September Pastoral Note by Rev. Claudia Jiménez

In mid July my partner Steve and I returned to Colombia, where I was born, where we met and where our daughters were born. It was wonderful to be home surrounded by mi gente, my people and the culture that I often feel nostalgia for. Que alegria! Such joy!

One of the trip highlights was our visit to Medellín. We lived in Colombia in the 80s and 90s when Medellin was considered one of the most violent and dangerous cities anywhere in the world. Today it is a cultural, business and tourist hub for Colombians and foreigners alike. To see such progress first-hand was uplifting and came at a curious moment in the political history of the United States as President Biden announced his departure from the presidential race.

Having witnessed the transformation of Medellín, we returned to the U.S.

Like many in early July, prior to our trip, we felt a profound dread for what seemed like an inevitable slide into an abyss of lawlessness and looming autocracy. Walking through the Miami airport when we returned, we felt like we were in a very different country from the one we had left barely two weeks before. It was immediately apparent that people –those we know but also strangers – were energized, joyful and hopeful.

Congregants and friends are optimistic that we may yet elect leadership that will support the democratic process and embrace values such as justice, equity, and pluralism that we affirm and promote as Unitarian Universalists. Many are engaged in UU the Vote actions and other initiatives in their communities to get out the vote. People are phone banking, canvassing, post carding, registering voters, and engaging in other opportunities to support the democratic process. There is much to do. And each of us is invited to engage as we are able knowing we do not do this work alone.

As you consider what your involvement will be these next few weeks, I also invite you to consider how you will take care of yourself. A few suggestions -paraphrased from a poster a friend shared – that I have found useful are below.

  • Be thoughtful with news. Limit your intake. Triple check before sharing.
  • Choose your issue battles. Decide what is most important to you and focus your energy there.
  • Take time for joy. Hobbies. Nature. Being with family or friends. Make time for whatever brings beauty to your life.
  • Take time for rest. During stressful times our bodies need more rest and time to “unwind.”
  • Engage in spiritual practices that ground you reminding you that you are part of a larger whole and connected to resilient ancestors.

Blessings to each of you during this pivotal time in our country’s history. May you joyfully engage as you are able from a place of hope and possibility.