Almost a Conversation

I once had the distinct honor of introducing Joan Chittister before she gave a lecture. For those who don’t know her, Sister Chittister is a Benedictine nun, a fierce social justice warrior, and a prolific writer.

Before the program began, I had about two minutes alone with her backstage. I’m not sure where it came from, but she turned to me and said, “You know, Benjamin, I no longer worry about what I’m going to say. I just say what I think needs to be said and then I trust the Holy Spirit to communicate what needs to be heard.”

Uh, wow. It’s been 10 or so years since that happened and her words have stuck with me. To let go of the critical voice. To speak naturally from the center of one’s own being. To trust in one’s own words enough to say them. To trust the Spirit to communicate what needs to be heard. What a way to speak. What a way to write. What a way to live.