Guest Blog by Virginia Nixon
With the COVID-19 pandemic also comes a pandemic of challenges.
However, even as change is all around and we are constructing a whole new way of being in our QUUF Fellowship, some things do not change. Just as we have all adjusted to other losses and changes in our lives, we are already rebuilding through this one, too. And memories of our past remain intact.
We all still are branches of the same tree. Beneath connecting is belonging. And we all still belong, because it matters. Why does it still matter to you? Let’s talk to one another about that!
I’ve been here with you only a few years, but I’ve come to know QUUF as an interdependent community of original ideas, varied talents, and energy for focusing on principles and deeply held values. We may not look diverse, but we came from far and wide with a huge variety of life experiences from which to share, teach, and take action. Our potential for positive change, both locally and beyond, still matters to me. How about to you?
We each committed to QUUF with a mission…to celebrate religious freedom, create inclusive community, work for justice, and serve with love. Our mission is alive and well. It still matters.
As a new member of your Board of Trustees, I’m continually learning how years of dedicated work and caring built (even literally) this Fellowship. And we are protecting a financial structure that is solid, even though currently needy, upon which we are building new traditions while we wait patiently to re-enter our beautiful sanctuary together.
There are glowing examples of QUUF potential in the 2019-2020 Annual Report with 70+ pages describing what QUUF workers did in just one year. And even in dormancy, creativity is sprouting all around us. As we Zoom together and plan anew, remember appreciation – it matters too.
This unbidden downtime provides a unique opportunity to ask ourselves individually and collectively: what will we do now with our enormous QUUF people potential?
Thomas Merton said, “We cannot be filled unless we are first emptied to make room for what is to come.” I celebrate that our QUUF strength and creativity is showing up in the middle of the changes upon us. It does still matter doesn’t it?
A wonderful vision Virginia. Thanks. Together we do have enormous potential, creativity and imagination.
Yes, Virginia, there is opportunity.
Thank you for challenging us to ask what really matters; what is essential; and what is worth tending lest it wither and die. The mission of the Fellowship endures and calls us to serve with love, create an inclusive community and work for social justice in areas that matter.
Covid-19 is creating space so that new ideas, new ways of seeing the world, new ways of imagining what we are called to do can have room to take root, grow and blossom.
Thank you for the important work the Board is leading to create the Fellowship anew in a post-pandemic world that we can only imagine right now.
The big question for each of us is: What does that look like?
Truly inspirational, Virginia! Thank you.
Absolutely Beautiful !
Thank you, Ginny for your insight and inspiration. So glad you are on the Board!