On Sunday, February 16, 2020, I asked the congregation of UUCT to write down a message they wish they had heard when they were younger. These affirmations to our inner children were written on small wooden hearts, which were then assembled into a chain that will be placed in our new Religious Exploration classroom, so we can surround our children with the kinds of messages we needed when we were children.

Sometimes, the massive amount of injustice and pain in this world seems beyond daunting – it seems impossible to even fully comprehend, let alone begin to heal. But I get to see firsthand in my job that we are already healing, that love is already winning, because it is alive and well in the beautiful and brilliant children and youth I get to serve. They are living proof that the Beloved Community is achievable, and they are made so by the love of their families and communities. The generations growing up surrounded by these messages are the ones who will continue to change the world.

We are doing such good work.

1. Ever lasting love
2. You are great
3. Never forget me
4. Love yourself
5. What I believe is ok
6. You are ok just the way you are
7. It is ok to cry
8. Your creativity will take you far
9. Love yourself, see your beauty, you are beautiful
10. You are lovable
11. Express what you are feeling
12. You got this
13. You can handle this
14. U R awesome
15. You can rest
16. Keep trying
17. You are light. Love you now.
18. You will improve the world
19. Thank you for helping. I love you.
20. Go where you are celebrated
21. You are who you are. You are enough.
22. You are loved and you are worthy of love
23. Love one another
24. I am worthy
25. You are loved
26. I love your sense of wonder and exploration
27. Love
28. You are loved
29. Acceptance
30. Listen to inside. Expand your embrace.
31. Hugs
32. I ❤ U
33. I care for you
34. You are good enough
35. You are great. Love you.
36. Understand
37. It’s ok to not know everything
38. Jesus loves
39. I love you
40. It’s ok not to be perfect
41. You are loved
42. You are loved
43. You can’t love anyone until you love yourself
44. I love you
45. It’s ok
46. I am lovable
47. I’m glad you are here
48. You are awesome
49. Love – “Love!”
50. You are great
51. I do love myself
52. You got this!
53. You are loved
54. Everyone is smart in their own way
55. Speak your heart
56. I love your hair
57. You are special to me
58. What a fine job
59. You are lovable
60. You are awesome
61. How you feel matters
62. Forgive yourself
63. UR Loved
64. You are important to me
65. You are very special
66. You are perfect the way you are
67. Be free
68. You are NOT “too much”
69. Loved.
70. Aspire to love
71. You are special
72. Good luck!
73. Today, I believe in myself
74. Love!
75. You are already doing it!
76. You’re loved.
77. Don’t hide your light
78. You are loved
79. You can do it!
80. Glorious you!
81. You are special
82. I am so proud of you!
83. What a great job!
84. You are beautiful.
85. Be proud of you
86. The world is better with you in it!
87. Your inherent worth and dignity are inarguable and unconditional
88. Ask for help
89. You are important
    

    ---

What is Unitarian Universalism Anyway?
The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Donald Trump
Flower Communion Compassion Meditation
“Love is the Spirit”
Enough