Hurt I am

Some few come in with scars across their souls as big as the chips on their shoulders and desire to feel better about themselves by causing destruction in other peoples’ lives.
~The Post Modern Preacher, from From Polity

An oft-times wiser one than Me said this recently, and it's gotten Me thinking. I have been hurt any number of times by My UU communities, and I was raised in this faith. I was raised in this faith, and I find that I am un-learning the sick and twisted methods of doing work within our faith that I learned growing up, because it was some of these hurt people that taught Me how to do My work. I do look at a fellow committee member and deal with them as their office, not as a fellow human being. I've been taught that even in this work of faith, we are most importantly the offices we hold.

The Post Modern Preacher does not suggest that this is entirely wrong. We can be most importantly our offices, as long as we look at ourselves as imperfect people, striving to do the best work that the ministry of our offices demands, and we do not see our offices as soul-less. I'd say we are the Church of All Souls, and All Souls form our Offices.

More mercy and compassion is needed... as is less hubris. Far too often I find Myself reacting not against the work being done, as much as HOW the work is being done, and the belief that because we are doing it this way, or always have done it this way, that it is the BEST or the ONLY way.

Does this mean more compassion, and less Flamethrower of Accountability? I'm not sure, but I'm willing to at least put the safety on for a bit.