I have mentioned that we tend to live in the past. Sometimes this is very pleasant; other times, not so much. I have found that when I dwell in the past, I tend to relive many childhood memories.

We are, after all, the most complex organic computer. From the moment we draw our first breath to the last, our minds are programmed. The Jesuit priests of the Catholic Church maintain that if you give them a child from birth to seven years of age, that child is “theirs” for life. Science understands that this means the imprint or “programing” is very powerful, virtually permanent.

In our day and age, many people want to be better in order to do better. Unfortunately, this programming that contains many negative messages seems to haunt most until their dying day. In my opinion, we need to get back to the basics. Children are like human sponges. They absorb what they are presented with. I have come to the conclusion that, as a civilization, we need to focus far more on the children, because they, not us, will change the world for the better.

Which now brings me to an equally important point. On May 10 we celebrate Mother’s Day. Please be assured that a nice dinner, a bouquet of flowers, and many “thank yous” does not make up for innumerable years of neglect and being treated like second hand citizens.

Though we have made progress, we must put man and woman on absolutely equal footing. As Unitarian Universalists, we are deeply committed to holding the “Dignity” of all beings. I tell you this: If we don’t achieve absolute parity, our civilization will continue to decline. It only makes sense that there can be no Peace in any True sense, unless there is True Justice.

As I remember what my mother endured in this life, just because she was born a woman, I celebrate her this Mother’s Day by making a Covenant with Life to bring Justice and Equity to all women of this world. I wish, to all who celebrate Mother’s Day, a day of gratitude and new beginnings.

In Spiritual Service,
Rev. Ron