Midweek Message February 19, 2025

“We are not isolated beings but connected, in mystery and miracle, to the universe and to each other.” from Singing the Living Tradition #434

Friends,

When I was a student at Starr King School for the Ministry during the late 90’s, a statement would periodically make its way through the student body. “You are enough.” It could be interpreted as a theological statement affirming the inherent worthiness of every person, but mostly it served as a kind of mantra to keep self-doubt at bay. When questions arose, like –  “who the heck am I to undertake this calling to ministry?” – the statement was a potent reminder that each one of us is a unique constellation of gifts and talents, quirks and flaws. Our presence and our very being is a gift to the world. 

At other times, the statement would be rebutted with “You are not enough. You need other people. You need a community.” While wordier, this statement could also be interpreted theologically, that we exist in an interdependent web of existence. It could also serve as an antidote to the illusion that any one of us has the power to to know all that must be known or to do all that must be done. It is an acknowledgement that no one of us exists in isolation, that we are connected to and dependent on others, that ministry is always a collective endeavor. What it boils down to is this: You are not alone.

Together, the two statements make a whole truth. You are enough. You are not alone.

We are connected to each other in mystery and miracle.  Each of us is needed in the struggle and no one of us has to do it alone.

My friends, I am here to tell you that in these days of rapid change and uncertainty, that you are enough. Whatever it is that you are doing to be part of the resistance against oppression and authoritarian rule, it is enough. It is enough because you are not alone. Everyone else is doing their part, too. Your job is to keep being you and keep doing what you are able to do. 

• If you are involved in mass protests, keep showing up.
• If you are involved in economic boycotts, keep it up.
• If you are calling and writing your elected representatives, keep doing it – relentlessly.
• If you are involved in caring for and protecting people who are targeted and vulnerable, keep doing it. . 
• If you are staying informed and disseminating factual information, keep it up.
• If you are doing all you can to keep your own head above water, keep doing it because your presence in the world matters.
• If you are working to keep the spirit of hope and joy alive, by all means, keep it up.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to do it all because you are not alone. Stay connected to communities that are oriented toward justice and centered in Love.

You are enough. You are not alone.

Yours in shared ministry,

Rev. Diane