It’s April 12, the day the May newsletter message is due. Wendy and Karen work hard on this newsletter, and I have great respect for their service to UUCNC. But sometimes it can be difficult to know what to write in a message that readers may not find at all meaningful in two weeks. The message may read as foolhardy, inappropriate or even insulting by the time it’s read.

But at this moment I am noticing so many things outside that can lead me to believe that all is right in the world: birds have returned, singing spring melodies, and the earth is green and fecund. There are signs that warmth is returning; I feel hope that all will awaken, that everything is possible.

But who knows what will happen in the small communities, neighborhoods where we live, or in places thousands of miles away in two weeks’ time? We may not know a soul in these faraway places, but we hear and can view in depth the details of disasters caused by climate change, of wars and conflict, of the suffering of others.

As human beings we can feel empathy for those suffering; we can send prayers and attend rallies; take stands, speak out for justice. We can work diligently on climate change interventions, join in world-wide endeavors with others. We can support and work with legislators who seek justice. We can call out others who ignore the science, the facts, and who seek to remain in favor with their electors, support hateful laws, or work to overturn hard won rights and freedoms.

We must continue to seek justice, that holy work that builds the Beloved Community. Margaret Mead said it best: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

In Faith,
Rev. Sally