In 2014, I experienced my first vortex. It was spring break during my senior year of college and while most of my friends travelled to Colorado or the beach, I flew to Arizona. My cousin and her family live in Phoenix and it was the perfect place to get away for a week. As an introvert (that I did not know I was at the time), I was escaping for some quality time with a few folks and the outdoors.
Phoenix was filled with one hundred different shades of beige. Each house appeared to be a very similar shape and style. They were beautiful in so many ways, blending into the desert environment; however, I began to miss vibrant color.
Then we ventured into Sedona.
Purple. Orange. Pink. Green.
So many bright bursts of color all over the place. The color I really remember is red-orange, one of my favorite crayon colors as a kid. Everywhere I turned there were gigantic rock formations. It was beautiful. Then, I learned about
vortexes
.
“The ancient Native American Yavapai people lived all over the Sedona area, painting petroglyphs and establishing cliff dwellings, indicating to future archaeologists and visitors that their creative force, the energy of their ‘Great Mother’ was powerful and palpable.
Today, the Yavapai still reside in Sedona alongside New Age enthusiasts and visitors curious about the power of the Sedona vortex. Is the earth’s energy really swirling in these spots, with a kinetic electricity that twists the surrounding trees and makes visitors’ bodies tingle?
Or is the power of the Sedona vortex simply a state of mind- a product of the visitor’s perception- and a result of the desire to find a sacred, natural spot where we can encounter an energy larger than ourselves?”
As I stood on top of the red rocks, I was amazed by the beauty of the land. I wanted to feel some sort of shift in energy; however, I didn’t feel it.
I began to think… wait, I’ve experienced this kind of energy somewhere, just not here. I’ve felt that “kinetic energy” while singing “Be Thou My Vision." I’ve felt the energy when our wedding photographer said, “this is your little slice of heaven” as the sanctuary doors opened for me to walk down the aisle. I remember a feeling of transcendence hearing Adele sing while we were backstage at the Bridgestone Arena and wondering-
sweet gracious
, what it would be like to have a voice and presence such as that in front of thousands. I feel it each day as I walk through our neighborhood park and notice the warm wind swirling through the rays of sunshine.
Have you experienced kinetic energy like a vortex?
Kinetic energy and orange-red rocks makes me think of the Holy Spirit. Yesterday, we celebrated
Pentecost
.
Some wear read as a symbol of the Holy Spirit descending on the church and calling us forward to be the church to the ends of the earth.
"The Pentecost event was the fulfillment of a promise which Jesus gave concerning the return of the Holy Spirit. The speaking in tongues, which was a major effect of having received the Spirit, is interpreted by some to symbolize the church's worldwide preaching. In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is now the seventh Sunday after Easter. It emphasizes that the church is understood as the body of Christ which is drawn together and given life by the Holy Spirit. Some understand Pentecost to be the origin and sending out of the church into the world."
I invite you to read
Acts 2
today.
Have you experienced a Pentecost moment?
What does it mean to be the church in the world?
In these times, we are reminded that the church is not the building- the church is the people. The Spirit is still with us, even when things feel hopeless- and they sure to feel that way sometimes.
What does Pentecost look like as we
mourn
the death of over 100,000 due to COVID-19?
Where do we experience the Spirit amidst protests and demands for justice?
I pray that we all continue to learn, grow, dismantle, unite, unlearn, learn, and seek to be the fair, loving, justice-seeking, active church in the world this day and always. May we remember that this earth is sacred space. May we unconditionally love one another with boldness. May we remember that we are all sacred creations made in the image of God. All of us.
Living God, you sent the Holy Spirit to breathe life into your church.
Let us no longer be captives to fear, but messengers of your saving love, so that all may be reconciled in you; through Jesus Christ, our peace.
Amen
.
