We went to the polls on Monday, where we got to stand in line. That’s right- we GOT to be in line to cast our votes. It is not hyperbole to say that our democracy is threatened. If this election season has taught us anything, it is we can not take the right to vote for granted.

 

We were behind a couple of folks we hadn’t met yet, and who we learned fled from a different state to live in NY, who shared our commitment to voting, to democracy, to honesty, and to connecting and listening to one another. Neighbors sharing concerns together was a lovely gift of getting to be in line-concerned citizens voting early to make sure we get to participate in a process that thousands, perhaps millions have died for throughout human history.

We know that many of you have voted already, too… often waiting in line for a bit to do so. We thought of those in other states and other countries who are willing to wait for hours, and of some of our forebears who waited years, or a lifetime before being able to cast a vote. It is no small thing.

Thank you to all who are doing so much with #UUtheVote to encourage and support participation in this election. If you haven’t yet voted, and need a ride in order to do so, please let the UUSS #UUtheVote folks know. They/We can help!

And if you are feeling concerned at all, we hope to see you this Sunday, because we need one another. Gather together for worship in the morning and then come on back for the Schenectady Clergy Against Hate vigil at 4pm. If you can volunteer for that event, let us know as soon as possible.

Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.
Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.
Breathing in, we ground ourselves in love.
Breathing out, we vote grounding ourselves in hope.
Breathing in, we strengthen our courage for justice.
Breathing out, we soften for compassion.

Centering our wild hearts in love, let us open to what is possible and do our best to create the most compassionate, just, and joyful outcomes!

In faith~ Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy