Is grace amazing, as the well-worn hymn claims? Is grace a string of green lights as you rush to an appointment? Is grace a frame of mind, gratitude for whatever life throws at us? Are you even comfortable using the term grace? In Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith, author Anne Lamott writes eloquently about grace … Continue reading February’s Theme: Grace
Peace is not simply the cessation of fighting or even conflict. It begins with an understanding of ourselves grasping for love, fame, money, things and more. Our inner peace leads to outward peaceful words and actions. As Albert Einstein said, “Peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice, of law, … Continue reading January’s Theme: Peace
Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives. —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While Philosopher Josiah Royce coined the term Beloved Community, it was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King who made the term speak to millions. It … Continue reading September’s Theme: Beloved Community
During the month of August we return to the basics of our Unitarian Universalist traditions. Rather than looking at a monthly theme, we take a step out of the heat and into the shade to view the whole landscape of our religion. If you are new to Tulsa or to Hope, you will get an … Continue reading August Theme – What’s The Big Idea?
Do you love or hate to travel? Does the idea of flying, driving, riding, or floating delight you or frighten you? Is your daily routine a source of refuge or do you like disruptions? I am asking about one kind of journey—a physical trip or journey. Our reactions to taking trips (not all trips are … Continue reading July’s Theme – Journey
Everyone has power. Let’s use a simple definition of power as the ability to act. If alive, we can all act. Yet, everyone does not have equal access to effective power. Part of our work together as a church is to build power together, a power that is both relational and sustainable. We create a … Continue reading June’s Theme – Power
Theological questions are often the big questions we ask throughout our lives. What happens before I am born? Is there a soul? What happens after I die? Why am I here? Does my life matter? Why do bad things happen? Can I be forgiven for my mistakes (and by whom)? These questions may have answers … Continue reading May’s Theme – Theological Reflection
Like a cat poised, listening intently, aware of everything around her, yet fully focused on the prey she is stalking, this is an image of mindfulness. It is not being zoned out or blissed out. It is about seeing, hearing, smelling and even tasting in the moment. Mindfulness is about being aware of yourself and … Continue reading April’s Theme – Mindfulness
