The View From Here
Some of us feel beaten down by the state of our country. This is especially true for women and people of color, who have not been granted a seat at the grown-ups’ table for most of our country’s history. Between the Climate change deniers (one of whom happens to be our President) and the Confirmation hearings, I know a lot of us are in despair. Add the separation of children from their parents at the border, an unfocused foreign policy (at its best), a gutted EPA, a massive decline in the stock market, and more “natural” disasters than ever before, the future of America can seem pretty bleak.
However, there is always cause for joy and love. That is the substance of my sermon this Sunday. It is also something we could foster in community listening circles. To this end, my UCC colleague, Rev Sue Koehler-Arsenault, and I, are organizing regularly scheduled evenings of prayer, listening, and music. Starting Thursday night the week after the last Daring Democracy event, we will hold space every Thursday night at 7 pm for the forseeable future. The first four evenings will be held at the UUSR: Thursday evenings on Oct 25, Nov 1, 8, and 15 will be here. The Rockport Congregational church will be the host site on Nov 29, Dec 6, 13 and possibly Dec 20. Rev Sue and I are hoping that we will both be available for the first couple of meetings; we are also aware that other Cape Ann colleagues may want to open the doors to their churches as well.
These Listening Circles will allow for anyone to speak honestly from her or his heart, without fear of cross-talk or follow-up questions or comments, unless specifically requested. (For example, someone asks for advice or feedback) The topics are whatever people bring on any given night. Sue and I will offer prayers and readings and silence, and of course, our love and compassion.
For some of you, these listening circles may not be needed. But I am hoping that in giving the citizens of Cape Ann a safe place to let our feelings be known, we will gain a sense of community and solidarity with our neighbors. Please do not hesitate to call me at 781 929 2753 or email me at revsvamoran@gmail.com if you want a private meeting.
Finally, please know that there is a lot of great work being done by all sorts of people in all sorts of places. I advise you to stay away from social media, tv news, and keep your newspaper reading brief. Join us in meditation every Tuesday morning at 11, sing in the shower, and dance fiercely whenever you feel yourself sinking into the abyss.
With love and affection,
Rev Susan
Poem of the Month
Courage
It is in the small things we see it.
The child’s first step,
as awesome as an earthquake.
The first time you rode a bike,
wallowing up the sidewalk.
The first spanking when your heart
went on a journey all alone.
When they called you crybaby
or poor or fatty or crazy
and made you into an alien,
you drank their acid
and concealed it.
Later,
if you faced the death of bombs and bullets
you did not do it with a banner,
you did it with only a hat to
cover your heart.
You did not fondle the weakness inside you
though it was there.
Your courage was a small coal
that you kept swallowing.
If your buddy saved you
and died himself in so doing,
then his courage was not courage,
it was love; love as simple as shaving soap.
Later,
if you have endured a great despair,
then you did it alone,
getting a transfusion from the fire,
picking the scabs off your heart,
then wringing it out like a sock.
Next, my kinsman, you powdered your sorrow,
you gave it a back rub
and then you covered it with a blanket
and after it had slept a while
it woke to the wings of the roses
and was transformed.
Later,
when you face old age and its natural conclusion
your courage will still be shown in the little ways,
each spring will be a sword you’ll sharpen,
those you love will live in a fever of love,
and you’ll bargain with the calendar
and at the last moment
when death opens the back door
you’ll put on your carpet slippers
and stride out.
~ Anne Sexton ~
(The Awful Rowing Toward God)