by Kathy McGowan, UUA Southern Region Congregational Life staff
Many of us on the Southern Region staff have been doing a great deal of reflecting on freedom recently. Freedom is one of the values that Unitarian Universalists hold dear. I agree that freedom is a wonderful thing. However, I cannot think about freedom without thinking of the responsibility that goes along with it. Once we are given the freedom to think and speak freely, we must hold ourselves accountable for our actions.
The world around us is changing very rapidly. We encounter difference every day. We have the freedom to choose how we are going to respond. What will our actions be? Will we act out of our fears or out of our longing for deep connection?
We do not need to lose our sense of self when change is happening around us. We can choose to hold on to our identity even when the current culture may seem different from what we have known. If we have a good sense of our own identity, we are able to stand firm when we encounter difference. We also do not have to change others in order for us to be our true selves.
We can encounter change and difference with curiosity and a genuine willingness to learn. Instead of making assumptions about our changing culture, we can ask questions. Instead of assuming that the new ways of doing things are better or worse than the old ways, we can step back and ask questions, listen and observe with open eyes.
Just because we are free to choose to leave a situation does not mean we will. It is up to each of us to commit to what matters. Staying at the table is an important choice to make. Building and growing into relationships takes work.
To stay in relationship when the going gets tough is at the heart of what it means to live in covenant. To remain open and respond in love even when things get uncomfortable is living this wonderful faith. An encounter with change and difference is the most important time to make the mature choice of calling ourselves to more deeply live our covenant.
Before we blame other people or new ways of doing things for the problems we are having, can we look deeply at ourselves? I know we have the ability to find our courage and to give up being right in order to be more effective.
Because we have the gift of freedom, we must make the choice of where to commit our hearts. Even when our hearts are broken, it is our responsibility to honor our commitment. It is this covenant that binds us to a greater purpose.
We are truly better together.
In covenant,
Kathy
