I am in a state of sad curiosity. 

We are living in a time where what we do impacts many many people.  The ripple more outwardly impactful than any other time in history so far as we know.

We are living in a time where science and spirituality coincide in such a way they are braided together, rather than set in two distinct streams never to touch the other. The two marrying together even in their separate identities to support understandings of cause and effect.

We are living in a time where we know that what we resist persists.

Yes, where, not when, as the distinction creates a sense of place instead of elucivity.

Yet elusive it is as many are choosing the banner of Resistance rather than the path of Persistence.

And I long for a better way to emerge from within the hearts and minds and souls of the good-hearted leaders who are sincerely attempting to play a role in transforming our world into a better place.

The UUA and UUSC have issued a Declaration of Conscience as part of a “LOVE Resists” movement.

DECLARATION OF CONSCIENCE

At this extraordinary time in our nation’s history, we are called to affirm our profound commitment to the fundamental principles of justice, equity and compassion, to truth and core values of American society.  

In the face of looming threats to immigrants, Muslims, people of color, and the LGB community and the rise of hate speech, harassment and hate crimes, we affirm our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

In opposition to any steps to undermine the right of every citizen to vote or to turn back advances in access to health care and reproductive rights, we affirm our commitment to justice and compassion in human relations.

And against actions to weaken or eliminate initiatives to address the threat of climate change – actions that would threaten not only our country but the entire planet – we affirm our unyielding commitment to protect the interdependent web of all existence.

We will oppose any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate, or despoil.

As people of conscience, we declare our commitment to translate our values into action as we stand on the side of love with the most vulnerable among us.

We welcome and invite all to join in this commitment for justice.  

The time is now.

https://www.uua.org/loveresists/declaration-conscience

http://connect.uusc.org/l/103112/2017-01-17/gpgn2

https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/calling-all-friends-faith-and-conscience-invitation-uua-president-and-uusc

http://www.uuworld.org/articles/uua-uusc-issue-declaration-conscience

We have been invited by many of our local UU congregations and activists groups to participate in the Indivisible Campaign: a step-by-step guide for individuals, groups, and organizations looking to replicate the Tea Party’s success in getting Congress to listen to a small, vocal, dedicated group of constituents. The guide is intended to be equally useful for stiffening Democratic spines and weakening pro-Trump Republican resolve.

Yet, I feel it misses the mark.  If the mark is Peace.

https://www.indivisibleguide.com/guide/

Rolling Stone issued a Meet the Leaders of the Trump Resistance article.

Washington Post speaks of the Resistance movement as well.

And I remain curious as I witness swarms of my liberal colleagues and friends jumping to attention, eagerly grasping the Resistance as The Answer.

The Answer, unquestioned.  

When questioning is an important foundation of any movement that meets with success.

Questions and flexibility to see new ways, to bend and not break even as what we wish to do is dissolve that which causes harm lest we cause more harm in the process.

Be Like the Trees

And to Flow like the River. 

River

And Listen to Nature’s wisdom.

Wisdom

We have been invited to attend the gigantic Women’s March in DC and other local Marches taking place around the country, and around the world. While the mission of the March on the surface seems well enough intended, I am not comfortable participating in the ways being suggested, for reasons my mind’s articulation has but a glimmer of and my soul radically rejects as it sees through as if a mere translucent skin attempts to shield the truth of the matter, the truth that belies the “resistance.”

Instead, I will be offering the gift of hospitality to those who need it that day.  And, as in the days post-election, in the days to follow inauguration, I will offer the gift of peace, and of sanctuary. I will offer the opening prayer at the vigil at the UU Congregation in Sangerville and Dover-Foxcroft. I will continue to offer prayers and meditations  in my online and in-person ministries.

Poem and Prayer for Inauguration Day.

And, rather than “Resist,” I will “Persist” in my

attunement towards Love

and alignment to Peace

and advocacy towards Justice.

My actions and thoughts and words and deeds, whenever and wherever possible, will be that of Benevolence.

And, when that fails, I will circle back to

the Loving Sacredness Benevolence holds,

knowing it will welcome me again,

and again,

and again.

And send cards of Peace.

#PeaceForAllBeings

#LoveWins

#UUinPittsfieldMaine