When Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde spoke at an Interfaith Service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., she did what spiritual leaders have done for centuries—she spoke truth to power. With calm conviction, she prayed:
"Have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared right now."
It was a plea rooted in a universal spiritual principle: compassion. And yet, her words sparked outrage. Some influential voices attacked her for daring to express a belief that aligns not only with the teachings of Jesus, but also with the wisdom of countless spiritual traditions.
Why would such a simple, compassionate statement be controversial? Because, as history shows, speaking the truth—especially in turbulent times—is always a revolutionary act.
The Courage to Stand for Something
What struck me most about Bishop Budde’s message was not just her words, but her unwavering clarity. She stood firm in her belief, even when doing so was uncomfortable, even when it meant facing criticism.
This moment led me to reflect on a deeper question:
What does it mean to take a stand as a spiritual being in today’s world?
If we claim to be people of faith, people of values, people who seek to make the world a better place, then we must ask ourselves: what do we stand for? If we don’t define it, we risk standing for nothing at all.
What It Means to Stand for Something Greater
If I imagined the kind of world that spiritually aware individuals could create, I envision people standing on principles like these:
We are each a unique, unrepeatable gift to the world. Every individual carries something valuable—a purpose, a talent, a calling. Our job is to embrace and express that uniqueness for the good of others.
We must release the belief that we are less than we truly are. Too often, we diminish ourselves. We tell ourselves stories of limitation, believing we are not good enough, not powerful enough, not capable enough. But these are illusions. The greatness we admire in others is a reflection of the greatness within us.
We are here to make a difference. The people we respect—leaders, changemakers, visionaries—are not special in ways that we are not. They simply chose to act. If we recognize greatness in them, it is because that same potential exists in us.
We must usher in new ways of being. The world needs new models of leadership, conflict resolution, and community-building. The old ways—rooted in division, fear, and competition—no longer serve us. A new paradigm is waiting to be born, and we are the ones who must bring it forth.
Success must be redefined. In a culture obsessed with wealth and status, we must embrace a higher vision of success—one based on service, contribution, and alignment with something greater than ourselves. When we give to a cause bigger than our own interests, life has a way of providing everything else we need.
The Spiritual Revolution Starts with Us
If we are serious about healing the polarization and wounds in our society, we cannot wait for politicians or institutions to lead the way. Governments respond to the collective consciousness of the people. If we want to see a shift in our world, that shift must begin with us.
We must become instruments of the Spirit, embodying the values we wish to see reflected in our leaders. If enough of us rise in consciousness—choosing truth over comfort, compassion over fear, courage over silence—the world will follow.
So, I ask you: What do you stand for?
It is not enough to critique the world. We must embody the change we wish to see. Bishop Budde stood firm in her beliefs. Will we?
Peace and Blessings,
James
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