“I can sense your presence in my Heart

although you belong to all the world.”

                                                             Rumi

 

This past week, I had the profound honor of participating in the Center for Storytelling and Narrative Change gathering in New York City. This unique event brought together an incredible assembly of preachers, educators, writers, poets, podcasters, playwrights, and visual storytellers from across the United States, all selected by the Auburn Theological Seminary. Our mission was to explore religious and theological narratives that have the power to heal the world.

The gathering was intentionally designed to be intergenerational and inclusive of people from diverse faith traditions. The participants brought a rich diversity of methods, curricula, resources, and stories—elements that could inspire any assembly focused on the art of storytelling. For two days, we immersed ourselves in activities aimed at:

  • Developing and sharing narratives that address the complex theological roots of injustice and foster religious narratives that uplift the common good.
  • Providing resources for religious and faith leaders to engage in intergenerational narrative change, centering hope and proclaiming a future story of wholeness.

One of the most moving aspects of the application process was being asked to write a letter to the future. This invitation to dream, hope, and love was more than a creative exercise; it was a profound call to envision a healed future rooted in the belief that the stories we center today can heal the world. Auburn invited us to consider the following:

  • What if we, as leaders in religious and faith communities, sent our letters into the future?
  • What if we held our letters in trust as a real commitment to a healed world five generations from now?

This gathering was not about finding the right storytelling method or platforming any story or storyteller. Instead, it was an invitation to gather our letters and collectively wonder: How do we send these narratives to the future?

Auburn’s generational vision is filled with hope, written in our letters, and passed down from our ancestors to our descendants. When we gathered, we leaned into this hope through shared practice and listened to friends who shared this vision.

Prompted by the question of what story I am sending to the future about the world I want to create, I wrote the following letter:

Dear future,

As I reflect on the world today, I envision a future filled with unity, compassion, and understanding among all people. Inspired by the teachings of Rumi Forum’s Honorary Chairman, Mr. Fethullah Gülen, and the Hizmet (meaning “service” in Turkish) Movement, I strive to create a world where differences are celebrated and embraced rather than feared or marginalized.

I see a future where interfaith and intercultural dialogue are not just ideals but lived realities. In this future, individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to address common challenges and build a more peaceful and harmonious society. Empathy, respect, and cooperation will replace divisive rhetoric and harmful ideologies.

My hope for the future is that the seeds of unity and understanding we plant today will continue to grow and flourish, paving the way for a world where everyone is valued and respected for who they are. Let us work together to create a future where love, compassion, and justice prevail.

With hope and determination,

During our gathering, we had the pleasure of meeting Cole Arthur Riley, the author of the New York Times bestseller “This Here Flesh” and the creator and writer behind the inspirational “Black Liturgies.” Cole shared powerful stories about her father and grandmother, whose influences shaped her storytelling. She spoke about the importance of vulnerability and the need to maintain a safe distance when sharing and being open.

At the end of her talk, Cole graciously signed copies of her newest book, “Black Liturgies.” When I mentioned how I discovered her work on social media and the resonance between her and Rumi through prayers, poems, and meditations on staying human, she signed my book with a heartfelt message:

“Stay near to yourself.”

The Center for Storytelling and Narrative Change gathering was a transformative experience that underscored the power of narratives in healing the world. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring event and look forward to applying the lessons learned to foster a future filled with hope, compassion, and understanding.