Words from Rev. Joseph Boyd on the theme for the Month of January: Practicing Resistance
| From Rev. Joseph |
| “Joy is an act of resistance.” – Toi Derricotte – I had a funny conversation with a friend right before the New Year, where he said “you’ve become very soft and grandmotherly recently, it’s sweet and surprising.” I took it as a high compliment. I was very close with my grandmother, and one of the things I appreciated most about her was her steadfastness. She endured many things beyond my comprehension, and still retained a sense of enjoyment in life, perspective, and a focus on what could be accomplished. She’s a fine model for a person, if I had to pick one. I’ve become increasingly aware that when times are hard, the temptation is we should become hard too: steely. Perseverance and grit are two of my favorite qualities in a person, but I’m just now learning you can have grit and also welcome sweetness. In fact, without the sweetness, I’m coming to the conclusion that my efforts may be in vain. If we can’t enjoy our life living our values now, when will this ever be true? This question resounds in my spirit as we embark upon the New Year in 2026. I wish for the well-being of all persons. I want freedom and contentment to be obviously available, and for connection to be a felt reality. I want every person to feel a sense of belonging to this world, while retaining the sanctity of freedom of spirit. I want every person in our community to enjoy themselves in service of values worth striving for. I picked the quote above by Toi Derricotte because I’m discovering that the spirit with which we live our life is in itself an act of resistance. I enjoy resisting narratives that limit imagination and a sense of what is possible. I enjoy resisting complacency, habit, and savvy thinking that wastes energy which could be used to better our life or someone else’s. I enjoy resisting the notion that warmth, affection, and sweetness are for when times feel plentiful, instead of our birthright in all seasons. In this season, may joy finally prevail upon our hearts, and animate our days. In Faith, Rev. Joseph |