I read the novel The One and Only Ivan by Christina Applegate.   This novel is currently our 2015-16 "One Church- One Book" all -church read.  I would like to thank Loree Griffin Burns for bringing this book to my attention.

 

If you know me, this will not come as a surprise : when I opened this book and read the first paragraph, I became engulfed in tears.  Well, to be fair, just the idea of this book made me teary.  My daughter and I are "those type of people" who are prone to tearful moments when presented with any material about animals or children in trouble.  Innocent victims always break my heart.

 

I did continue reading, however, mainly because it was my job to read this book.  The Religious Education Committee, Loree and I had the task of choosing a book for our multi-age church read.  It was my responsibility to ensure it was appropriate.  Also, we would be putting together a worship service  for the first Sunday in February that explored the themes presented in this novel.    I do not normally go looking for a "good cry", but I did need to press on.

 

After a few Kleenexes , I felt better.  I was relieved that this simple, sad story was really a treasure trove of uplifting messages and emotion.  I quickly began to notice the many levels of meaning that could touch every age and stage of reader.  For me, the messages that strongly emanated from the pages were the ones associated with our UU Faith and Principles: respect, dignity, acceptance and justice.

 

The fact that animals and humans can "get used to almost anything, in time" is not a comforting thought for me.  I know it is a survival mechanism, but I also know that sometimes it can be a defeatist attitude.  When you are tired:  you can easily go there.

 

Maybe that is why folks find themselves shutting down, or not voting, or  not standing up for what they believe.  Sometimes it may feel too hard to make that promise:  to try do the right thing.  In time, can we really get "used to" the shootings and the unjust treatment of people in the margins? 

 

Well, according to Stella, the old elephant character in The One and Only Ivan ,  "Humans can surprise you sometimes.  An unpredictable species, Homo sapiens"    And they  are for sure.  Even  when surrounded by despair, I have witnessed  human nature in it's most wonderful form . I see it in my own circles and in my church, my community and in the world.   I always want to look to those mindful, deep- hearted humans and lift them up for their inspiration and their bravery.  I want to introduce them to the children I know .  I want to be like them. 

 

In the fictional story about Ivan, he makes a promise to his dear friend Stella;  one that he's not sure he can keep.  This story reinforced  that I too can make an important promise that may seem  hard to keep. What promises are hard?  The ones that start with the word "always".   I always want to treat people and animals fairly.  I always want to stand up and speak up in love about the injustices I see.  I think that type of promise: to do the right thing even when it's hard,  is the one of the most important things in life; possibly, the one and only.

 

 

Come talk about what you found inside the covers of  The One and Only Ivan  on January 24th at 11:30 in the lounge at UUCW.   Or, just stop by to listen to what readers of all ages have to say!

 

 

 

 

Wishing Peace ,

Robin