Like many in my congregation (First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville), I currently am reeling not just from the shock of the recent tragedy at our sister church in Knoxville, but also the death yesterday of a beloved youth in our congregation. And in my case, I am processing the recent illness and death of my mother-in-law.
From my sorrow one memory keeps emerging, like a lotus from the mud. I share it in hopes it helps others coping with these or similar tragedies and losses.
About 10 years ago, I went to one of Vanderbilt’s Holocaust Lecture Series. Several survivors were generous enough to speak of their experiences in what may be the most moving lecture I have ever witnessed.
My clearest memories are of two different women. One recalled how for 40 years she had never spoken of what had happened to her until one day, at the urging of a friend, she spoke before an Episcopalian congregation. She had her talk written out in front of her, but could not get through even the first page as the tears started to flow. Then she looked up and saw the whole congregation was crying with her.
The other spoke calmly, emanating a remarkable sense of serenity, of the terrible things both that had happened to her and that she had witnessed. Then she talked of her struggle to come to terms with these horrors — and she said (with a profound conviction that my written words can only begin to convey) what I will never forget…. Love is the only answer.
3 comments ↓
Hello Diva!
I was saddened to hear the news about the shooting. That was awful. I really like your post. Very true.
FYI - I have a new blog about my new life in Kentucky. I am still keeping my other one www dot moxiemocha dot com as a review blog which is under construction.
Beth
Truer words were never spoken. Love brought us together in grief this week, to sit together and hold each other and talk and cry together. And love spurs us on to action, to reach out to others in sorrow, the ones who have been hit the hardest by these recent tragic events, and offer a shoulder, a meal, an embrace, a card, a check. And finally, love is what brought us together in this blessed community to begin with, and what still binds us to each other, to the community at large, and to the “interdependent web” of creation. Love is the answer to every question, the balm for every wound, the righting of every wrong - may it be so.
Moxie — It’s lovely to hear from you and I’m looking forward to checking out your new blogs.
Dawn — Thanks so much for your affirmation. I know firsthand that you walk this talk. You have been so very helpful to me dealing with Roxy’s death, and it’s a delight to see you around church again.
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