Worth and Dignity of Every Person

By Monica L Cummings

Hello Family, When you read or hear someone mention our first Unitarian Universalist Principle, that calls us to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person, do you believe it applies to you also? I can recall a time during my teens and young adult years when I did not treat myself with worth and dignity. And while I tried to treat others with worth and dignity, I still caused family and friends emotional pain. I was recently reminded of that time of my life when I attended a retreat for UU Military Chaplains. During my undergraduate studies, I joined ROTC and when I graduated I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After three years of escaping detection while serving in the Army Reserves, I failed a drug test two days after reporting for active duty and was separated from the Army nine months later. After the deaths of my parents, those nine months and years to follow until I got clean and sober was the worst time of my life. Needless to say, treating myself with worth and dignity after throwing away my military career was almost impossible. Not until I sat in a circle with UU Military Chaplains did I realize that I had healed and forgiven myself for treating myself and the Army with disrespect. So, I ask you – do you treat yourself like you have inherent worth and dignity? Is there anything you need to forgive yourself for? What do you need to do to start the process of forgiving yourself? As always, I would love to hear from you. You can message me on Facebook at Monica Cummings, email me at mcummings@uua.org or leave a comment for me on the YaYA of Color blog, UU Living Mosaic at . I Love You, Rev. Monica
The Reverend Dr. Monica Cummings serves as Program Associate for Ministry to Youth and Young Adults of Color of the Unitarian Universalist Association
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