What we need most is one another

By the Rev. Cynthia Cain - Unitarian Universalist Churchof Lexington

The Unitarian Universalist denomination is a non-creedal movement. Some folks wonder what we "worship."

That question is most easily answered in times of anxiety, times like these.

We need one another. People need to know that they can turn to other humans for comfort, for support, for sustenance, and for guidance in trying times: war, disasters, financial meltdowns. We understand the word worship as it was originally intended: to shape that which is of worth.

For us, life, freedom of expression and belief, community, human compassion, service, and peace are things that are of highest value and worth, things that we strive for.

In recent years, many of us have become involved in movements for sustainability. Environmental awareness, locally grown foods, simple living, eliminating credit debt, reducing consumption — all are part of sustainability. Folks who embraced these philosophies years ago find themselves much less anxious now, without massive debts, gas-guzzling cars or huge houses.

Learning to live more simply and more in tune with the earth's cycles may be one positive result of a financial crisis.

All my life, I heard stories about the Great Depression. No doubt, it was a time that we would never wish to repeat.

But among the sad stories glow a few gems of joy: Extended families moved in together, and some folks recall these times as the happiest of their lives. Homeless people went from door to door, and were invited in to share whatever small bits of food my relatives had. Community and compassion increased, because people truly understood how each one of us is connected to every other, and understood that our fates are intertwined.

Taking the long view, turning toward one another, and belonging to a community of faith and fellowship are essential sources of equanimity and inner peace.