Author: clfuu

In the Torah reading known as the Akedah, G-d calls on Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac upon an altar. This story is troublesome for many Unitarian Universalists, because of our uneasy relationship with the concept of sacrifice as a demonstration of devotion to a higher power, which is often how the story is interpreted among Christians. It is worth noting that Jews do not ascribe to this view of sacrifice. Rather, they see sacrifice as a way to draw nearer to G-d. -Lori Stone (CLF)

Take some time today to listen to the chant “Bring it Close,” by Unitarian Universalist musician Pamela Blevins Hinkle. “Bring it close” is an English translation of the Hebrew word often translated as “sacrifice,” karban. Let the music draw you closer to the sacred, however you define it.

Sometimes I find myself feeling confused and burdened by the word sacrifice, especially when it comes to family. The lines between enabling my children and setting loving boundaries are blurry. -Beth Murray (CLF)

When have you sacrificed or compromised your own personal needs to do something that might be helpful for another family member? When have you felt resentment with the sacrifices you have made?

Are there ways we limit ourselves by assuming that sacrifice is necessary? Can we see mutual flourishing as our sacred goal, instead of believing that we must suffer to be righteous? -Rose Gallogly (CLF)

How can you center mutual flourishing over sacrifice today?

Have you ever given up something you wanted for the idea of something better? When we set goals, we can’t see all of the possibilities of ways it will not go as planned. It’s hard to let go, but often times it is because there are better options we never dreamed of. We have a choice to sacrifice our goals for our dreams. -JeKaren Olaoya (CLF)

When have you sacrificed a goal to help a dream come true?

“The word sacrifice might be too much mess for some of us, too tainted by oppression and coercion. What matters more is that we are willing to live our lives in the shape of what is being asked, not hope that what we are asked to do will fit the shape of our lives.” -Elizabeth Nguyen

How can you live today in the shape of what is being asked of you by others?