Author: clfuu

We honor today that the veil between the worlds of the living and dead is at its thinnest. Many different customs and rituals honor that thinness at this time of year.

What is something you’d like to say to a beloved who has died?

“You have been paid for. Each of you, Black, White, Brown, Yellow, Red—whatever pigment you use to describe yourselves—has been paid for. But for the sacrifices made by some of your ancestors, you would not be here; they have paid for you. So, when you enter a challenging situation, bring them on the stage with you; let their distant voices add timbre and strength to your words. For it is your job to pay for those who are yet to come.” -Maya Angelou

Call the names of the ancestors who sacrificed for your existence.

“We call in our elders. The pioneers and pilgrims whose shoulders we stand on. We call you in not to rest and bask in your glow of bygone days. But to be held accountable to the struggles and challenges and sacrifices you offered with love. May we love you enough, love us enough, love those yet to come enough, to keep raising the bar of expectations and dreams and possibilities. Give us the courage and conviction to put aside our egos and attachments so universal grace may stream in.” -Tandi Rogers

Honor an elder today.

“Sacrifice is a word that evokes feelings ranging from horror to noble aspiration. It is hailed as a necessary ingredient of religion, success, and community, on the one hand, and it is deeply mistrusted, on the other.” – UU Church of Palo Alto, CA

What are the feelings that the notion of “sacrifice” evokes in you, especially if you’ve been engaging with the theme all month?

“Although exhausted, I slowly recalled a truth that has helped me to carry on: As I trudged alone through the night hallways, I staggered to a call as old as humankind. That night and every night, mothers and fathers around the world awaken to reassure restless children. That night and every night, grown children arise to calm fitful, aging parents. Those night hours are long and lonely. Our burdens and tired bones are ours alone to bear. There are, however, other people out there who are waking even as we are. There are other people who bear similar burdens—whether it is simply to reassure a child for one night, or to help a dying loved one be at peace, week after week, until the end.

“We who rise do so because we choose to do it. It is an intense, physical demand; it is also an honor as ancient as human love. We are part of the circle of families and friends who nurture Life, from its earthly beginning until its earthly conclusion.” -Jane E. Mauldin

How have you chosen to be part of the circle of people who nurture life, even if it exhausts you?