I’ve mentioned this before, but I have a really cool gift: I sense the beauty in people. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they do, just about everyone has this inner spark of beauty. You can call it a soul if you like. I’m sure it’s connected to empathy and compassion, but it’s something I’ve been aware of since I was probably a teenager. Often I can tell that this inner beauty in them is covered up by fear or sometimes anger. But always it’s there, even if a little buried. As a minister, I see it as part of my calling to help people uncover that beauty and let it shine.
That’s part of what’s been so wonderful about helping these Ukrainian Refugees – it’s been helping people uncover that beauty inside them. And people have been shining! It feels good to help! And I see it in the refugees too. They come scared, uncertain and over-whelmed. And they’ve left feeling better – refreshed, hopeful and ready to tackle the next thing. It’s been so beautiful to behold, it brings tears to my eyes. And you all made that happen! The beauty I see in this congregation is sometimes overwhelming. Dang, but you all shine!
Rev. Sian
Rev. Sian Wiltshire is Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church's minister. Please feel free to reach out and say hello! She can be reached by email, revsian@ocuuc.org, or by church phone at (714) 556-2882 (x302).