After a two-year hiatus, a beloved tradition returned to Southwest Corridor Park. “WUTE” began in 1979 when a group of neighbors and activists stopped a proposed I-95 expansion into Jamaica Plain. It remains today a vibrant celebration of what people of all traditions, cultures, ages and beliefs can accomplish when they come together.
This year, a gusty, blustery 10 hours kept vendors and performers improvising ways to ground themselves. JP Church was “rock” solid grounded in painting activities on stone and board. Energy abounded. Engagements were fun and respectful. Soul inspired lots of creativity and conversation.
Our mirror mosaic asked: ”How do you see respect?”
In other words (from members):
- How does respect grow?
- How do we honor one another better… for our good qualities… for our differences?
- What do you respect in your community?
- Where would you like to see respect grow in your community?
- How have you been touched by respect in the past – in a way that changed you?
- Can you respect someone you disagree with?
-How do we grow the respect that liberates?
-How do we model respect for our children?
-How have you been moved by seeing respect expressed?
-How have you been touched by someone who made you feel respected?
-How have you felt respected in the past?
-What’s the difference between showing respect and respecting someone?
Rom 12:10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (NLT)
With openness, curiosity and respect, we connected visitors at our literature table - as well as neighboring booths - to Monitor issues of particular interest to them. Four or five neighboring climate-focused vendors welcomed the issue with the cover story on climate scientist moms.
Psalms 19:14 I hope my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock, the one who saves me. (ICB)
How do we move from duty-bound expectations to the soul-feeding respect of seeing the actual good in the people around us and being moved by that?
I Thess 12-13 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (ESV)
Story boarding the “Take no thought for your life” parable
John 13: 34 I give you a new command: Love each other deeply and fully. Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways. (Voice)
