You BelongThis week, I’ve been thinking a lot about how vital being in community during these times is, and on those who feel like they have yet to find a place where they belong. If we feel isolated from a lack of community or feel like we don’t need community, we remain vulnerable to the systems and structures that we will never be able to trust or rely on in the way we can in the right community. Today, as the news seems scarier and the future appears bleaker, may we reflect on how we view ourselves and our worthiness to be in rooms with people who see us, hear us, and long to get to know us. We deserve to be known. Here is an excerpt from Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur Riley on belonging. May her words speak to you as they have spoken to me on many occasions as of late. ––Trinity Williams, Policy and Action Assistant, Sojourners “There is something inherently vulnerable about saying you want to belong. For, to name you are lonely, and then be met with nothing, only doubles the loneliness. It is much easier to construct illusions around your “independence” and solitariness. To admit your desire to be known would mean acknowledging the shame asleep in you that says you aren’t worth knowing–the doubt that says they cannot be trusted to love you. I’m beginning to think alienation and rejection are the two great persuaders of our own unloveliness. The cunning will wield them against you so that you acquiesce to the systems of a community in order to retain membership in it. Perhaps you know what it’s like to need to believe a certain doctrine or creed so that you can belong in a certain spiritual space, or to vote a certain way to belong at the dinner table. When someone places your very belonging at stake, they are prodding an ancient wound. Not all belonging is salve. For you, I want more. I want friendship, romance, family. I want a community that will not destroy you. I want belonging that isn’t always at risk, that isn’t always being threatened. For you, I want the sense of self required to walk away, to forage for solid bonds. To be known is not frivolous; it is survival. You will not survive by self-care and self-love alone. Who will hold you? Who will remember you? You, who are something to behold. You who are flawed and mysterious and needy and good. Belonging is not too great an ask. Find your sacred company. And may they find and cherish you. Breathe: INHALE: I was meant for love, EXHALE: God, help me to receive it. INHALE: I need more than me. EXHALE: We get free together INHALE: I am worthy of embrace EXHALE: God, lead me to belonging.”
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