November 7, 2024
Letter from Rev. Victoria
Dear Ones,
It’s been a long few months, and now, an outcome to the election that many of us have feared. I’ve heard justice leaders and election workers flagging this week, energies depleted. I’ve heard friends who are strong in compassion and care, feeling disheartened.
In anxious times, when we feel unprotected, let us remember that the first thing to do is as Howard Thurman urges, “to Center Down.”
Center down, before responding.
Center down, in order to respond.
Center down, in order to commit to respond.
Out of our deep listening, together, as a community, we have the capacity to respond. Like the salmon who give their lives to the stream, we can generate and nourish new life from endings. Even when these endings look like ruins, the nutrients are there.
We can still dream. Remember, our faith is clear in calling on us: No matter what happens. No matter who has been elected. Whether or not there is a peaceful transition of power, there is in us, in Unitarian Universalism, in our Kitsap UU Fellowship, a voice of conscience and a mission.
A mission to create sanctuary.
To listen deeply to one another–even when, and perhaps especially when, we disagree.
To actively live our values and principles.
To put Love at the center of all we do and are.
Our mission calls us into loving and liberating relationships.
And our mission will continue. We are not alone. We will find our way.
You’re invited to light a candle or a chalice today for whatever you need in this moment. To express what you feel. To move, shout, write it out. To call on the light of love, and that bright bird of hope.
Love,
Rev. Victoria