Some people never have to doubt they are accepted for who they are. They never have to hear people they love judge them for who they fundamentally are. No one tries to fix them. They aren’t abandoned. They don’t spend years being doubted and doubting themselves because of the lies the world tells them. They don’t have to spend their lives fighting for equal treatment under the law.

How do we find pride when it eludes us? When we feel alone? When we are opposed? When we can’t find it within ourselves? We must always work to build a community where pride is readily found and shared — a Beloved Community. Because pride is just another word for seeing your own inherent dignity and worth and sharing it with others.

Let’s share that recognition and community this Sunday! 

Arcas Dow is guest sermonist. Summer services start at 10:30 beginning this Sunday.