Celebrating Kinship
Welcome to one of the most transcendent dynamics in the universe. Kinship is a near indescribable gift. It as a gift of knowing and being known, a gift of authenticity, vulnerability, and a soul connection that leads to a life of fullness, worthiness, and wholeness.
Kinship is a gift so powerful that it is uncontrollable and uncontainable. It can’t be evaluated, strategized, or marketed. It is a holy wild.
We were first introduced to the term “kinship” by Father Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest in Los Angeles. Father Boyle went on to found Homeboy Industries, “The world’s largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world.”
“Father G” talks about kinship all the time. In his books, his talks, and his interviews, it’s the same thing. Regardless of personhood, culture or class, kinship heals. Kinship unifies. Kinship honors.
The writer Reynolds Price suggested our society has a “narrative hunger.” He notes we have a human “need” and “necessity” to hear and tell our story. To be fully known and fully loved. To have another hold our story, and then to enter into with awe and wonder.
In a world that is longing for a deep knowing—kinship, many find themselves settling for a mediocre version. Social media has created artificial forms of kinship. A kind of friendship that exists in form, but without depth, purpose, and meaning. What remains is a society largely unknown, unloved, and alone.
We know Kinship Cards won’t solve this crisis of the soul. We do believe they may provide and promote a chance to tell a generative story and take a step toward oneness.
Whom might you connect with? Is there a friend, a co-worker, a family member who would be encouraged by a word of honesty, or a meaningful moment from your own story?
If you are unsure what to write, maybe one of the prompts below might give you an idea:
Tell a story that rhymes with God.
Share about the last time you asked for meaningful help.
Describe a present moment of vulnerability.
Ask a question like, “What’s it like to live on the other side of me?”
Affirm, advocate, and bless the one to whom you are writing. A couple of our favorite blessings are “Behold the One beholding you and smiling,” and “You are exactly what God had in mind when He created you.”
If you need some other ideas or want to talk this through, reach out. We’d love to connect.
