At the end of September, Rev. Christin Green spoke to the congregation about six types of courage: intellectual, social, emotional, physical, spiritual and moral. As we finish our first month of the congregational year in physical proximity to one another and masks optional, I want to encourage each of you to unwind a little from the cocoon of the past 2 years and be brave. We have had so much time to reflect on our good and bad fortune. I know I am more aware of systemic injustice now than ever before. I also am more grateful for the privileges surrounding me. We are the survivors of a modern plague.
Let’s take this rare opportunity – this moment where we emerge from the dark with our eyes blinking – to act differently than we did 2 years ago. Many of you have heard of the “great resignation” occurring in this country. Recently, journalists followed up with some of these individuals whom, inspired by the COVID shutdown, took radical departures from their stable, secure but unfulfilling jobs. While they were found to be less wealthy in terms of personal finances, none of them regretted their choice to live a more personally satisfying life.
Don’t be mistaken – I’m not asking you to quit your jobs. We all have to figure out the risks that work for us, and accept that the radical action isn’t always the right one. Still, we embrace radical thought. In showing up at UUCF, we advocate for an inclusive society not necessarily embraced by all Virginians. We don’t bind each other to one dogma or God but support the individual spiritual path under one roof.
As your new lay minister for social justice, I ask you to embrace this radical spirit and step into the light – in the direction that you know is necessary to transform our world to reflect the Sixth UU Principle – a world community with peace, liberty and justice for all. Let us use the energy, emotion and resources collected over the past 2 years of social distancing and lavish it on our beloved community in courageous new ways.
I want to help you find whatever step forward out of your cocoon is right for you. Participating in our Covenant Groups definitely takes spiritual courage. Working with the English for Speakers of Other Languages program in Reston, Food Justice DMV or the Afghan refugee community definitely takes physical and social courage. (Ask Laura Mack about getting lost while delivering food.)
As an anxious introvert, I understand the struggle to step out is hard, but here I am serving as a lay minister for the first time in my life. Join me, Rev. David Miller, Rev. Christin and the other radical members of our beloved community to be brave.
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