Purse Power

What kind of stuff do you carry around in your purse? If you’re a guy who’s reading this, and you’re not the man-bag type— think about what you load into your pocket each day. What I’m getting at is, are there inspirational clippings, lucky charms, pictures, or other items that are not only practical and sentimental, but spiritual? I’m amazed at the number of people who have plastic tags dangling from their key chains. You get them for discounts at grocery stores, to check out a book at the library, or for an oil change at . Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a great idea. I never remember to use my frequent diner card until well after I’ve paid the check, and I’d appreciate a reminder, but I’m too tidy of a person to add more crap to an already bulging purse. I’ve been thinking about all this while I’m on the hunt for the perfect Prayables pocket card to give away to the women of our community. It seems counter-intuitive to mix marketing and spirituality. I’ve even been told it’s sacrilegious, but to me it makes perfectly good sense. If you want women to lead inspired lives, they need inspiration. This morning I was at synagogue waiting for the minyan (prayer service) to begin. I spotted a stack of 5x7 cards on a coffee table nearby where I was sitting. For the Jewish people, it’s the month of Elul. It’s traditionally a time of renewal and reflection. We’re preparing our souls for the which begin in September. Here’s what was written on the bottom of each of three different cards: When in spiritual pursuit, one must engage in inquiry sparsely, succinctly, and precisely…

The set of cards contain three lists designed to make us think:

Apparently my brilliant had the same idea as me; she’s making it handy for people to have the right words at the right time. The Elul cards are just one of many ways we can remind ourselves to pray, reflect and live purposefully. When you reach into your wallet and stumble upon a mass card on the way to your Visa card, it’s inevitable that you’re going to think of your loved one. It’s a prayerful moment when out of the blue, you connect to someone who has passed. You’re thinking holy thoughts, you whisper, “I miss you,” and you smile. It’s important to have reminders of God’s reach. It feels good to know that you are protected, loved, and special. Prayer can have more meaning when your routine is interrupted. Your mood changes in an instant. Go ahead— clutter up your purse with nudges that say pray. Comfort, joy, and gratitude are yours.

Heart Opened

Open my heart, so I can see
the truth around me.
When I am shown anger,
help me see the hurt that sparked it.
When I am shown arrogance,
help me see insecurity.

When I am shown aggression,
help me recognize the fear beneath it.
And when I am confronted with hate,
give me the strength and wisdom
to respond with relentless love.

Today, please give me the wisdom
to know how to care for myself.
I want so much to be a blessing
to those around me,
to my partner, family, and friends.
Help me remember:
I cannot take care of them
if I have not cared for myself.

Today I ask for the courage
to recognize my own needs
and the strength to offer myself
the same love I offer those around me.

-Abigail Wurdeman