May 25, 2023

Last week I preached on predictability and security. (A link to the sermon is below.) The sermon considered Eleanor Roosevelt’s perspectives on fear. Right after service two different people came up to me and excitedly shared, “I have a magnet on my refrigerator that says: ‘Do one thing every day that scares you – Eleanor Roosevelt.’ ’’

What’s your reaction to this challenge? Is it a helpful guidance for you? Where might it lead?

The poem below offers perspectives on risk, courage and sacrifice and builds on the questions raised by Eleanor Roosevelt.

“All That We Share Is Sacred” by Rev. Andrée Mol

As we gather together,

May we remember

When you share with me what is most important to you,

That is where listening begins.

When I show you that I hear you,

When I say your life matters,

That is where compassion begins.

When I open the door to greet you,

That is where hospitality begins.

When I venture out to bring you to shelter,

That is where love begins.

When I risk my comfort to ease your suffering,

When I act against hatred, violence, and injustice,

That is where courage begins.

When we experience the full presence of each other,

Because of our shared humanity,

Because of our differences,

That is where holy gratitude begins.

May this space be a table

that is not complete

until all are welcome.

May this table be a space of beauty

where together

we create a series of miracles, and

where all that we share is sacred.

(This blessing was written in honor of two Unitarians, Martha and Waitstill Sharp, who during WWII dared to risk their own comfort in order to help save the lives of those in desperate need.)

Words to consider as we enter this Memorial Day weekend.

In respect,

Rev. Sue

(Sermon – Predictability and Security, May 2023)