Author: Michael Tino

“As an adult, it took me a long time to realize that I, too, could bless. It was not easy to learn that I had the ability to bless, to send my good wishes and wishes of safety to those I love, or simply to recognize the sacredness of something or someone. Growing up, I had learned that elders, priests, mothers, and nuns could bless and—well, I was none of those for a long time. But then I discovered that blessing something or someone is recognizing their sacred nature, caring for them enough to want them to be protected, and a way of expressing my gratitude and reverence for them.” – Tania Y Márquez, from the reflection “To Bless and Be Blessed”

Bless someone today.

When we speak of family as Unitarian Universalists, we are called to expand our definition beyond the typical Western idea of Family. We are called to understand that family is not something we have but something we build, together. -Christina Rivera (CLF)

How have you built family for yourself?

“I’m gonna hold on in the transition. I choose to change. In the stillness, I reach back to reconnect to my first caretakers’ love: seeds sown in me long ago. I want the harvest of that love. I want everyone to have the Presence and Care of Love. It should just be permaculture for us all.” – Melissa Jeter, from a Braver/Wiser reflection, “Called to Heal”

What do you do to plant seeds of love?

And who will join this standing up
and the ones who stood without sweet company
will sing and sing
back into the mountains and
if necessary
even under the sea

we are the ones we have been waiting for

-June Jordan, from “Poem for South African Women”

How will you help the family of humanity sing a new reality?

Community is our hope and salvation. May we foster, nurture, and invest in the sacred bonds of relationship, as if our lives depend upon it. -Donté Hilliard (CLF)

How can you invest in community today?