“Fertility in social movements and among people is not something we control. We cannot make new life like we make plans or money. | It’s hard to be fertile when we are not grounded. Fertility is about making new life that becomes self-determining: that does not belong to us. | If we drain ourselves as leaders, we don’t have what that takes. | If we drain other leaders of time and energy on busy work, we should not be surprised when they don’t have the power to create. | If we’re always looking in mirrors—made of glass or social media—and looking outward, we should not be surprised when truly new things don’t want to come through us to be born. | May we be fertile in movement-building: grounded, willing, open to new life.”
– Grounded, Willing, Open to New Life by Caitlin Breedlove
I have spent much of this last week considering the ways that we must continue to care for ourselves, over a year into this pandemic and always. We must remember that each of us hold a unique capacity for executing meaningful work. Because our work is never truly done, we all must find a pace and methods for building resilience that make sense to our own bodies and spirits.
If lately you need to slow down, I hope it is possible that you are generous in giving yourself permission and space to do so. If you are taking action to accomplish much with ease, give thanks for that capability and in the spirit of humility, know that it does not make you superior. We have lived through a traumatic year. Becoming exceedingly gentle and kind to ourselves and one another is so needed. We must move forward with much intention, digging deep inside ourselves and reaching to one another. Our monthly theme of Commitment ends soon, but I pray that we all stay committed to what feels right.
By the way – I find the podcast For The Wild deeply inspirational. Here is the most recent episode I have enjoyed listening to:
https://forthewild.world/listen/nkem-ndefo-on-the-body-as-compass-227
Sharing such introspective, personal thoughts is both vulnerable and fulfilling work for me. My hope is that sharing in this way might plant a seed for another to look inward and see themselves in a different, perhaps more compassionate light as well. I am humbled and grateful for each of you that read these words that grow me too. I welcome and find joy in feedback and continued conversation.
Please know that I am just an email or a phone call away. While I am no longer holding virtual “office hours”, you can reach me on my personal phone at 507-995-7929 or by email at cfddirector@uumankato.org . If I do not answer, I encourage you to send a text or leave a voicemail. Currently, I am available for daytime meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I also do have availability most other weekday evenings. I will continue to do my best to serve as a resource to our community, through connecting you to one another and of course, directly. Being a light in the lives of others is as important as ever, and I hope you will stay connected.
Macey Forsyth
Please consider joining our private Facebook group: UUFM Children’s Faith Development (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1404655806251029/). This group is intended for families and congregants who are involved in Children’s Faith Development. My approval of new members’ access to the information there is what makes the group a safe space for sharing. I will be sharing our weekly stories as Facebook videos on my personal page publicly and sharing them in the group, as well as short prayers and meditations.
Link to the stories: Our virtual Stories for All Ages are now available on the UUFM YouTube Channel. At least one new story will be available by Sunday, each week.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNwWkbABO6HpDlw5Po2TdQA?view_as=subscriber
Youth Group: Our Youth Group meets next Wednesday, April 7th from 6:30-8pm. Zoom info will be posted on our Facebook group and sent in an email.
Virtual Children’s Chapel: Our next Children’s Chapel will be held Sunday, April 11th, from 11:30am-12:30pm. We will be focused on the theme of Becoming in poetry on this Sunday. Our young friends are invited to read or paste a favorite poem, if they have one. Zoom info will be posted on our Facebook group and sent in an email.