This sense of inner conflict and division is a part of the largerĬonflict and division that exist among Your childrenĮverywhere….May we all be one family in Your presence Within, which cause us to be a house divided against itself. We are troubled…by the divisions that are within us, theĭeep conflicts in our own spirits which cause us to be at war This is the crucial paradox in theĪchievement of an integrated personality as well as of an Individual consciousness must be overcome even as it x) This deep awareness of unity will bring us outĪlways the sense of separateness that is an essential part of

Is that,”…human life is one and all (individuals) are members one of another.” In The Luminous Darkness, Howard Thurman remind us the core of religious experience We hide prejudice in the shadows of our psyches. Living this contradiction between our outer and inner states, Seeking to be on the side of power and security. While inwardly aligning with the status quo, How often we acknowledge our common humanity on the surface We take this time to remember these encounters and all others… Strangers we reflexively evaluated based on hand-me-down stereotypes Groups of people in our society whose collective humanity we devalued Ĭolleagues we sought for their work contributions but with whom we did not socialize Playmates at school whom we could not or did not invite to our homes: Remembrances of our personal encounters with prejudice: The Separation of the Human Family through Prejudice Howard Thurman, Meditations of the Heart, p. I confess my own share in the ills of the times.” “I confess my own inner confusion as I look our upon the world….

There is real spiritual growth in admitting that one’s life is notīlameless even as one is dedicated effectively to working for In The Luminous Darkness, Howard Thurman tells us, Often forcing our inner thoughts into the shadows.Īcknowledging the presence of prejudice in the human condition and in ourselves is an essential step toward wholeness. In a society awkwardly seeking wholeness Īnd in turn they shape our outer behavior Regulations prevent you from your abusive expression To the need to break down barriers you create. Historically we are grateful for a gradual awakening Has kept the healing light of love at bay.Īnd abhor the inhumanity of your manifestation The absence of examination, the absence of awareness Unacknowledged in the past, we now invite you forth to our consciousness It lurks in the shadows, maintaining our separation. It lurks in the shadows, often disguised with patronizing deeds It lurks in the shadows, hidden from our vision Acknowledging Prejudice in the Human Condition

Howard thurman meditations of the heart