grandfather Mountain was an easy hike in the woods. We chose a mile-long , but fairly easy circular trail. To be safe, we employed our hiking sticks . I grew up in Northern Appalachia, so walking in dense , elevated woods is ingrained in my muscle memory. 

Y'all, I miss the mountains. If Brian and I could afford a second home, I'd choose the mountains of western North Carolina. 

~Sarah McCarren

Beech Mountain , NC

God's Country: Part 3

                                   Me in front of a mural in downtown Boone, NC. Photo by Brian. 

Day 3. 

Brian and I decided to explore Boone, NC-- a 40 minute drive down into one of the valleys. Originally, our plan was to hike an urban trail called " the Boone Greenway". Well, we never found said Greenway, but opted to walk along the historic downtown business district. Boone is the home of Appalachian State University { Home of the Mountaineers} , so the town has a cool youthful vibe. 

We ate lunch at an authentic Vietnamese place in-- Banner Elk, NC! I had the pad thai and the noodles and veggies were fresh. I had the BEST peanut sauce I'd eaten in years. 

Back at the cabin, we had a nice little 6th birthday party for our niece.  We ordered pizza, and the birthday girl requested chocolate cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. I am so stuffed! 

After supper, Brian and I took a short walk down our lane. We met one of the neighbors. Check it out:

                                           Our neighbor is a female mule deer. They are not too common in Appalachia. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

Apparently mule deer are not common in the Eastern United States. The dark markings on her face stood out to me-- along with her big beautiful deer eyes. According to Google, the mule deer is named for their large ears--which are thought to look like mule ears. 

I feel blessed by these gentle creatures who share the habitat with we humans on Beech Mountain. 

Anyway, tomorrow is Grandfather Mountain with Brian? He's never been, and I've not been to this natural wonder since I was a young teen. 

It is such a blessing to be back at these mountains. While Pensacola is home, western North Carolina will always be a big piece of my soul. My present & future is in Pensacola, but my past and some of my heart

Appalachian born-- but I call the northwest Florida Gulf Coast home. 

I am grateful for all my ' thin places". 

Until tomorrow... goodnight friends. 

~Sarah McCarren

Beech Mountain NC 

 

God's Country: Part Two

             "St Christopher" enjoys a sip of bubbly wine. :) Photo by The Pensacola Hippie

Day 2 in God's Country, North Carolina. Brian and I did our first mountain hike this morning. According to the trail people, the walk we chose is marked " moderate", the trail proved to be more along the lines of " difficult" for both of us. It is a mile-long trek to this particular peak, and we managed to hike halfway up the trail before we both chose to turn  around & hike back to the truck. My experience of growing up in the Appalachian woods near Pittsburgh helped me to feel safe & confident on the tough trail. 

                                    Me at the head of the trail today. Photo by Brian. 

There were some amazing natural waterfalls on this trail. For me, one of the best parts of the hike was seeing the natural waterfalls. Water is my favorite element: and as much as I love the mountains, I feel the healing powers of water. 

  The hike invigorated my soul: I can spend all day in the North Carolina Appalachian woods. I needed a sweatshirt. As I've said before, Florida summers are notoriously hot and HUMID. It is such a blessing for me to spend time outdoors and not get drenched in sweat.  Highlands humidity is entirely different from HOT humidity in Florida: it is not felt by me after over two decades of Florida Life. 

I am loving life here, & I am not looking forward to returning to hot, humid Florida. If Brian & I ever miraculously come into some money, I'd LOVE a summer home here on Beech Mountain. 

Our extended family rolled in today from Pittsburgh, so there is much-needed family time. COVID has kept us apart for two years, and we are due for some quality time together. 

Until tomorrow...

Sarah McCarren

Beech Mountain , NC. 

                                                                                                 

God's Country: Part One

                                          Siblings {and our spouses} at Beech Mountain, NC . Photo by Barbara. 

 We are here. After two-days of driving. { we spent the night in Atlanta } we are in the highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi River.  Our " cabin' has five bedrooms and five bathrooms. There are two big decks that face  the mountain vista. 

                    Sunset from the deck on Beech Mountain. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie

Brian has never been to Beech Mountain, and it is fun to share this wonderful area with him.   Yesterday afternoon we arrived at the cabin . It was wet and drizzly, but I am glad to be here. Florida summers can  so miserably hot and humid Florida summers { not to mentioned named storms} 

   We were treated by a deer family last evening as we came back from supper. We stopped at  a lookout spot near a hiking trail, and were gifted with the deer sighting. The young buck looked right at me-- he did not feel threatened by my presence. 

              

                      Young Buck looking at me. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

 Later that evening, as I was enjoying a soak in the hot tub, my little niece , my brother, and I saw a doe come into the backyard slope. She seemed either unaware or unafraid of we humans as she quietly grazed on some clover. The hot tub felt wonderful on my sore muscles-- after two days' worth of truck travel , I felt the strain on my bones & muscles. 

