Debbie Malynn’s Post

Funeral history fascinates many, as our bid to understand our mortal journey converges with our desire for knowledge. I stumbled upon this intriguing article on the history of funeral practices in the U.S.🇺🇸 tracing its origins back to the 1750s at the Bucktrout Funeral Home. Let me take you back: Imagine Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1757, Bucktrout - the oldest funeral home in the nation, is pioneering the rituals we see in funerals today. What's more remarkable? They’re still in operation. Personal story alert: This took me back to my first encounter with a funeral home. I was a child, accompanying my parents to a funeral service. The somber aura, the hushed whispers, it was all so peculiarly calm yet resonant. Fast-forward to today, societal and cultural developments are driving remarkable changes in funeral practices. Environmental consciousness is seeping into this realm, with green burials💚 and eco-friendly options becoming increasingly viable alternatives. It's an intersection of respect for our loved ones and care for our Mother Earth. How about you? Have you given a thought about more sustainable alternatives in end-of-life planning? Do you see this as an empowering shift towards personalization in honoring our loved ones' lives, or merely a fad steering away from age-old traditions? Let's start a dialogue!💭 #funeralhistory #sustainability #greenburial #funeralpractices #personalization #culturalshifts

Memorial Day! What are your Memorial Day plans? Drop a 🎉 in the comments if you're celebrating or a 💬 if you want to chat about your real estate goals! #MemorialDay #ThankYouHeroes #CelebrateTogether #RealEstate #Community

Today, in an inspiring segment by the Civil Service Race Forum, led by Lesley Events Lead - Civil Service Race Forum (Events Lead) and Justin Placide - Co-Chair of The Civil Service Race Forum (Co-Chair), we delved into the pervasive issue of **Imposter Syndrome**—a feeling familiar to many, where self-doubt overshadows one’s true capabilities. We explored experiences that make us question our worth and how our lifestyle, socioeconomic background, and regional factors shape the way we face the world. Our speaker, Shereen Billings, shared her powerful journey, recounting her mother’s decision to return their family to the Caribbean. This move had a profound effect on her perspective, both in life and in the workplace. Growing up surrounded by people who looked like her in positions of power and respect allowed Shereen to see herself in similar roles confidently, without question. Reflecting on my background as a teacher, I saw firsthand how students, too, were impacted by this lack of representation. It’s why seeing shows like *Bridgerton* feature people of color in prominent, traditional roles was so impactful. Representation matters deeply. And so does allyship—people from all backgrounds standing together. Whether we’re leading, representing, or supporting as allies, we’re only stronger when we face these challenges together. Only then can we collectively rise, helping to reduce the hold of Imposter Syndrome for everyone. What have been your experiences and how do you work to overcome this? #imposterSyndrome #civilserviceraceforum #community

When I am not well with a miserable cold, can’t sleep, and confined to bed my pen becomes my voice. This short passage is a response to a question I scribbled - What lies at the intersection of humanity and community? My writing will be part of a book composed by a group of beautiful souls that I am grateful to know and be in Benevolent Community with. The book speaks to the questions that lie at the intersection of humanity and community that I define as lived benevolence - also known as Benevolent Community. “Pay equal attention to what one chooses to publicly care about - and to what they lend no voice to… This observation is a lens to their soul. It is our souls that hold our habits of heart that in turn inspires our actions. It is this space where courage and integrity meet, our deepest values are nurtured, and “who we are” is formed.” “I am persuaded that it is important to capture the essence of how our choices and actions reflect the true nature of our humanity and our connection to community. This understanding emphasizes the significance of not only what we say and do but also what we choose to prioritize and advocate for. By paying attention to both our public expressions of care and the issues we remain silent on, we gain insight into the values and convictions that shape our character and guide our actions. This exploration of the soul reveals the habits of our hearts, where courage and integrity intersect, and where our deepest values are cultivated, ultimately shaping who we are and how we engage with the those around us. This can open us to a profound insight into the interconnectedness of humanity and community, highlighting the significance of our individual contributions to the collective well-being of the culture that informs society.” - For the book, Creating a Path to Benevolent Community (working title), this passage by Lori Schulman If you are inspired by creating a path to benevolent community, Please join us on March 20th for the nationwide grassroots kickoff for engaging in questions that support the building of benevolent communities.

