What a full weekend it was with the UUCL community!

On Saturday, board members met for a mini retreat. We talked about how each felt welcomed into our community, what more we needed to feel truly welcomed, and how we can understand how others can feel welcome, too. When we take the time to listen to each other like this, we open pathways to understanding different perspectives and the varying needs of individuals. This is certainly a reminder nudge to keep practicing empathy and to have grace for one another.

Speaking of nudges to be empathetic, I thoroughly enjoyed Ambra’s message about UU themes and values found in Star Trek. It is always inspiring and useful to hear stories (fiction or nonfiction) about empathy. Stories model the ways in which we can shift our behavior and get out of old behavior patterns that might lead us to divisiveness rather than relationship. I know in our heart of hearts that we want to change, but we sometimes need stories to give us new ideas about what to do.

And, in the wake of the release of the Barbie movie, this makes me think of the long list of movies and tv shows that tell stories which promote values and themes that resonate with UUs. Actually, I think the world feels more welcoming just knowing that these huge, million dollar productions are created with such thoughtfulness. I say this especially after then spending Sunday afternoon in the hot sun being yelled at by angry, fearful, seemingly hateful, and no doubt hurting, people outside of the drag show condemning our dear friend Momma Ashley Rose and the good work she does. (A third viewing of the Barbie movie probably would have done my soul some good after that!). I was left with a feeling of hope, however, because there was a large crowd that gathered to support Momma and Rose Dynasty.

Back to the Barbie movie– have you seen it? It is SO good (ok yes, that is just my opinion) but I promise you that it is not just another silly movie. It has several meaningful themes that run throughout it, including empathy. I was not surprised to find out that Greta Gerwig, the film’s director, was raised UU. In fact, UU World did an interview with her in 2013. You can find that article here: https://www.uuworld.org/articles/gerwig-uu-film-star

So whether it’s Star Trek or the Barbie movie, we might consider taking notes on the stories that have been so carefully presented to us and trying on some new character traits. As we said at the Blessing of the Backpacks: May you have the logic of the Vulcans, the emotional intelligence of the Betazoids, the curiosity of Data, the integrity of Captain Piccard, the joie de vive of Captain Kirk, and the perseverance of Captain Janeway.

And as the character of Ruth Handler (the inventor of the Barbie doll) said in the movie: “Humans only have one ending. Ideas live forever.”

May the ideas and values of Unitarian Universalism live long and prosper in this world for everyone!