The moment of change is the only poem. — Adrienne Rich, 20th-century American poet

If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves. — Thomas Edison, American inventor (1847-1931)

IN TODAY’S SESSION… we heard a Celtic folk tale in which Brigit tricks a landowner to share his fields with the hungry poor. We analyzed how the magic cape Brigit used in the story represented her love, faith, and determination—her passion for justice—which truly drove the landowner’s transformation. Then, participants explored situations in their own lives where personal transformations might be needed. They considered how they might use their own love, faith, and determination to transform themselves or influence someone else.

EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Talk about… the miracle of our capacity to change. Share about times you have decided to transform yourself inside, to make your life and relationships better on the outside.

EXTEND THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Most of us know bullies of one sort or another. Share about people you have known whose actions hurt others, and what kind of inside change could help the person treat other people better. Then, talk about how you might use your own love, faith, and determination to help the person change.

A Family Adventure. Take a large view of how your behaviors affect others—not only people you know, but others across the interconnected web of life. In the story, “How Brigit Got Lands for the Poor,” it was easy for the landowner to ignore the hungry poor—until Brigit made him look, and made him care. Brainstorm and do some research. Identify troubled situations outside your immediate community and give some thought to how the situations connect to you, your family, and your everyday lives. Take the opportunity to focus your love, faith, and determination to discern the situation, change your own behavior, and help transform the circumstances of others. Make the change!