Today we have a short hike planned , and my uncle & aunts arrive from Pittsburgh this afternoon. Due to Brian's cancer treatments & Pandemic 2021, I've not seen some Pittsburgh relatives in over two years. regarding COVID19  & news consumption, I am doing my best to keep from " borrowing trouble" regarding the delta variant. We plan to stay as far away from people not in our group { we are all vaccinated} when we our in public. 

That's all for now. I was really tired yesterday, so there is not much Namaste! 

~Sarah McCarren

Beech Mountain, NC 

The Mountains are Calling Again, And I Will Go Safely!

                                              Me hiking in Western North Carolina last autumn. Clearly protected from the cooties. Photo by Brian. 

   “The mountains are calling & I must go..." John Muir. 

     Bria and I are prepared for our road trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. After the hellish year that was 2020-- the spouse and I are taking full advantages of the ability to road trip from our Pensacola home. 

   I need the break from Florida Summer.  Additionally I need some quality time with my { vaccinated} extended family members.  We are avoiding hotels and crowded venues. 

    We are traveling safely-- aware that there are still fools who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID 19. We are confident in the science that says that the vaccines we { and the people with whom we'll share the mountain house}received. Thankfully, the state of North Carolina is wise enough to be aware that some people are leery of public spaces-- and we packed masks in our luggage. Hand sanitizer & rubbing alcohol wipes are stashed in my backpack. 

    Our week will be spent in a tiny hamlet at the top of Beech Mountain, in north-western North Carolina. My brother & I have great memories of childhood trips to this tiny mountain town -- our maternal grandparents invited us for a week's stay for several summers during our growing-up years.  I cannot speak for Matt, but I know I look forward to sharing some classic WNC with my spouse & others who've yet to experience Beech Mountain's summertime charms. 

  We packed suitcases for varied weather.  Beech Mountain's altitude makes for cool mornings and evenings: I anticipate sipping my morning coffee on the porch-- staring at the incredible view whilst wearing a sweatshirt. 

    A week with NO HUMIDITY! Ah, Paradise for this transplanted Floridian. 

    Brian & I honeymooned in Hendersonville, a highlands town located south of Asheville & we returned there last autumn. I was born & raised in Appalachian , so these old mountains and hills are part of my DNA. I love Pensacola, but the Appalachian Mountains are my " thin place": I feel especially connected to God The Divine Mother when I am hiking those old ridges. 

  Onward. 

   Sarah McCarren 

   16 July 2021

 

Prophets & " home"

Totally " Sarah Sandals" that I found at a discount place.  Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

This is part of the Gospel lesson for Sunday, July 4 2021. While I relate to & appreciate the entire passage, this part stuck out to me: 

"And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said

to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin,

and in their own house.”

Living through a pandemic has changed all of us. But for me, what Pandemic Life , 2020-21 has shown me is with whom and where is " home" 

I have not been to the place where I grew up in over two years, due to the spouse's cancer & The Pandemic.  Oddly enough, I do not miss the Rust Belt. Brian and I only had enough money for one summer trip-- either to my parents' rented house on Beech Mountain, North Carolina or a trip to Greater Pittsburgh. 

I chose North Carolina. As much as I love my friends and family in Greater Pittsburgh-- two years away from The Rust Belt, a pandemic , and political insanity made me re-think about who I am and what sort of legacy I wish to leave to my niece & nephew. My last trip to where I grew up was not necessarily a good nor happy one, I'd felt like a stranger in what used to be my place of comfort & safety. While I cherish the memories I have with many of the wonderful people there-- I am not the Sarah they knew. I am stronger-- secure in my personal walk with God & thriving in a community who challenges me to grow in ways that change me. 

The past four years have been times of growth -- growth that came from a lot of sorrow.  Especially these past two years-- with Brian's cancer diagnosis & treatment in 2019 ,  Year 2020 brought the death of two in-laws, a worldwide pandemic ,  and the ugliest election season I can recall, and my beloved grandmother's death at age 90. Year 2021 looked promising, but on the 6th of January a group of American citizens stormed the Capitol and tried to take over our democracy. 

I've changed so much over the past four years, and people's responses to both Pandemic Life and The Election taught me much about what I cannot tolerate . Life is too damn short.

Back in October , 2018-- my bishop, as he prayed over me at my Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, referred to me as " a prophet". At the time I was stunned and confused by his words-- but the past 24 months have shown me what he saw. 

2020 forced me to lay out all my ' cards on the table'. My work towards full equality for all God's people has probably ruffled a few feathers. A Pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, election ugliness, and then the attempted coup shook my faith in people.  However, all this chaos did not deter me from my work of "tikkun olen " or repairing the world.  As a Christian of Jewish descent , and the daughter of two hippies-- I take the commandment to love and serve others very seriously. 

I am grateful to be in a community that does serve others. Another lesson I've learned over the last four years is that it can be costly to choose to stand up for a principle & to demand change from our civic leaders.  Peaceful protests and strongly-worded editorials are effective yet costly, as are participating in phone /text banks. 

Direct action has a cost. Challenging the status quo is scary. 

"Home" is where one is celebrated and where one's gifts are put to use . 

Pensacola is home to me. 

Amen. 

Sarah McCarren

6 July 2021