By C.B. Hanif
Seeking something different for a Thanksgiving essay brought the intriguing thought of marrying the theme of this column — spiritual perspectives on uniting humanity — and my fascination with new media technology.
That led to the idea of considering Thanksgiving in the context of that phenomenon known as Twitter — “an online social networking and microblogging service,” according to Wikipedia.com, “that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as ‘tweets’.”
In seeking Thanksgiving tweets, I ultimately sent an email to local spiritual leaders (primarily fellow members of the Delray Beach Interfaith Clergy Association, which I serve as a co-president), that concluded along the lines of: “OK, Friends, please get tweeting, and help a brother out :-) ”
And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, the response — whether from tweet newbies or the techno proficient — was gratifying.
A sampling includes this from the rabbinical coordinator for Hospice of Palm Beach County and past co-president of DBICA:
“Dear C.B., Unfortunately, I doubt that I can provide you with a meaningful Thanksgiving Day thought if limited to 140 characters, including spaces. Nonetheless, I’ll submit the following for your consideration. Please feel free to edit it if need be. Your friend and colleague, Rabbi Chaim Wender.”
His submission: “It is essential that we realize that authentic Thanksgiving involves not only giving thanks, but also giving. And while that giving may very well be of a material nature, to those who are materially lacking, I would also commend another mode of giving, namely, the giving of good cheer. Let us earnestly endeavor to give to all we meet a cheerful countenance, a helping hand, and a word of encouragement.”
Beautiful, Rabbi Wender. The first sentence met the Twitter test at 110, but thanks for the rest, which highlights the challenge.
Almost simultaneously, from Mack Sigmon, interim pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, came, “Here is my tweet that you will find on my twitter page @congapadre”: “Thanks-giving is not just a holiday — it is a way of life. The thankful heart lights a candle of hope in dark places and difficult times.”
Yes, “follow” him at Twitter.com, folks.
Ron Arflin
“Not really all that comfortable with Twitter,” said Ron Arflin, Abbey Delray South’s director of pastoral services and my DBICA co-president. “Never used it before. Perhaps another time.”
Yet, not long after he wrote that, came this, which touched my spirit: “What I appreciate is that people of all faiths as well as those who claim no faith participate in Thanksgiving. Gratitude can transform relationships.”
That was 10 characters over 140 when I plugged it into a Twitter window, but carried 10 tons of import.
Rev. Paula Hayward
“At this time of Grateful Awareness,” wrote the Rev. Paula Hayward, DBICA secretary, “Our obligations are to God for God’s continued unlimited good to us.”
Thanks to Paula, who always focuses on the good in everything and everyone.
One last tweet: “CB, Here are 26 words — 135 characters with spaces! ‘Give thanks, with a grateful heart … I respond to God with my heart, soul, mind and hands as I prepare a wonderful meal for those I love!’ Blessings, Kathleen.”
Rev. Kathleen Gannon of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Delray Beach
That would be the Rev. Kathleen Gannon of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach.
As it turned out, this Thanksgiving techno-haiku brought sentiments I wasn’t expecting, and my gratitude for them.
If you agree this was fun, let’s try it again next month. Send your winter holiday tweets to @CBHanif, and I’ll share some — 140 characters or less, including spaces.
Meanwhile, a blessed Thanksgiving all.
C.B. Hanif is a writer and inter-religious affairs consultant. Find him at www.interfaith21.com.
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