Author: Laurie Gauer
Dear LFUU Members and Friends,
A friend posted on Facebook: OMG. There is so much hate in the world. How do you all deal with it!
I commented: I remind myself that it was even worse in the past. So despite backlashes and setbacks, humans are becoming more conscious and compassionate.
She replied: But are they? This doubt is part of the despair.
I replied: The more I learn about the past, the more convinced I am . . .
As I was replying I was thinking of Les, one of our long-time members who passed away a few years ago. He often offered hopeful commentaries on humanity, certain that we have, and will continue to, become more conscious and compassionate. Les chose hope over despair . . . love over hate. And he recognized that having hope isn't the goal, but it's necessary to achieve it: having hope allows us to act, which gives hope to those who are the targets of hate, and he provided opportunities for us to do so. His legacy continues in our charitable and justice work.
In her 2025 holiday message, our UUA President also encourages us to choose hope over despair:
Holiday Greetings from President Sofia Betancourt
This holiday season, and beyond, let’s be like Les and choose hope!
Yours in Fellowship,
Laurie Gauer, Chair, LFUU Board of Trustees