By Lisa Schilansky, Ministerial Intern
As poet and activist June Jordan said in her work, Poem for South African Women, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” Churches are a radical structure in a time of increased isolation. In our congregations, we show up to honor the joys and struggles inherent to life. In our congregations, we provide meals when folks are in need, listen deeply to each other in small group ministries, and sing together, synchronizing our hearts in rhythm. In our congregations, we name and honor the fact that some are at greater risk than others. And those of us with privilege learn how to wield it, how to be on the front lines, and how to ensure that those most at risk are not also the ones expected to do the most labor.
When the world is pulling us apart, our congregations hold us together. In the wake of the 2024 election, the UUA provided resources for how best to organize and support one another. First and foremost, they shared the importance of clear and ongoing communication within the congregation, the denomination, and our communities. None of us is going through this time alone. UUCWC is here, but churches are not institutions and buildings; they are the congregation within. Rev. Kim and I get to stand before the congregation each Sunday, but the power of church lives with you. Our strength lives with all of us, collective care is how we can best support each one another in this time.
In the words of professor, activist, and author Brittany Cooper, “We live in a nation that does everything to induce our rage while simultaneously doing everything to deny that we have a right to feel it.”
So, feel your sacred rage, my friends. Feel your anger. Feel your sadness. Feel your emptiness. Wherever your body and mind is right now is the right place. Whatever you are feeling right now is the right feeling.
If feeling feels too hard, move your body, punch a heavy bag, run, scream into your pillow, scream in the woods, cry, laugh, and make 100 noises that need to be made. To show up for others, we have to care for ourselves. We have to allow ourselves moments to grieve. And then, when you’re ready, plug into your congregation and connect with those who are fighting this fight alongside you. Be part of the collective care happening in your community.
May we travel this road together.