Honoring Our Legacy: Courage, Community, and Heroism

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I began by welcoming everyone to our Unitarian Universalist Church, celebrating our 70th anniversary and the unveiling of a special altar cloth made by Susan Barrow. I highlighted the inclusivity of our church, welcoming all regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. I also shared updates about our community members and invited everyone to participate in a moment of prayer and meditation, emphasizing the importance of keeping each other in our thoughts during challenging times.

I then transitioned into a reflection on the historical significance of our church, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. I recounted stories of bravery and resilience from our congregation in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, emphasizing the life-saving work we continue to do. I spoke about the heroes from our church who fought for justice and equality, some of whom paid the ultimate price. I shared the story of our founding minister, Reverend Dr. Alfred Hobart, and his profound connection to the movement, including his immediate response to the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church.

Continuing, I discussed the broader impact of our church during the 1960s, including our role in integrating public spaces and supporting the Freedom Riders. I highlighted the courageous actions of our members who participated in sit-ins and other forms of peaceful protest to support desegregation. I also mentioned the significant contributions of our church to the Head Start program, which was the first of its kind in the nation.

As I moved towards the conclusion of the sermon, I emphasized the ongoing relevance of the struggles and victories of the past. I urged the congregation to remember and share the stories of our heroes, to ensure their legacies inspire future generations. I stressed the importance of continuing to fight for justice in various forms today, including racial, queer, reproductive, and environmental justice.

Finally, I wrapped up by reflecting on the concept of heroism, both divine and human. I encouraged everyone to see themselves as heroes in their own right, capable of making significant positive changes in the world. I concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to live out the values of courage, compassion, and community that have defined our church for decades.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Inclusive Community
Our church has always been a beacon of hope and inclusivity, welcoming everyone irrespective of their background or where they are on their spiritual journey. This foundational principle not only strengthens our community internally but also empowers us to effect change externally. By embracing diversity, we embody the very principles of love and acceptance that we advocate for in the broader society. [24:11]

2. Legacy of Courage and Commitment
The stories of our church members during the Civil Rights Movement are not just historical anecdotes; they are testimonies to the power of steadfast courage and moral conviction. These stories remind us that real change often requires personal risk and sacrifice, and they challenge us to consider what we are willing to commit to in the fight for justice today. [52:50]

3. Continuing the Work of Our Ancestors
Our predecessors laid a formidable foundation of justice and equality, but their work is not finished. It is our responsibility to carry forward this legacy by actively participating in contemporary movements for social justice. By doing so, we honor their memories and ensure that their struggles were not in vain. [01:07:23]

4. Heroism in Everyday Life
Heroism doesn't always manifest in grand, historical acts. Often, it is found in the everyday actions of ordinary people choosing to do extraordinary things. Each of us has the potential to be a hero to someone, through acts of kindness, bravery, and advocacy. Recognizing and embracing our potential for heroism can transform how we view ourselves and our capabilities. [49:31]

5. The Importance of Storytelling
Sharing the stories of our heroes, both past and present, is crucial for inspiring future generations. These narratives not only educate but also ignite the spark of activism and courage in others. As we continue to tell these stories, we keep the spirit of our heroes alive and ensure their legacies continue to influence the world. [58:15]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods before me."
2. Matthew 5:9 - "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
3. Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Exodus 20:3 mean in the context of the sermon’s discussion on henotheism and the acknowledgment of other gods? [44:37]
2. How did the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church demonstrate peacemaking during the Civil Rights Movement? [52:50]
3. What are some specific examples of the church’s contributions to social justice mentioned in the sermon? [01:00:33]
4. How does the concept of heroism in everyday life, as discussed in the sermon, relate to Galatians 6:9? [49:31]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the commandment in Exodus 20:3 challenge the idea of inclusivity in a modern, diverse spiritual community? [44:37]
2. In what ways can the actions of the Unitarian Universalist Church during the Civil Rights Movement be seen as fulfilling the role of peacemakers as described in Matthew 5:9? [52:50]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of remembering and sharing the stories of past heroes? How does this practice impact the current and future generations? [58:15]
4. How can the idea of heroism in everyday life, as discussed in the sermon, inspire individuals to continue the work of social justice today? [49:31]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the inclusivity of your own spiritual community. How can you contribute to making it more welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds and spiritual journeys? [24:11]
2. The sermon highlighted the bravery and commitment of church members during the Civil Rights Movement. What are some contemporary social justice issues you feel called to address, and how can you take action? [52:50]
3. Think of a story of a hero from your community or personal life. How can you share this story to inspire others and keep their legacy alive? [58:15]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of everyday heroism. Identify a small, everyday action you can take this week to make a positive impact in someone’s life. [49:31]
5. How can you actively participate in contemporary movements for social justice, such as racial, queer, reproductive, or environmental justice? What specific steps can you take to get involved? [01:07:23]
6. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenging situation. How did you demonstrate courage and compassion? How can you apply these values in your current life circumstances? [49:31]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of storytelling. How can you incorporate storytelling into your daily life to inspire and educate others about social justice and heroism? [58:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Diversity Strengthens Community
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of a thriving spiritual community. By welcoming individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their backgrounds or spiritual journeys, a church not only fosters a supportive and diverse environment but also sets a powerful example for societal acceptance and love. This approach not only enriches the church's internal dynamics but also extends its influence outward, making it a beacon of hope and a force for broader societal change. Embracing diversity means actively engaging with different perspectives and experiences, which can lead to deeper understanding and greater compassion among members. [24:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-77pG5pXZoQ&t=1436s)

"Then Peter began to speak: 'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'" - Acts 10:34-35 ESV

Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering a more inclusive environment in your community this week?

