“It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism.” ― Angela Y. Davis
Every congregational year we cycle through a series of 10 themes. From September through June, we engage the themes in worship, during small group sessions, and in Religious Education. This coming congregational year the theme for January is Resistance and for February it is Resilience. The stacking strikes me as appropriate. Too often Resistance, the direct and often all encompassing work of creating justice by refusing to accept or comply with ideas, policies, practices, or regimes is fuel for a full on burn out. Resistance without resilience damages bodies, weakens minds, and breaks our overloaded hearts.
Resilience is practice for the Resistance. They are not indulgent or selfish, just as a sabbatical for ministers is not indulgent or selfish. They are the way we sustain the marathon that is cultural transformation and the building of a more beloved community.
What are resilience practices? They are communal and relational practices. Resilience in a time of Resistance, a time like the one we are living in now – amidst very real threats to our freedom and dignity – must engage us in collectivities – acts where we come together to survive. Practices for resilience in at this particular moment are not optional. They are mandatory. Do not isolate. Come into your community. Attend monthly small groups like our Covenant Groups (email covenantgroups@uumontclair.org for more info). Participate in Deep Listening after the worship services (see page 9 for more info). Attend worship and sing your heart out, or find a quiet moment amidst the worshiping community to meditate or pray. Join a Religious Education class. Get involved now in our Justice Efforts! (email socialjustice@uumontclair.org for more info). Dive into the Resistance while finding Resilience – “reservoirs of hope and optimism” – with others who are called to do the same.