Who Is Rich?
Guest Writer: Oralee Stiles Hamilton
"Through a child's eyes comes a revelation.”
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”—3 John 1:4.
D and O
“You’re rich, aren’t you, Grandma?” This question shocked me. My ten-year-old grandson and I had spent time shopping at Goodwill and searching the grocery store for Kosher food for him. I had turned down many of his requests.
“What makes you think that?” I asked.
“Because you are happy with what you have!”
I let his observation sink in and transform me. “Yes, YES!! In that way, I am outrageously rich.” My life continues to be full of loving relationships, challenges to stretch me, opportunities gifted to me. I am so blessed.
Being outrageous: I changed my profession from an outward oriented teacher, civil rights activist, and entrepreneur—to an inward oriented spiritual director and hospice volunteer, from Doing to Being (well, OK, still Doing—in different ways—with more Being thrown in). Now I love being very present to people as they share their stories, spirituality, questions. I hope to awaken them to their loving compassion for themselves and for all relations. I love the awareness of guidance and wisdom being offered and coming through me.
I feel very privileged to have a profession that improves with life experience and long-range perspectives as well as promoting the on-going relationship to the mystery and divinity of life.
—Oralee Stiles Hamilton.
Oralee offers individual and group spiritual direction; women’s spiritual support groups; rituals for life changes, marriage, and memorials; grief support; and guided personal retreats.
Her website is TendingtheHoly.com
Mothers Save the World, the Vision from 2020 is her short story about the possibilities of mothers bringing major changes to the way we live. Read it here.
She has co-authored a book, Growing Together, with her Jewish daughter, Aliza. It tells the story of love and adaptation between a Protestant mother and observant Jewish daughter, her husband, and six children.
Joanna joannaseibert.com