Day 2: Courage and Commitment Shape History
The tales of courage and commitment from church members during the Civil Rights Movement are not merely historical footnotes; they are vibrant examples of how steadfast bravery and deep moral convictions can effect real change. These stories serve as a reminder that significant societal shifts often require personal risk and sacrifice. As contemporary issues continue to challenge the fabric of justice today, reflecting on these past sacrifices challenges current members to consider what they are willing to commit to in the ongoing fight for equality and human rights. [52:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-77pG5pXZoQ&t=3155s)

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

Reflection: What is one cause you feel passionate about, and how can you show courage in advocating for it this week?

Day 3: Continuing Our Ancestors' Legacy
The foundational work of justice and equality laid by our predecessors is a continuous call to action for us today. It is our duty to carry forward this legacy by actively engaging in contemporary movements for social justice. By doing so, we not only honor their memories but also ensure that their efforts continue to have a meaningful impact. This ongoing commitment to justice is what keeps the spirit of the past alive and relevant, inspiring new generations to keep pushing for change. [01:07:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-77pG5pXZoQ&t=4028s)

"And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in a social justice issue currently affecting your community?

Day 4: Recognizing Everyday Heroism
Heroism does not always manifest in monumental, historical acts; often, it is found in the everyday decisions of ordinary people choosing to do extraordinary things. Each individual has the potential to be a hero through simple acts of kindness, bravery, and advocacy. Recognizing and embracing our potential for heroism can profoundly transform how we view ourselves and our capabilities, encouraging us to act with courage and compassion in our daily lives. [49:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-77pG5pXZoQ&t=2956s)

"But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion." - Luke 10:33 ESV

Reflection: Identify one small act of heroism you can perform this week. How might this act impact the person on the receiving end?

Day 5: The Power of Storytelling in Inspiring Action
Sharing the stories of our heroes, both past and present, plays a crucial role in educating and inspiring future generations. These narratives not only keep the memory of our heroes alive but also ignite the spark of activism and courage in others. Storytelling is a powerful tool that ensures the legacies of those who fought for justice continue to influence and shape the world, encouraging others to take up the mantle of change. [58:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-77pG5pXZoQ&t=3480s)

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." - Revelation 12:11 ESV

Reflection: What story of courage or heroism has inspired you recently, and how can you share this story to inspire others?

Quotes

"Our transformation here is life-changing. Our love together is life-saving. Our collective work makes a difference. How will we be remembered? What will they write about us in church histories of the future? Our forebearers made this world a better place, and we are called to carry their flame. Let us set the world on fire." [01:10:01]( | | )

"We are part of the connective tissue that holds the legacy and future of our faith. We are the children of freedom fighters, visionaries, and radical liberal theologians. We wear our faith as tattoos on our bodies and in our hearts, as testaments to the blood, tears, dreams and inspirations of our community ancestors and elders." [01:22:12]( | | )

"Heroes are role models. They give us hope. They help us to connect with one another. Heroes give us purpose and remind us to stand up for ourselves, our beliefs, and for other people. Heroes inspire us and challenge us to be our best selves." [49:31](Download clip | Download cropped clip | )

"Our unitarian heroes didn't create the civil rights movement, they didn't even do most of the work, nor is the work finished. But they chipped away at the bigotry. They did their part to make the world a better place. When we learn their names, when we remember their struggles, when we repeat their stories, when we celebrate their victories, we carry their flame forward to the justice issues of our time." [01:07:23]( | | )

"Our congregation was the first integrated church in Birmingham. That's important. That's a big deal. We should have that on our logo. At our first permanent location across from the zoo. And I just want you to think about what's across from the zoo right now and how important it was to be an integrated space in that space as well." [58:15]( | | )

"Good morning. Welcome to this Unitarian Universalist Church, which serves our church here in Birmingham, our church in Tuscaloosa, and all of our folks online. Whoever you are, whomever you love, wherever you are today, and wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here." [24:11]( | | )

"Our churches served as white allies throughout this movement. And while this history is not more important than the movement led by black leaders, it is still important for us to remember our heroes during this time period." [52:50]( | | )

"Through members and MP Gray, Graymont School was integrated, and Anne spoke out at a teacher's meeting at Woodlawn High School saying she would welcome students of color in her classes. Our 300-year-old piano was gifted to us by the Gray family. They are with us this morning in a different way." [01:01:57]( | | )

"On the morning of September 15th, 1963, Reverend Hobart was in the middle of his sermon when he was passed a note informing him that the 16th Street Baptist Church had been bombed. As an ally, he had the news earlier than most, and he said from the pulpit that nothing could be said in the face of such a murderous act, only action would suffice." [56:08]( | | )

"It is the only white church I know of in Birmingham which invites black speakers from time to time and goes out of its way to encourage black folks to attend meetings. I cannot say this of any other white church in Birmingham regardless of how gentle or liberal the pastor may be in personal relations." [57:28]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?