Today, I find myself reflecting on the ways people experience widening, following various forms of trauma. My own painful experiences have taken years to process, but they’ve grown me nonetheless. While I have struggled and stumbled at times, I give thanks for how it has humbled me, deepened my gratitude, and allowed me to know more empathy. With that said, processing is just that – an ongoing process without a clearly indicated end in sight. Allowing oneself to take the time to reflect and experience the feelings that don’t just vanish is part of the journey.

Rather than writing out my thoughts alone, I discovered a good read on the topic of post-traumatic growth that I found worth sharing. Scott Barry Kaufman, a cognitive scientist and humanistic psychologist, shares from his book, Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization:
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/post-traumatic-growth-finding-meaning-and-creativity-in-adversity/
photo credit:  Riya Takahashi Getty Images

May we know resilience and growth, despite what has devastated us. Let us be present with the process when we need to take the time to care for ourselves. Remind us that we are not alone in our pain. Grow our empathy and make us curious, as so many whose paths we cross bear wounds that we may not see.

…I am here for you, just an email or a phone call away. I am now currently holding office hours in-person at UUFM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am-3pm. 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

We are nearing the end of February – March dates with Breeze links and additional information coming next week.

Youth Group
Youth Group will reconvene on Wednesday March 9^th, from 6:30-8pm. I will post more info and an RSVP link by next week!

Children’s Chapel
· Children’s Chapel, Sunday, February 27th, 10:15-11:10am in-person with Deb and Macey
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/79c840

Our Whole Lives grades 10-12 sessions started this past week, with our parent orientation. These sessions will run Thursday nights from 6:30-8pm, through May 12^th.