My mission is to be open to the mystery of something far greater than self, to encounter in darkness and in Light the essence of God.

I do my best to be open, to be active, to reflect, and to listen. I seek the healing qualities of darkness; finding comfort in the emptiness, the void, and the stagnation. It is in the absence of “stuff” and chaos I hear the voice within.

I challenge myself to grow beyond my adversities and to emerge anew ascending to the call. I believe that it is in my surrendering to the void that my true mystery is unfolded.

I seek the healing qualities of Light. I value the warmth, the comfort, the healing and the wellness of community. I seek within community the reflection of revelation. It affirms that the presence of God resides within all of humanity.

I look to myself as if I am part of a whole. I act in unity and solidarity. I am Gospel.  I am born out of faithfulness. Blessed with freewill to love unconditionally, I Am an expression of compassion, hope, and commitment.

Ann Oswald Laird

A morning walk on Mount Shasta in California