"If protest depended on success, there would be little protest of any durability or significance.
History simply affords too little evidence that anyone’s individual protest is of any use.
Protest that endures, I think, is moved by a hope far more modest than that of public success: namely, the hope of preserving qualities in one’s own heart and spirit
that would be destroyed by acquiescence."
- Wendell Berry, What Are People For?
As we’ve explored the theme of the Practice of Story this month, we’ve emphasized many times that the stories we tell shape us. So, what is the story we are telling now of who we will be in these times? What is our story of us right now?
It has been a hard couple of weeks, which, at least for me, has actually felt like a year, based on how tired it’s making me. I don’t think I am alone in finding this draining. If it’s this exhausting after just a couple weeks, how are we going to find the strength to do what needs doing?
I believe the strength comes from within, from the values that we share. We are working for a more just, loving, and healthy world, all values that are currently under attack. The world needs us to keep doing this work. But we also need the work, to keep the hard parts of the world from changing us. Doing the work of sustaining our own loving, just, and healthy hearts is also part of the work.
Here are a few suggestions for sustaining your heart in these times:
Participate in loving community. Attend the Thursday dinners, a book club, Sunday worship, or other places of loving community within and beyond OUUC.
Practice gratitude and appreciation, especially of those who are also doing the work of justice. Send thank you notes, shower love on other people, let your appreciation be known.
Root yourself in nature and beauty and art. These good things are still needed, more than ever. Pausing for a poem, a song, or a sunset is not a distraction from justice, but rather is good food for the journey.
Answer calls for help. We don’t all have to be leaders in everything, there are many people and organizations that have been doing the work of justice for a long time and can use our help. Find where you can add your little bit to the effort and lean in there.
Tell your story. Advocate, use your voice, say what is important to you. It’s the legislative session right now, there are a lot of opportunities to do this! You can join me in a weekly Action Hour between the worship services at OUUC, or join the Faith in Action Alert List for digital opportunities.
In all of these ways, we can live into a story of ourselves as a people of strength and love, sustainability and prophetic vision.
In loving faith,
Rev. Sara
