“Call us back to our promises, commitments, and values.
Help us love ourselves and each other,
And to show that love in our actions.
Make us instruments of justice, equity, and compassion.” -Elizabeth Bukey Saunter, from a prayer entitled “A World of Beauty and Love is Coming”
How have you been called back to your promises, commitments, and values?
“Most of us need to celebrate life, to feel our inherent worth, to be restored our dignity, to practice justice, equity and compassion in human relationships. Most of us yearn to say, ‘Hello, I am Somebody…’ and to be greeted ‘Hello, Somebody, welcome! We’re glad you’re here!’ Most of us hunger for affirmation and celebration in who we are and in the gifts and blessings we bring this world…. Each of us has at least one blessing—I believe each of us offers MANY blessings—to this world in who we are. But sometimes we and our world, even our beloved community, might have a difficult time affirming and seeing those blessings.” -Naomi King, from the reading “Hello, My Name Is…”
What is a blessing you share with the world today?
“Emboldened by faith, we dare to proclaim we are answering the call of love.” -Jason Shelton
What does it mean to you to answer the call of love?
“Mother of Grace, help us to find a sense of humility where we have privilege,
and strength where we face oppression.
In our struggles we may learn compassion;
and in our power, may we learn temperance.
As a community of faith, may we be a safe harbor
in a world that is often harsh toward difference.
Challenge us to use our presence as a healing force for justice and equity.” -Jude Geiger, from a prayer entitled “Teach Us to Remember Our History”
How might you be a healing force in the world today?
“Someone asked me a few years ago if I would rather be loved or valued. What a profound question! Not knowing the meaning of self-value back then, I decided to choose love, because I was ten times more familiar with its existence. If you were to ask me that same question right now, I would say both — but overall, I would rather be valued.” -Darrell, a CLF member incarcerated in California
Would you rather be loved or valued? Why?
