The power of connection – we are not alone

Poet Mark Nepo: The risk in life is to be open enough to receive the experience of our deep connections and to be brave enough to be changed by them.

This insight speaks directly to the yearning we share for a future where love is palpable, and people unite to build a better world and support one another. We instinctively desire to be part of something greater.

This desire is mirrored perfectly in the natural world. A plant needs sun and water to grow strong, and in turn, it provides us with food. When two trees cross-pollinate, they give to one another, creating new life and strengthening the entire ecosystem.

The human story is truly a combination of this environmental beauty and the profound magic that resides within all of us. It is a story where our individual paths connect, creating something new and more meaningful than our stories alone. When we truly connect, we see our common struggles and shared joys, and in that recognition, we give each other hope and love. This bond is especially vital for communities facing oppression, where collective strength and unwavering support become the wellspring of resilience.

We find blessings everywhere—in the beauty created by others in our physical environment, and in the timeless wonder evident in the sun and stars. Even when loved ones are separated by immense distance, the same sun warms us and the same stars watch over us—a constant, shared connection that distance cannot break. Even in the midst of brokenness, a greater energy exists in the air we breathe and the water that sustains life.

Deep connections strengthen us. They fortify us to face the grief and injustice in this world and inspire us to grab the hand of our neighbor and friend. We grow daily with the wisdom brought forth by various perspectives and backgrounds, and we are comforted by the simple kindness and support we bring one another.

Our shared life plays out in our community: we take a walk on the local nature trails or sit in a park and enjoy the trees. We might bring food to someone in need or spend time at a food bank to help families get through the month. In all these acts, big and small, we realize a fundamental truth: We are not alone.

Grace and Peace from Elissa Noble McCarthy, Aloha United Methodist Church (2270 SW 198th Ave, Beaverton). Feel free to reach out to us: 503-649-9133.