As I sit here writing this, tears are streaming down my face. Just a few minutes ago I finished watching the 2nd and final episode of The Red Tent on Lifetime TV. I should have known the tears were coming – I recall crying buckets while reading the book when it first came out in 1997. Roughly based on the Old Testament story from Genesis 34, The Red Tent is told through the voice of Dina, only daughter of Jacob. It imagines the stories shared in the safety of the Red Tent by women of that time. The Red Tent is the women’s gathering place where Dina was born, nurtured, healed and supported by her mothers, the women of her tribe. There are scenes of violence, murder, betrayal, loss, hatred, exile and forgiveness in this film. Through it, we are exposed to both the worst and the best of humanity. Eventually we are shown that love wins. Fast forward 17 years to 2014, I find myself well into the journey of creating a safe “Red Tent” to empower the women of today. Both professionally and personally it has become my mission to support women through bonding, healing, learning and sharing of stories in a safe space. The mission has expanded to include the men who are willing and ready to be conscious and open to transformation as well. I am touched by the timeless power of people who gather in support of each other. There is also wisdom in this story for today’s racial strife and the hope that forgiveness can heal the wrongs done and pain of loss. There is something in my soul that transports me back to Dina’s time. I resonate with her life as a midwife and advocate for women. Her voice is OUR voice. The Red Tent is a place I recognize and go to in my dreams. I hope to meet you there someday too. The movie will be shown several times this holiday season on Lifetime and can be watched online too. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/m6zh4q9
Returning to The Red Tent
