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Evolving Unitarian Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Or as Riley Cavanaugh put it, “People are complicated. And messy. Seems too convenient that we’d all fit inside some multiple-choice question.” On this National Coming Out Day, we celebrate the human journey to be who we are.

Rev. Kevin Tarsa, with Marlene Bottenfield and Rod Tayler, Worship Associates

Buddhist insight teaches that trying to run away from our fears, or otherwise trying to avoid them, only increases our suffering and others’ suffering. Plus, it strengthens our fears! Drawing on the wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chödrön, we’ll at least consider the possibility (Gulp!) of befriending what frightens us.

Rev. Kevin Tarsa, with Randy McKean, Worship Associate

The word courage, from the word for “heart,” entered the English language meaning, broadly, all that what one is holding in one’s mind, thoughts, or feelings. Whew. These days, that’s a lot. Within 100 years, “courage” had come to mean bravery or valor. Here, approaching an election day and given all that’s stirring in the world, we start where we are, and together look for the courage that serves in this moment.

Rev. Kevin Tarsa, with Carol Nimick, Worship Associate