150 years ago, Julie Ward Howe wrote her “Appeal to womanhood throughout the world.” This was part of her efforts to seek unity for peace at the end of war, and later became known as the “Mother’s Day Proclamation.” Howe’s life and her work reflect her deep conviction that all women have a deep responsibility to shape society through civic and political engagement. That a healthy and equitable society is “birthed” both by nurturance and courageous demands.
This year, we are deep into a different national war called The Pandemic. As we fight against our common enemy, the coronavirus, and for healing and wholeness, let us heed the words of our ancestors: “bewail and commemorate the dead,” and “take counsel with each other as the means whereby the great human family can live in peace.”
150 years later, the ideological underpinnings to Mother’s Day are often overshadowed by sentimentality and carefully crafted plans for Mother’s Day gifts and gatherings. For some, however, the holiday will bring deep disappointment and pain. Perhaps you have lost a loved mother recently, or never had the loving mother you wished for, or have not yourself been the mother you had hoped to be. It can be more complicated than Hallmark likes to admit!
Being part of an accepting faith community that holds you with love and supports you, whatever your narrative, can be healing and lifesaving. Today, Fourth UU continues to be active, even though the building and grounds are closed. We are defined by the company we keep and the community we create, not the building we own.
We will gather as the community of love, hope and memory we know ourselves to be on this Sunday at 11:30 to do what we do best: Share our joys and sorrows. And, share our reflections.
This week’s prompt: What gifts of courage or strength did your mother(s) or mother figures give you that is helping you through this crisis time?
Bring your stories, poetry, artwork, photos, too!
Keep safe, active and engaged!
With blessings for the journey,
Rev. Cindy
This year, we are deep into a different national war called The Pandemic. As we fight against our common enemy, the coronavirus, and for healing and wholeness, let us heed the words of our ancestors: “bewail and commemorate the dead,” and “take counsel with each other as the means whereby the great human family can live in peace.”
150 years later, the ideological underpinnings to Mother’s Day are often overshadowed by sentimentality and carefully crafted plans for Mother’s Day gifts and gatherings. For some, however, the holiday will bring deep disappointment and pain. Perhaps you have lost a loved mother recently, or never had the loving mother you wished for, or have not yourself been the mother you had hoped to be. It can be more complicated than Hallmark likes to admit!
Being part of an accepting faith community that holds you with love and supports you, whatever your narrative, can be healing and lifesaving. Today, Fourth UU continues to be active, even though the building and grounds are closed. We are defined by the company we keep and the community we create, not the building we own.
We will gather as the community of love, hope and memory we know ourselves to be on this Sunday at 11:30 to do what we do best: Share our joys and sorrows. And, share our reflections.
This week’s prompt: What gifts of courage or strength did your mother(s) or mother figures give you that is helping you through this crisis time?
Bring your stories, poetry, artwork, photos, too!
Keep safe, active and engaged!
With blessings for the journey,
Rev. Cindy
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