June 28, 2012
0

Hogan of the Holy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hogan_Navajo.jpg

Re-read an old journal entry recently in which I wonder with God about the image of being a “temple” of the Holy Spirit. I was thinking the idea of a Temple sounds awfully formal and uninviting except to others who follow the inevitable Temple rules.

My wonderings were whether God might be interested in my being a home or a dwelling of some kind other than a temple that I picture as expensive and made of old marble. Then I remembered some of the things I’d read about a Navaho hogan, sacred home for the Diné (Navajo) people who practice traditional religion. Every family — even if they live most of the time in a newer home — must have the traditional hogan for ceremonies..

I like the stories that tell of the building the first hogan as a gift that is part of their Creation story. Hogans were a part of the plan all along. And the idea that hogans are places of healing and keeping balance inspires me. Hogans are compassionate and peaceful abodes.  And that songs were sung during their making is all the more special. Created in song and blessing—what a destiny!

If the scriptures had arisen out of a North American culture, it might have spoken on God wanting to build his hogan among us, and even inviting us to become Hogans of the Holy ourselves.

Then I’d also want to learn the songs.

Peace,

Nancy

About The Author:

My simple life… is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God lead me. I have been married to Greg for 27 years and we have three wonderful children. My simple life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God take control. I followed God’s call to begin seminary at Perkins School of Theology in January 2006. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God’s call. I began the Degree in the Art of Spiritual Direction at San Francisco Theological Seminary in January 2009. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. I was ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA and spent three amazing years in Pastoral Ministry at Highland Springs Senior Living in Dallas, TX. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. My passion is the Christian Spiritual Life. As a spiritual director and retreat leader, I am so blessed to hear how God is at work in the world. How is God at work in your life?

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