by Yvette McDonnell, Congregational Life Coordinator and Ministerial Intern
The theology of love at the center, intertwining with the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, and generosity is a central part of my life. Embracing these values is significant and sometimes challenging to live into. Loving at the center is a commitment—a commitment that can feel both distant and familiar.
For me, returning to my center often involves taking three deep, cleansing breaths, a practice I have long intertwined with love. In doing so, I reconnect with love at my core. This act of turning to love also allows me to focus on loving those around me. By returning to love, I can realign myself with UU values.
However, loving is not always easy. There are times when I fall short of my own expectations. Just like in meditation, when distractions arise and my mind wanders, I must exhale and begin again. Loving at the center is not a static state; it is a practice—an opportunity to improve and start anew with each dawn, each moment, and each breath; and it begins with me.
Love at the Center: Unitarian Universalist Theologies has been a valuable companion as I reflect deeply on love, especially regarding how it relates to my own journey, my community connections, and the core values of Unitarian Universalism (UU).
Inspired by the stories of other UU ministers, I am excited to be in community with MLUC and explore my upcoming two-part sermon series titled UU Values with Love at the Center. This series invites us to explore the importance of love and how we connect with love for ourselves, our community, and our shared values of justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, and generosity.