Friends,
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always
remember, you have within you the strength, the
patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to
change the world.” — Harriet Tubman
We are living in a time that is different: a time that is almost dream-like to some, and nightmare-ish for others:
-COVID cases are increasing
-Confederate monuments are being toppled
-Racism is declared a public health crisis in Richland and
Knox Counties
-UUA GA hosted their first drag show
-More people than ever are expressing that
Black Lives Matter
– The many recent cases of the US Supreme Court
-NASCAR has banned a symbol of hate, the
confederate flag
– County fairs across Ohio are prohibiting the sales of
confederate flags, too
There are many more things happening all the time…
But, we need to ask ourselves as a dreamer what change
are we wanting? What specific steps are we wanting on
the path toward beloved community?
Or, without the pressure of something large, like Beloved
Community—what are we wanting to see in our
community?
What institutions are in need of change?
Police departments are being called to change their
practices and some are making headlines for changes.
Are our communities police among them?
Public schools are missing major pieces of US and world
history regarding the systemic oppression of Black and
Brown Citizens, Colonialism, as well as the LGBTQ+
history and rights (remember the first Gay Pride Event
was a riot, fighting for rights).
All Souls’ building is not accessible. There have been too
many people rejected because they can’t walk up our
stairs.
What else? What are pieces that you control?
What can we do to help and change policy on:
Homelessness?
The Morrow County ICE facilities?
Racism in our communities—Mansfield, Mount Vernon,
Butler, Bellville, Ontario, Lexington, Gambier, Apple
Valley, Galion, Shelby, and the communities not listed
here…
What systems are being funded or defunded that we can
advocate for change?
I am hopeful that this is a time when change is happening both in the institutions and in the hearts and minds
of our neighbors and ourselves.
I’m reminded of the Gandhi Peace poem:
I offer you peace
I offer you love
I offer you friendship
I hear your cry
I see your beauty
I feel your pain
My wisdom flows from my spirit within, and I salute
that spirit in you
Let us work together for peace!
Wear your masks, fight for justice and be a friend…
— Rev. Will