Happy Spring!

Do you ever hear a saying that helps you frame the world?

This Sunday’s Time for All Ages will feature a quote often misattributed to Gandhi, although it is very fitting for the work he did. The words have been picked up by politicians and others to place themselves or their ideas in a context of progress. Regardless of who said it, the quote makes a lot of sense.

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

I like to think of myself as a little less violent than “fight” and “win”, although this is the world we live in as many people see it. Being a ‘good’ UU, I’d like to wordsmith it a bit. What do you think of

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they resist you, then they agree.”

That’s still optimistic, but the quote is about progress. I’m thinking of climate change as an example. Decades of ignoring. Laughing and throwing snowballs in the halls of Congress, resisting change by funding and supporting fossil fuel industries, and, shhh, they agree.

Well, that last part is in progress. But due to technology advances and drastic cost reductions, lithium batteries are now able to store electricity generated from renewable resources. Power companies and developers all around the country – including red states – are installing batteries in record numbers to mitigate the ebb and flow of wind and solar. Millions are being employed. Fossil fuel plants are being closed or not built. And, we’re addressing climate change – but don’t call it that because, shhh, it doesn’t exist. Click here for more information.

This example is in our larger world but the quote works on a personal level as well. What are examples that you can think of in your life where the quote, either version, might apply? Are there areas where you are being ignored, not taken seriously, or feeling resistance? In turn, are you giving any of these to others?

This Sunday’s service features our 7^th principle, crafted by our very own Paul L’Herrou at a General Assembly many moons ago. He and Sylvia will tell us all about it. And if you wonder how the quote above fits in, let’s just say there is Silly String involved.

See you Sunday,

Rev. Marian

 

P.S. For those who asked about the book I referred to during my Easter sermon, it is “Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire” by Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker.