In This Issue "Faith Matters" blog - Shadow sides
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Shadow sides
 | | Associate Minister Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig |
"There is a saying that everything that has a front has a back... Energy expresses itself in polarities, in opposites... We contain both darkness and light, sorrow and joy, the capacity for selfishness as well as for generosity, for cruelty as well as compassion."
- Diane Berke, The Gentle Smile
Did you make it to Mary Katherine's sermon this past weekend? She preached a poignant, hope-filled message on Coming out of the Shadows in celebration of National Coming Out Day. Not only was it beautiful and meaningful on its own, but in my imagination it took on even more depth from being tied into our congregation-wide exploration of October's theme: Shadows. We're exploring shadows all month in worship: A week ago Mary Katherine preached on the shadow self - those parts of ourselves that we reject, judge or push away - and the dangers of striving for the impossible goal of perfection. This coming weekend I'll be talking about the idea of the shadow self applied to our images of God/the divine in sacred texts from around the world. Can it be that the force which created all things, however we name it, contains both good and evil? And, if that's how it is, how can we feel safe in the universe?
You can find lots more creative quotations, reflections and art about shadows at this month's Themes for Living pages. We've heard some of you talking about shadows too. For example, wondering how it is that "shadows" often sound threatening, while "shade" is one of the wonderful essentials of life in a warm climate? Some of our covenant groups are exploring this month: Is there any part of you that is "in the shadows" right now? Does that feel okay, or is there some way you are called to bring that part of you "into the light?"
 Our children have been exploring shadows too. The young people in this picture are tracing their shadows on a sunny day two weekends ago. This week was rainy, so one of our teachers made up a great blues song about shadows:
My shadow side might be the things I'm struggling with. Jealousy and anger and sometimes it's just hard to give By accepting my shadow I can find a better way to live.
Nice going, all you creative folks who are helping bring these themes alive for all ages! And to all of you, dear UUCFers - I wish you imagination, courage and gentleness as you make peace with the shadows we all live with, inside and out.
Warmly,
Laura
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