The Sacredness of Life
Outraged over Uvalde
Beloveds,
I know many of you have shed fierce tears like I did at the horrific shooting in Uvalde, Texas yesterday. When I think of those 19 children and two teachers in their last moments, and how this was preventable, I rage. Rage. I am outraged at the dying of the light in their eyes.
I know that the Texas gunman was almost a child himself; I don’t know if he was troubled, traumatized, hate-filled, lost, or angry. I do know that our society could and should have done more. 90% of Americans want universal background checks, and support sensible restrictions on gun access.
What will our lawmakers affirm as more sacred: the lives of our people – including our children – or the right to own, carry, and use lethal weapons?
The understanding that children, that the lives of children are sacred is a universal human understanding. The taking of a child’s life is evil. The killing of people because of their skin color is evil. The murder of people because of their faith is evil. The toll of evil is devastating. Many of us are shaking. Many of us are cursing the powers that are blocking our ability to protect life around us. This rawness is real.
Because self-care and community are important, I want you to know about these two virtual offerings happening tonight:
- UU Vigil Tonight for the Senseless Deaths of Innocents: We will hold space, read the names of the lives lost, light candles, and share prayers every 15 minutes from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. tonight in the UU Congregation of Rockville sanctuary or join via Zoom.
- Faith in Action: Gun Violence and Solidarity Call: We know that the images and stories of white supremacy have pained us, both for the moment we’re in, but also because this news surely resurfaced months, and years old trauma from similar stories of white supremacist rage. Before we set out to dismantle the systems that oppress and fight against replacement theory by creating our own powerful narrative, first we must make time for collective healing. We will host a call at 7 p.m, via zoom to hold space for healing, and reflection, and to learn about ways to support the communities in Buffalo and Uvalde.
An ethic of care is important, and… and this isn’t a time for our faith to be a sedative. Our spiritual practices aren’t just there to help you through this moment.
The work of UUCA and Unitarian Universalism is important. Our antiracism work is essential. Creating community and blessing our youth, as we did last Sunday, is life-growing work. Showing up for each other and for our neighbors (near and far) in body, mind, and spirit, is how a better future is created.
You are in my heart, even as it breaks. In the outrage, the pain, the grief, and disbelief, I am with you.
Rev. Anastassia