This past weekend I went to Birmingham to visit the Unity Church there as part of my assignments for the Field Licensing Program from The Association of Unity Churches. I really believed I was going there to simply go to church, and come home. Funny how God can take our plans and expand them into being something we never imagined possible.
Renee ("I love this Church") Bostany and former Music Director, Annice Moore went along on this road trip, so that Renee could show me where the church was and to put us up with her family who live in the heart of Birmingham. I had no idea that I was going to meet such awesome people that would feed my spirit and allow me to feel such love and an overwhelming sense of family and true UNITY, the way the entire Bostany family gave to Annice and I while visiting with them.
On Saturday evening we attended a Lebanese Festival at the Bostany family church, and had a blast! The music, the food, the joy of being surrounded by a different culture, and learning about the history of Lebanon and of their local Catholic church was something I really enjoyed. Watching the Children perform dances that gave homage to their heritage, and watching the elderly family members at each table smile at their Grandchildren and even Great Grandchildren was very moving. I felt honored to be there amongst such beautiful people.
I stayed in the home of Renee's older brother Gary, and was blown away by this man's knowledge, and passion for his hometown, his family and so many other things. He literally shines when he speaks of his Mother, Father, Brother and Sisters and his work. There is something magical that takes place when we are passionate about our life. Sitting on his balcony that overlooked the Birmingham skyline at the twinkling lights of the city below was mesmerizing as we talked about life, family, and who he and I are as individuals. I felt such peace and gratitude in that moment. Funny how the simply things can give us such great gifts when we but open our hearts and minds, when we are willing to pay attention to them. Gary is a man of spirit and vision and I am blown away by all that he brings to his family, his work and community.
Sunday morning we attended Unity of Birmingham and had such a great time with that congregation. I realized sitting there how important it is that I get away sometimes from my usual routine, and just go sit and be fed spiritually as well. I felt tears streaming down my face several times in that service, and it felt good to let go and just be still and feel what is mine to feel. The tears were not tears of sadness, they were tears of thankfulness for simply being there, not just in church, but with Renee and Annice, to have been blessed to have met the family that Renee loves so much and to have them offer hospitality, but even greater, they offered LOVE to us and with such ease and little effort. I was moved. I was happy. I was completely full of great joy!!!!
The Family served an unbelieveable lunch after church and the Bostany home was filled with people everywhere. There was laughter, playing, cooking and a true sense of family in that home like I have never seen. I watched, I listened and loved every minute of being there with those extraordinary people.
Mr. and Mrs. Bostany sat at the end of the table after lunch and listened as everyone talked and laughed, and they beamed with such pride. There before them was their legacy, the very love they have shared through the years was gathered in that house all around them, and that love will live on in, and through the lives of their children, and their children's children as well, and what a beautiful legacy it is. I love those two people very much. When leaving their home I felt really sad in saying good-bye to them, saying good-bye to that feeling of connectedness and warmth. What a gift that weekend has been. I needed to step back from my life and step into the life of others to be nurtured, healed, and renewed, and indeed I have been.
To Mom and Dad Bostany, Danny, Judy, Yvonne, and to Gary I thank you from the bottom of my heart for filling mine so much, and in such a short period of time. To Renee, You gave me the greatest gift you could have ever given. You gave me not only a second family this past weekend, but you gave me LOVE.
Signing off with a joyful heart!
Jamie "Bostany" Sanders
Thank you Richard... Thank you!
