January 20, 2020
Dear Akiko,
We’ve been in orbit around each other lives for a decade now: connected through community and family, and now making a friendship of our own. Your spiritual strength—your inner power—has become more and more clear to me over the years. Times I’ve asked you about theology, services I’ve seen you officiate, songs you’ve written, stories you’ve shared from the pulpit—all of these moments flood me now, and I’m grateful. I don’t know who else could have held the space for our family, after my cousin’s son passed—your words, with their signature tender-strength, brought warmth, and light, for mourning. I don’t know another pastor personally (besides Roger!) who holds deep theological wisdom alongside a desire for justice and transformation—alongside a true intimacy with the legacy of Japanese American spiritual communities.
I grew up in the church you now lead; I think I’ve confounded people, over the years, with the story of my upbringing: yes, I was raised Buddhist and Christian; yes, Japanese and Korean American; no, not of the evangelical tradition, though many here in Fresno follow that spirit; yes, I did think about divinity school, though I’m in love with critical theory; yes, I’m a poet. (Isn’t it all poetry in the end?)
I love hearing your sermons, your stories—the way you respond to the old texts, the way you awaken them to the present moment. I’m curious what’s alive for you now, as we move into a new decade, as your faith continues to morph and deepen. Will you tell me?
With love, with spirit,
Brynn