We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
This phrase has become a part of my inner soundtrack, but I recently got curious about where it came from. What I learned: though it expanded within American consciousness in 2008 when spoken by then Senator Obama, he probably read it in a 2006 book so-titled by Alice Walker, who attributed it to the poet June Jordan in 1978 via the 1998 song by Sweet Honey in the Rock. But it was italicized in Jordan’s poem, as if she was quoting others. Perhaps it’s best to understand the idea as essentially timeless. It links us to previous and future generations while also serving as a wake-up call to be present in this historical moment, as part of this generation. And of course it’s no coincidence that it’s been brought to us by Black women, people who understand interlocking oppressions and speak prophetically about our capacity to respond meaningfully. Now.
One of the prophets of our time, adrienne maree brown, will be addressing Unitarian Universalists directly at our General Assembly this month. If you’re not familiar with her work, I strongly recommend her book Emergent Strategy, which inspires us to mobilize for systemic change by letting go of control and showing up authentically for our relationships. One of brown’s core principles can be summarized as follows:
There is always enough time for the right work.
There is a conversation in the room
that only these people
at this moment
can have.
Find it.
What great reassurance for us as we rebuild on the pandemic downslide. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for–what are we called to become together in this moment?
Every time we gather in groups of two or more, we have an opportunity to grow the Fellowship. I am eager to welcome new people into our community, but there’s no need to wait for them–we are the ones we’ve been waiting for. Showing up to the Fellowship on Sundays or at Action Wednesday or other meetings gives us the opportunity to create the shared future we know is possible. brown writes: “I have to use my life to leverage a shift in the system by how I am, as much as with the things I do … Each day should be lived on purpose. This has meant increasing my intentionality about being with others. Adapting to the changes of life, yes, but with a clear and transparent intention to keep deepening with my loved ones and transforming together … I am living a life … that will resonate with my ancestors, and with as many generations forward as I can imagine.”
brown’s talk is available only to people who register for General Assembly, as is Ibram X. Kendi’s at the Ware Lecture. If you’re available to deepen your UU connection in this way, let me know. There are several others planning to participate virtually from the Fellowship building. We’ll be publicizing ways to connect during GA, including a few events open to everybody.
Perhaps this summer is less about meetings and workshops for you, and more about rest and renewal. Let’s do some of that together too. Being new to Instagram, I’ve been enjoying the Nap Ministry, a prophetic womanist initiative to remind us that self-care is essential to overturning white supremacy and other systems that define our worth based on our productivity. Although I am bringing a lot of energy and excitement to do things with you, I keep remembering that it’s about being, not doing. I’d love to share GA with you, but what’s more important is that you deepen your relationship with yourself, your truth, and your people. I am grateful to be among them.
In joy and solidarity,
Pastor Isa
Contact Rev. Dr. Isabel Call at pastor@uufm.net.
Note: Pastor Isa will away from the office June 6 thru 12 and June 20 thru July 7 for UUMA Ministry Days and the UUA General Assembly. If you are having a pastoral emergency, please reach out to Kathleen Oldfather at kjoldfather@gmail.com. She’ll be glad to listen, offer support, and connect you to another minister if the situation calls for deeper support.