Expressing Gratitude
Things are changing all around us. At the recent Annual Gathering, we mentioned the units that had disbanded in the past year. This is sad, but it is not the end. As the theme of the gathering suggests, we can “Expand our Vision…Trust the Nudge”. What does this mean for you and your unit? It can be whatever you make it. I have talked with some people who think they can’t be a United Women in Faith unit because their unit cannot do all they previously have done. That is NOT true. “Trust the Nudge”. This may be big or tiny. It is there and can be developed. I am thankful to all of you and your work in continuing the United Women in Faith mission.
As October ends and we move towards November, I see things shift toward talking of thankfulness. I am grateful to have joined the United Women in Faith World Thank Offering Zoom. Although there were some very hostile hackers in the beginning (something I have never experienced on Zoom), the tech people and the leaders were able to block the hackers, and we proceeded. I am so thankful for those who are far more knowledgeable than me regarding technology.
Like the scripture of the Fish and the Loaves, the Zoom emphasized our giving to sustain our mission. The question was asked, “What is the best that you bring to the table?” We each have gifts to bring. Bring your ideas, your talents, and your time. On different occasions, the involvement will vary. Find your passion and “Trust the Nudge.”
It is incredible to me that it was a year ago that I “Trusted the Nudge” and became a conference mission coordinator. I had much to learn about this process/job, and I still have more to take in. I am thankful for the support of my sisters in faith. Together, we can achieve great things. It is inspiring to hear about the involvement of women across the conference. Let’s not make each unit reinvent the wheel. If you have an idea, then share it. This coming year, I would like to meet more women in our conference and hear firsthand the amazing things happening in your unit. Please continue to share your ideas and how your unit is carrying out the mission of United Women in Faith. I want to challenge each district MNO coordinator to request comments and ideas from your units. Please send them to me. They can be compiled and shared with everyone.
What are you thankful for? Be sure to tell others. Feel free to contact me with questions or ideas or to talk. I am grateful for all of you.
Forget Me Not—Remembering Our Sisters
At the Annual Gathering, a memorial service was held for the 83 sisters who passed on last year. Each member was remembered with a packet of Forget Me Not seeds. Several people asked for the poem that was read. It is included below. As you read it, remember those who have been examples for you. May we always smile, open our eyes, be full of love, be happy for tomorrow, and cherish her memory.
She is Gone by David Harkins
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty, and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.
Gail Simpson,
Membership Nurture and Outreach Coordinator
United Women in Faith
Pacific Northwest