Dear Friends,
April showers… I pray they are more rain showers than snow showers: April in Ohio—one never knows…
Theologian Howard Thurman once wrote, “Often, to be free means the ability to deal with the realities of one’s own situation so as not to be overcome by them.”
And sometimes we reach to God, to the ancestors, to the universe, to the sacred within us, around us—what is was and ever shall be—and we pray for that spark of life in each of us to find peace, to love our siblings, to speak
and act and embody beloved community.
We use the metaphor of rebirth with spring. The Easter holiday reflects this, our tradition of flower communion on Easter reflects this and pairs it with the community building that being a part of a church embodies.
Spring flowers pop up, they regrow—This is their resiliency. We use this symbol as we search for meaning.
As we confront the issues we have in ourselves and society: white supremacy culture and perfectionism, the partisan divide, homophobia and transphobia: We work for peace.
As we feel liberation from not being overwhelmed by our realities, let us remember to connect in meaningful ways and to keep the gains we’ve made: We work for peace.
As we begin prioritizing mental health along with physical, social and spiritual health: We work for peace.
Spring is about growth. The sap has to run before the tree can blossom. The bulbs needed planting before the daffodils and lilies can flower. There is peace in the work; there is peace in the journey as well as the destination.
Happy Easter! Spring is here! Peace be with you.
— Rev. Will