“Community is the place where the person you least want to live with always lives…That person is always in your community somewhere; in the eyes of others, you might be that person.” – Henri Nouwen
“…this is the reality of being human, that we have the capacity to love people–family, friends, and strangers–even if we profoundly disagree with them.” ― Vivek H. Murthy
In times as divisive as these, I believe in the importance and power of remaining humble and rooted in our faith which calls us to affirm each person’s inherent worth. Reaching across the divide with a desire to understand and love others takes courage. When we truly invest some time and effort into these relationships, we see people closely. Then, it often becomes easier to have compassion for those with radically different beliefs.
At the height of protests for racial equity and justice this past summer, I was feeling particularly frustrated with the responses that I saw on social media. It is easy to get sucked in and feel angry and disappointed in people when communicating virtually. The way that I felt observing some of the violent ways that people have responded is still tangible in my body. When those emotions bubble up inside of me, it has taken practice to ask myself what the most useful way to respond is. To safely work on bridging the gap and building relationships with those who disagree is both an uncomfortable, tiring task, yet also a privilege. However, becoming a consistently calm presence through infuriating, unjust circumstances may help us understand one another’s perspectives. This is one way that we might build a peaceful, beloved community.
A more just future is possible and needed, and I recognize the call for us to do the work. I write this invitation from a humble place, knowing that I will always have more to learn about justice work and organizing.
I pray that we all practice calling-in more than we call-out, knowing that shame cannot do what connection can. May we rest and nourish enough to show up with our hearts centered. Let us love through the most profound disagreements, for our own peace and for the peace of our world community.
(By the way: The quote pasted above from the former surgeon general of the United States, Vivek H. Murthy, is from his timely, new book Together: Why Social Connection Holds the Key to Better Health, Higher Performance, and Greater Happiness. It has been the most personally impactful book that I have read in the past year.)
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 again tonight, Wednesday, February 3rd, from 6:30-8pm. We will begin exploring our monthly theme of Beloved Community and end with some games.
Virtual Children’s Chapel:
Our next Children’s Chapel will be held on Sunday, February 14th at 11:30am. Our monthly theme this February is Beloved Community!
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Best regards,
Macey Forsyth