Like most people, I had not really discussed or thought much about my own, or close relatives funeral plans before I started running a natural burial ground. Often we avoid this through typical busy-life procrastination or a misguided belief that it's morbid to do so. However, having worked closely with those who are pre-planning and those who have been recently bereaved, I've repeatedly seen the benefit of those who had taken the time to do this. By thinking about what a good funeral would be like for you and having the discussion with your relatives, you can make informed choices, save money, reduce family conflict through clarity of wishes and potentially help both the local and global environment. To explore this, I'll be giving a free online presentation focused on the benefits of thinking about your funeral plans and how choosing natural burial can provide both individual, environmental and social benefits. https://lnkd.in/e4i2QNYc

Growing Up Aspen - Adventures of the Unsupervised Twist and Turn Press https://lnkd.in/gMADwC2p The power of community is a transformative force that lies at the heart of any vibrant and resilient society. In a small town like Aspen, where close-knit relationships and shared experiences are part of its essence, the importance of community cannot be overstated. It is through the strength of community that individuals find support, connection, and a sense of belonging, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. As Aspen continues to evolve and grow, it is crucial for new residents, particularly those with financial means, to recognize the privilege they hold and actively contribute to uplifting those who are less advantaged in the community. This book is written from four kids that went through the Aspen School system and write about the impact the small town of Aspen had on each of them. Learn as they show how Aspen can be that indicator frog for other small tourist towns. Growing Up Aspen is a great time travel through the 70's and 80's. Music by Felix Plante Image courtesy and ©Nick DeWolf Flickr Images #aspenideas #aspen #community #communitysupport #globalchange #makeadifference #storytime #storytelling #growthmindset #worldbuilding #childdevelopment #communications #brandidentity #smalltownliving #Portland #Colorado #memoir #bethechange #goodreads #starbuckscoffee #redbull #outdoormedia #johndenver

Dear colleagues, Today, I'm thrilled to introduce a project that has been a true labor of love for me: Restore Forward. Restore Forward is a groundbreaking initiative from Black Women's Blueprint, and it represents so much more than just a project—it's about fostering deep human connections across our differences, forging paths to holistic reconciliation, and championing economic and environmental justice. Picture this: a vibrant, co-created, and safe community set on 300 acres of serene land in upstate New York. A place where restoration and healing are interwoven with the lessons of tradition, ancestral evolution, and nature. This is Restore Forward, and it's built on the belief that true healing must reconnect people with the Earth and each other. Our commitment is unwavering: we are building a space where women and all people can live lives of sovereignty and dignity. We're creating innovative communities designed to respond to the profound effects of injustice, violence, and exploitation. Restore Forward is not just a physical location; it is a movement towards a new social contract grounded in peace, justice, and sustainability. Imagine a sanctuary where holistic healing merges with empowerment and sovereignty. A place where innovative communities unite to overcome the impacts of injustice. This is the heart of Restore Forward.

“City Survivors” is a documentary series that intimately chronicles the compelling journeys of individuals dealing with homelessness, striving to reintegrate into society. Exploring into their pasts, capturing their present struggles, and, when present, highlighting their hope for a future. The series vividly portrays the numerous challenges these individuals face, showcasing their resilience, setbacks, failures, and ultimate triumphs over adversity. https://lnkd.in/gBW6DWQj

Breaking it down to decades helps when you create a timeline.

Parking lot exit sign at Tampa’s Messiah Lutheran Church. As their service ends and individuals leave the church parking lot, a powerful reminder resonates: "You are entering the mission field." This statement carries profound meaning, urging everyone to recognize that their faith extends beyond the walls of the church and into the world around them. Just beyond church parking lots, every day presents an opportunity to embody the values of love, compassion, and service, preached within the church by Messiah’s Pastor, Mark Adrian. That the mission field is not just a distant place; it is the neighborhood, the workplace, and the community where everyday interactions occur. Each person can have influence by spreading kindness and understanding in their daily lives. For individuals leaving Messiah Lutheran’s church parking lot, embracing the idea of entering the mission field can inspire a commitment to service and compassion. It is a reminder that living out one’s faith happens every day, in every interaction. Recognizing the suffering face of Christ in all we encounter. Together, by spreading love and kindness, everyone can help create ‘heaven on earth’ —brighter and more caring neighborhoods, communities, and world. Dorothy Day Tampa – mission field laborers.