Between Us – The World Needs Courageous Communities

By Rev. Clyde Grubbs, December 30, 2022

The Rev. Erika A. Hewitt writes about courage:

The word courage comes from the Latin cor, which means heart. According to poet Mark Nepo, the original use of the word courage meant to stand by one’s core: a “striking concept that reinforces the belief found in almost all traditions that living from the Center is what enables us to face whatever life has to offer.”

When we ponder the word courage we often imagine individuals, the courageous person, perhaps Braveheart comes to mind.

But let me suggest that what the world needs is courageous communities. Communities that persist in times of difficulty, communities that dare to try new things, communities that stand by their core, even when adapting to new challenges with innovations. The world needs courageous communities because it is through community life that individuals are sustained and encouraged. When the community of commitment persists in spite of challenges, when even a minority of individuals that make up the community rally to what must be done, it encourages others and nurtures newcomers in commitment.

The covenant is the statement of community intention; it articulates the core in which the community stands. Again, as Rev. Hewlitt writes:

To “encourage” means to hearten; to impart strength and confidence. This is our work, as a religious community: to encourage one another; to be bold in engaging the world around us, as well as what scares us internally; to give one another the confidence and heart to live as fully as possible.

Rev. Clyde