Week 4: February 10–17

Share the Love

We call the Thirty Days of Love a “spiritual journey for social justice” because making the world a better place requires centering ourselves, connecting with others, and examining where we have been and would like to go. As the Thirty Days culminates with Valentine’s Day—our National Standing on the Side of Love Day, a holiday of social justice—join us in sharing the love that speaks to our core values.

The Month Ahead

Tuesday, February 12

“Our every action has a universal dimension, a potential impact on others’ happiness.”
- His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Daily Action:

Learn more about truth, reconciliation, and how the power of forgiveness can lead us to better stand on the side of love (see resources below).

Ask yourself: How might the process of Truth & Reconciliation be implemented in a way that furthers the most pressing social justice issues of our time? How might it play a role in our own communities?

This morning, you can also watch a livestream of the Wabanaki Truth & Reconciliation Commission seating ceremony via their Facebook page.

Action for Families: 

Learn more about the native and indigenous communities in your state or region. Have a discussion with your family about our rich Native American history. This video from National Geographic Kids and these fact sheets on different Native American tribes are great places to start.

Resources:
- Unitarian Universalist Association statement on the “Doctrine of Discovery”
- Wabanaki Truth and Reconciliation Commission 
- “What is Truth & Reconciliation?” from the Greensboro Truth & Reconciliation Commission
- South African Truth & Reconciliation Commission
- Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Liberia 
- Penthea Burns’ poem, ”I am the Colonizer”

I am the colonizer’s legacy
Ready now to be my human self
And ask for forgiveness -
Forgiveness that grows from
Shared understanding
Undressed rationale
Owned acts

I have lived for generations
Failing to recognize myself
Plodding on with this burden in my heart
Daring not to touch or feel its depths

My white skin bought me the
Safety and privilege denied to you
But at the end of time -
What would that be worth?

I stand here today in love and true faith
Naked and afraid and open to the truth
With knowing and understanding as my prayer
To heal the hearts that suffer
To create peace by changing

With eyes wide open
My reflection is clear
I can see who I am and
Remember my history of devastating glory
My days past of simple joys

The colonizer’s legacy is
Taking, denying, consuming
Loss, knowing, disconnection
Inherited by Wabanaki children and families
Their eyes look upon me still
Their voices wait to speak
And their children long to understand

There are stories to be told and heard
Of the victims and the victors
Of quiet acts of courage
To be held in the daylight of our loving hearts
To raise up truth and justice
Healing and forgiveness