On Courage and Community

Although we often do not say it to others, or even admit it quietly to ourselves, I feel like most days we need a measure of courage just to live out our daily lives.  With all of the uncertainty facing us, be it the direction of the economy (both national and personal), national and local politics, violence in the form of war or in interpersonal relations, the environmental crisis, Artificial Intelligence, or other issues that keep us awake at night, how do we go on with our lives?

In looking through the Soul Matters material provided for our October worship services, I found a number of quotes that provided, if not answers, at least some food for thought, and perhaps some inspiration.

A rallying call for courage, as expressed by Dr. Cornel West:
“We need the courage to question the powers that be, the courage to be impatient with evil and patient with people, the courage to fight for social justice. In many instances we will be stepping out on nothing, and just hoping to land on something. But that’s the struggle. To live is to wrestle with despair, yet never allow despair to have the last word.”

How do we have courage, in the face of everything facing us today, to take those first steps referred to by Cornel West in the text above?  Some thoughts on how to begin, by Reverend David Breeden:
“We begin with the courage we have, not the power we imagine.
Not a fire, but a flame cupped against the wind.
Courage is the breath before speaking a truth; the hand on a latch;
the body rising with sorrow’s salt still on our lips.
Courage is asking for help. Courage is offering bread.
Courage is changing your mind when that practiced road turns cruel.
Courage is the voice that breaks silence;
the heart refusing the ease of stone.
We do not pledge to be fearless.
We do pledge to stay near what love asks of us.
In hours of darkness, may we be a sheltering people,
lamps in the rain, shoulder to shoulder, keeping a path that makes the path”.

I find strength through connections with others, and with a community of others willing to work for change, a sentiment also expressed by the Reverend Carrie Holley-Hurt:
“Fear breeds in isolation. Community is the antidote…
Some of us are called to stand at the front line, to stand in between harm and our neighbor.
And others of us are called to organize those people, the food delivery, the whatever.
Some of us are called to provide care….Some of us are called to lead songs…
We figure out what we are good at. What it is that we are called to do and we do it. “Because that is our sphere of influence” as Rev. Blaedel said.
Bringing your beautiful and precious life into the service of community, into the service of your values, makes us brave!…”

First Parish Universalist provides a community where we may not always agree, but where we can discuss our differences, and provide support for each other’s exploration of truth, and to take actions to support positive changes to society.  This is expressed in the words of Reverend Scott Taylor:
’When the wind whips and the days grow dim, hold tight to each other.
Not out of fearful retreat, but because it is through our connections that courage arises. May this trust in the saving grace of solidarity, this faith in the bravery of friendship, companion us throughout our days.”

And in closing, I offer the following guidance from Reverend Michelle Collins:
“Courage and fear traveled here together today, and neither one will ever fully cancel the other out. So, as you encounter both in the coming days, trust that action doesn’t require calm to be real or worthy. It only asks that we be brave enough to begin. May you find your imperfect resilience for whatever the next intimidating moment asks of you. And know that there will be others right beside you, ready to throw their shaky bravery into the arena alongside yours.”

I look forward to our conversations about courage, and community, during the month of October.

Mark Racicot, Assistant Treasurer