Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Because of my expanded sense of "Indianness," I notice how un-Indian my surroundings are. I must choose to use this for the good or to my downfall. Shall I welcome in feelings of isolation and disconnectedness from my homeland and family or nurture my fledgling wings?This new awareness of cultural identity sets my feet on the path to more fully embrace the way God created me. He created us not only with a purpose but fearfully and wonderfully made us as Psalm 139 describes. He intended that we be unique. The erroneous thought that we replicate ourselves must come from the enemy whose inability to create anything must enrage him. I do not desire to be a pawn in the hands of the enemy moved about without strength or soundness of mind.

In the gentle quiet of the waning summer morning I walk lighly in the new sense of direction listening to Creator guide me, not wanting to miss His whispered command to go forth to the nations. Creator's bold brushstrokes of clouds fill the sky, evidence that He speaks life, not death. The contrast of white on expansive blue reminds me to keep life simple and to walk in beauty. Birdsong lifts my heart while the strident crescendo of locust moves in circular waves prompting me to actively listen and determine the direction of His voice. Spirit breezes through, moving in the tops of the trees and the outstretched branches dance with joy. It is the breath of God bringing life to all His creation. Nothing escapes His touch. I am tucked inside the stand of trees, watched over, protected in Creator's arms; yes, held in the palm of His hand. He gives me the fragrance of the earth moistened by the morning dew as a bouquet. I am the daughter of the King.

How do city-dwellers survive without this tangible presence of God? No two days are alike in the natural world. Why do we readily believe Creator wants us to remain the same, untouched by the breath of life or unmoved by the Spirit?

Sun Dance

Even though it is almost a month later, I'm still processing the Sun Dance. I feel that I need to study and learn more about this most sacred of Lakota ceremonies. When we first arrived I felt strange and unwelcome...sort of like arriving in the middle of a stranger's wedding reception. The unwanted feelings soon changed to a romantic notion of the Lakota and a desire to be one of them. I looked all around and saw the beauty of the prairie grass and rolling hills. The sight of the teepees in this beautiful backdrop brought me back to a time when the Lakota camped and hunted bison on the same land.

There is still a lot I don't understand about the Sun Dance. I realize the dancers are pierced and that they dance around the tree, until the piercings pull out. I've seen the scared chests of the dancers. I have also heard (but do not know for certain) that most (or all) dancers make a commitment to abstain from alcohol, drugs and to live a righteous life for a few years. It reminds me of part of the covenant ceremonies used by Abraham's contemporaries. During one part of the covenant ceremony, wrists where cut and tied together as the two people's blood came together like modern day "blood brothers". The scars were festered so that they would be visible for a lifetime, reminding them of their covenant. In much the same way, I'm sure the Sun Dancer's have scars that remind them of the commitment they had made. I believe that Jesus reminded His disciples of the New Covenant, not only through the last supper, but also after he rose again and show them his scars. There seems to be a connection between blood, scars and covenants. Perhaps one day Sun Dancers for Christ will be reminded of their commitment to Him by their own scars. Can the ceremony be used to worship Christ?

searching for my own culture

OK, I know it has been awhile since our trip but I am still working through my own cultural identity. I asked this question during the trip at the drug and alcohol center we visited but I am opening it up for all to answer. While studying another culture it has been said you understand yours better but I am still struggling on what my culture looks like. I hope ya all can help me out. I admire the culture of the first nations people of the plains, as the director said at the drug and alcohol center, we have the tools or keys in place, we just need the people to take action in their families. How is our culture the same as the first nations people we studied? The one question that I struggle with the most is, What does my own European/American culture it look like? Where is my place within this culture? Does our culture have the keys in place to help our people? I am still learning and deciphering what happen, I pray for the spirit to help me in understanding and I will take any input from anyone who wishes to answer.

Kevin

Pedro, Paul and the Pipe

I think often of Pedro. The pipe ceremony was very interesting to me, having never seen one before.

My point of reference is the time I asked my mom if she would show me her cannupa(cha new pa). My friend Autumn and my brother Dan, and I had jumped in the car and drove to South Dakota one summer. Mom told Autumn she could not show her the cannupa and Autumn respectfully left the room. She didn't try to convince mom she wouldn't tell anyone, she just accepted mom's simple request.

Mom got the cannupa down and unwrapped it because it is a sacred object not to be displayed or shown to just anyone. She is a traditional Indian woman. She explained the purpose of the cannupa, as she cradled it in her lap. The she gently wrapped it up and put it away.

I had no idea there was such a thing as a pipe blessing or that they were different shapes. The order of the ceremony made sense to me, but I am still new to Native ways. I am thankful to have seen the pipe blessing.

Later I asked Pedro about his instruction not to house the pipe where a dog is present. He said dogs are very powerful. So I am left wanting to more about that.

I hope the door continues to be open for Paul and Pedro and that God blesses their relationship.