Made for Goodness

Phyllis (far right) with other pilgrims in Jerusalem

Longtime St Mark's 'ohana member, Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, shares some of her insights on Archbishop Tutu's book, Made for Goodness, and how Archbishop Tutu's experiences have resonated with her own.

She writes: 

In this book, Archbishop Tutu shares how we learn to talk with God; how he has heard God speak to us; how to tune in to God's language; how to understand and use God's words to guide us through life. The theme of stewardship is prominent throughout the book - how we are stewards of God's creation and our interconnected relationships with all persons.

I learned that "there are hidden gifts in suffering that can be redeemed only in the experience of suffering. Suffering is part of the human condition." Archbishop Tutu discusses the struggles of the people of Mogopa, South Africa, after the destruction of their village. The Mogopa persevered because their suffering had meaning. Their persistence for justice mattered not for them and immediacy, but for the generations that would follow them. Another example of the redemption of suffering that Archbishop Tutu described was the formation of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. He acknowledges "the door to hope and life for millions of people around the world was opened by the failure of a medical treatment and the suffering and the death of one woman." Goodness within us changes everything.

As for me in the world of business where the importance of "measuring up" to be good enough and doing enough is always in the foreground, Made for Goodness, brings me to my senses. Rejoice in our inherent goodness. I have a better understanding of why I am an Episcopalian and why I support the Parish of St. Mark.  

Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser