Today is a bit of a grey day in Zürich. “Before You” is still on the Hot New Releases list. Hanging on by a thread, but hanging on!
I believe my smile and rather “charming” idiocy have worked together to connect me with some truly remarkable individuals. Today, I’d like to pay tribute to one of those connections because I really must.
On a patio on Viewside Drive in Dallas years ago, I met a pilgrim named Stephen Paulus.
Stephen had written a beautiful, no it’s not enough, a truly awe-some setting of the Presbyterian Affirmation of Faith. There was a small gathering, when he came to Dallas, at DRD and Judi’s house. We happened to be on the patio together when he asked me how long I’d been at HPPC. I told him and said, “but I’m not Presbyterian.” He asked me what I was and I remember saying, “don’t know.” He told me he was a something Buddhist. I hesitate to type the denomination because I’m not sure it matters anyway and I can’t ask him if he still is a ____ Buddhist. What I do know is the conversation about why one was “allowed” to be a ____ Buddhist (I’m a Catholic Buddhist) and not sit in sacrilege was life-altering.
We shared our thoughts about Buddhism for 20 minutes or so. Like him, I did not understand why any Christian would not be a Buddhist as well. “It’s a way of life to me and that enhances the way I practice my religion.” I loved that. I’ve said it many times since hearing it.
What I know is that my dear __ Buddhist friend is caught between two worlds. Having suffered a stroke in July, he breathes on his own today but remains unresponsive. The man wrote this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhcnxL0xRhc Anyone capable of bringing that into this world? I pray he wakes soon.
I admire his music. I admire his commitment to applauding and championing his colleagues. I admire his commitment to family, faith, fellowship, and authenticity.
Open your eyes, Stephen. There is more to learn from you.
The World of Before You 
Prayers for your friend’s recovery. It’s beyond sad when a good person is silenced in some way. Perhaps his silence is giving others a means to explore their own thoughts and beliefs.
When I interview people, I often sit in silence. I will ask a question and let them process it in silence. Instead of filling the space with my words, this allows them to explore thoughts and ideas then give them to me. I learn more from my silence than if I had explained more of my question.
Hugs, my friend. Peace and love surrounding you.