Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Let the Way of the Heart

On Sunday at church, we welcomes new members. With our welcoming ceremony, we said some powerful words to our newest patrons which mean a lot to me. I truly believe in letting go of negativity and not sweating the small stuff, which can be tough, even through recovery.

Together we said to the new members as a congregation:

"We promise to care for each other by demonstrating courtesy, by showing kindness, warmth and patience."

and then... which was the most POWERFUL...

"We promise to care for one another by acting with respect, and by quick to listen, 

SLOW TO JUDGE, and willing to negotiate."


What powerful words... "quick to listen and slow to judge". We all need to do this, it would heal so many disagreements, family issues, work issues and world problems.


As someone changed by a brain injury, I have learned to except change in my life, it does not always come easy, but I try. I also have learned to give folks their needed space and their time to heal.


Life is not easy, we face many challenges, so it was great to be moved on Sunday by these words. I hope you have enjoyed them too!

I grew up Catholic and attended Catholic school, I liked going to church, but in the last 10 years, my heart was not filled after. My mom, a wonderful Catholic did not me not attending church, so I went on a religious adventure and found the Unitarian Universalist church near my home. I fell in love! it is everything I am passionate about their principals. They believe in "one church, many paths"... I was nervous about trying a new church, me as the guilty Catholic was scared it was going to be a cult... but to my surprise, it was a very loving atmosphere filled with many ex-Catholics!


Here are the UU's Principals, if you would like read them -

There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  • Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  • Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  • A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  • The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
  • The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  • Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Unitarian Universalism (UU) draws from many sources:

  • Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
  • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
  • Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
  • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
  • Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
  • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.


I leave church with a smile on my face and feeling like a good person. I feel I can grow spiritually, serve and grow here, I am glad I went on a spiritual journey to find our families new church.

I know I got "churchy" just now... BUT, I was moved by the quick to listen and slow to judge statement.

Here is to peace, love and happiness to your day!





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