Audre Lorde says there is liberation in community that makes us free.
And the African wisdom of Ubuntu teaches us: I am because you are.
If you want to go fast, go alone.
But go together, if you want to go far
In order to live authentically,
We must lean into the power of we.
I have been a living witness of the power of we.
I have been covered in its sanctity.
I know what it is like to reach out for prayer,
to receive them in the form of texts, calls, and prayers written and spoken.
To be wrapped up in hugs—virtually and face to face.
To be reminded that if your friends want to be present when you grieve,
you let them.
If they love you through the good times,
Let that same love flow in moments that aren’t fine.
Even those who are part of the community of we,
and generously give to everyone else,
need to be reminded that to connect to the power of we
means being willing to receive for yourself.
The power of we—
has sustained me,
has carried me,
has challenged me,
has strengthened me,
has leaned on me,
has poured into me.
Part of my authentic me
was nurtured through the power of we.
Rev Sheila P Spencer
