"He drew a circle that shut me out —
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle and took him In!"
― Edwin Markham, from his poem “Outwitted”
Edwin Markham (April 23, 1852 – March 7, 1940) was the poet laureate of Oregon from 1923 to 1931. He was a writer, educator, and idealist. He worked with muckraker journalists to expose the abuses of child labor in the US and brought the realities of working people into the public awareness with his poetry and writing. He combined art, social commentary and advocacy in words and ideas that are as relevant today as they were a century ago.
Our spiritual theme for this month is “Inclusion,” and if you had any doubts that Unitarian Universalism is counter-cultural, this theme might erase them. This is a time when, culturally, the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are being weaponized and vilified. To focus our reflection on inclusion as a spiritual practice is counter-cultural indeed and perhaps always has been; it certainly was in Markham’s time.
This month, I invite you to consider the circles that you have in your life — who is inside and who is outside? What parts of you are inside the circle of your identity and what parts are outside? What parts of your story do you include and what parts do you exclude? Is there a larger circle that contains and holds all of your circles?
Our practice of inclusion may be challenged in this time when the news can feel urgent and the state of things chaotic. It is important to realize that everything is included in the circle of life, and it is also important to pause and rest. These days I am taking in the news by reading summaries curated by people I trust rather than listening or watching. I am tending to basic needs like good food, joyful movement, and adequate sleep. I continue my spiritual practices of pausing, quiet, and prayer. And I look for moments of joy because joy and celebration exist in the circle, too, even now.
These are anxious and challenging times. We need to take care of each other and ourselves. Now more than ever, we need each other, and we need community. Thank you for being part of OUUC. You are welcome here.
Blessings on your week.
Rev. Mary
P.S. — Last Sunday’s service was about the practice of including all bodies. You can access the service here.
