As he prepared to enter the city he was fully aware of what was going to happen. He might have tried to furtively slip in so he could avoid the notice of those who were waiting for him. But he did not.

Instead, he resolutely entered the city. And as he anticipated, he and his friends drew the attention of a large crowd. Some leaders, who were part of the crowd, confronted him and urged him to tell his supporters to dampen their enthusiasm and be quiet. Perhaps their caution stemmed from their worry about how the other leaders would perceive him and they feared the consequences he would face because of their anger. Or perhaps they were just like them. Feeling unsettled, and resistant to the changes he had been initiating, so they just wanted to silence him.

Words have tremendous power. They inspire and illuminate. They express emotions. Words can communicate facts, as well as articulate extremely diverse perceptions and opinions about those very same facts.

Words have the power to wound and discourage. Thoughtlessly scattered words have the capacity to diminish confidence. And they have the power to silence dreams and initiatives.

But on the other hand, words also have the capability to heal and encourage. Wisely and lovingly crafted words can empower, generate imagination, and unleash unlimited possibility.

I started The Stones Call because I wanted to create a space where words stir the heart, inspire imaginations, and cultivate the heart transformation necessary to energize action and change. The reflections in The Stones Call will cover wide ranging topics including faith, theology, leadership, family, mentoring, learning, relationships, and social justice issues, but will always revolve around the primary focus of how each of us, uniquely created and gifted, can best exemplify love into the world around us.

Ideally the reflections will encourage individuals – regardless of their race, gender, culture, age, education, faith, beliefs, or economic circumstances – to step up and make a positive difference – even when there may be resistance. Where enough space is created for dreams and hopes become actualized in voice and action.

“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” [1]

I love how Jesus defied these critics with the profound truth that His followers’ praise is unstoppable. He knew that acts of worship are inevitable. Joy cannot be silenced. Worship cannot be permanently crushed. And that even if it were possible to temporarily silence them, then the very stones of the earth would step up to continue the battle cries of love, grace, mercy, and justice.

The scoffers missed an essential truth – that God shaped all creation to love Him and others with their hearts, minds, souls and bodies. It is a love that is impossible to contain. It defies the sceptics and cynics. It defeated death. And it is a love with the potential to profoundly transform our broken world.

Jesus is our cornerstone. And he is calling out to each of us, as living stones, to arise and help build his living temple.[2] To accept the invitation and step into wherever we are being uniquely called to lead and effect change. And together – with an audacious and courageous love – continue to cry out.

“May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been

given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.”

– St. Theresa of Avila

[1] Luke 19:37-40, New International Version

[2] 1 Peter 2:4-10, New Living Translation