During this last week of November, take some time to reflect on your journey through “Change” (our monthly worship and programming theme). How has the way you perceive and receive change shifted in you? Take some time to journal, meditate, or talk with a friend about it.

Here’s some quotes to help you (from our Soul Matters resources):

Word Roots & Definitions In the early 13th century, the root words of change meant “to substitute one for another.” By the late 13th century, the meaning was shifting to “become different, be altered.” (source) This tension still exists, between replacing something and creating something new. This seems especially relevant to both personal and social transformation. Are we simply swapping out one habit/system for another, when what is truly needed is more novel and radical change?

We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.

– Anais Nin

You know you’ve changed your whole mental image about companionship and commitment when you use the pronouns “we” and “our” to describe items that were previously described by “my” and “I.”

– Jason Merchey

Those who stand at the threshold of life always waiting for the right time to change are like the person who stands at the bank of a river waiting for the water to pass so they can cross on dry land.

– Joseph B. Wirthlin

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.

– Carl Rogers

That broken thing you keep trying to put back together is keeping your life from that beautiful thing that is waiting to be built.

– Trent Shelton

When we identify where our privilege intersects with somebody else’s oppression, we’ll find our opportunities to make real change.

– Ijeoma Oluo