In this reflective episode of To Be and Do, the theme of living on the edge—spiritually, emotionally, and within our conflicted world—takes center stage. , Phil Amerson, invites listeners to pause for a meditative moment, weaving together poetry and poignant observations to spark contemplation about faith, paradox, and the spaces we inhabit.

The episode opens with a gentle scene: the clock strikes ten, signaling coffee time—a recurring motif reminding us of the simple, comforting rituals that anchor our days 00:01. But as the aroma of coffee wafts through the air, there’s an awareness that the outside world rushes toward its own “judgment day,” a subtle prompt for listeners to consider both the gravity and moments of grace in daily life.

Phil Amerson, recognizing the transformative power of poetry, shares verses that linger and provoke. He introduces “The Wanderer” by Walter Wangren Jr., a Lutheran pastor and dear friend. The poem reflects on the experience of being a “world rim Walker,” traversing the precipices between night and day, certainty and doubt 00:54. Amerson’s reminiscence about Wangren’s life and the continuing relevance of his work adds a layer of intimacy, bridging the personal and the universal 01:38.

The journey continues with a poem from Christian Wiman, “Hard Night,” capturing the stark landscapes of desert and ice, and questioning the “space between” affirming that our existence unfolds in the paradox—the uncertainty and possibility suspended in those in-between places.

Drawing from current events, Amerson reflects on the crises facing humanity: wars of choice, the devastation in Gaza, Lebanon, Somalia, and Ukraine . Despite this, the message is one of resilience and hope. “We are the walkers at the edge,” he concludes, urging us to live with integrity and intentionality: to “be a person who does what you believe and believes what you do” .

Key Takeaways

1. Reflection Through Poetry: Poetry can provide a valuable mirror for the complexities of life, offering calm contemplation in the face of chaos.
2. Embracing Paradox: Life often unfolds in the liminal spaces between extremes—night and day, faith and doubt, war and peace.
3. Witnessing and Compassion: Acknowledging the suffering in the world stimulates a compassionate response and encourages us to walk thoughtfully and bravely.
4. Living Authentically: There is power in aligning our actions with our beliefs, serving as “edge walkers” who navigate uncertainty with integrity.
5. Everyday Rituals as Anchors: Simple moments—like coffee time—can ground us and create connection, even amidst turmoil

As the episode closes, the invitation remains: pour a cup, sit with an old friend, and live each day with love and laughter.