Gathering of the Waters

Renee Ruchotzke

It was at a gathering of white women
when this gathering of the waters first came to pass.
White women in a second wave of gender self-awareness;
awakening,
connecting,
making new meaning,
shifting the old ethos.
The solidarity of these white women was reflected in the waters each brought,
waters that became a liquid harmony of each sweet voice and intention.

Today, we gather as a community of humans in a new wave of gender and racial awareness;
awakening,
connecting,
making new meaning,
shifting the old ethos.
Today, we seek more than solidarity and harmony.
We seek inclusion.
We seek mutuality.
We seek reconciliation.
We seek justice for all people.
Today, may our gathering of the waters reflect the gathering of our collective courage
in service of the grace and love that is promised by our liberal faith.

light plays on the ripples of water's surface, up close