Unitarian Universalists draw from six recognized sources for wisdom and inspiration in our Living Tradition. The second listed in our hymnals is: Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love. I was raised by a Civil Rights mediator … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections February 18th, 2022
I spoke recently with a colleague who graduated from seminary the same year I did. When we met back then, I was twenty-five and she was fifty-two. Now I am coming up on fifty-five and she is eighty. We laughed a little about that and compared notes on our journeys as ministers. We have celebrated … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections February 11th, 2022
I am worried about the situation in Ukraine. How can we as a global community still be tolerant of the invasion of one country by another? How can so many countries still be engaged in violent acts of domination toward their own citizens as well as those of neighboring nations? How can those in power … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections February 4th, 2022
I take great pride in the sexuality education curriculum created by the Unitarian Universalist Assoc. called “Our Whole Lives” or “OWL” for short! I am a trained facilitator and I have co-led the teen class twice. I was also a sexuality educator many years ago through a community education program. There are now OWL curricula … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections January 28th, 2022
My older son, Liam, turns 21 in a few days. Such milestones focus our attention on the temporal nature of our lives, and the brevity of our time on earth. There are creatures like small flies that live only days, and others like turtles and clams that can live well over a hundred years. Human … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections January 21st, 2022
A small number of people can make a big difference. In our democratic republic, we elect leaders to make decisions on our behalf at every level of government, and we are stuck with those elected by a majority of voting citizens for a season. While it is an imperfect system, it is what we have … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections January 7th, 2022
The New Year always inspires mixed emotions for me: What did I leave unfinished? What opportunities have now expired? What are my goals and priorities for the new year? What could I achieve or experience if I plan and pay attention and the universe opens the right doors? What contribution can I make to make … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections December 31st, 2021
Christmas Eve always feels special to me. Despite all I have learned about the mythical birth narratives of Jesus, and all I have gleaned from other winter traditions and holidays, the little girl in me remembers church bells, Christmas trees, caroling, and opening ONE present the night before Christmas and it all still holds what … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections December 24th, 2021
The Winter Solstice is upon us next Tuesday. In this hemisphere, it will be the shortest day of the year with the greatest number of hours of darkness. We have a history of fearing such a time because our brains are wired to rely on vision which requires light. This year, I encourage you not … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections December 17th, 2021
Holidays focus a lens on our lives which make the good so much better and the bad so much worse. I remember being 8 months pregnant with Liam and ordering Chinese food for a Christmas meal with Bill, Mom and my brother Mike. It was our first holiday season without my father, who had received … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections December 10th, 2021
