Program Philosophy
"IF YOU KNEW" by Deana Hoffer - former RE Director
Do you ever think about the childhood of people who became the trail blazers, the change agents, and the creative artisans of our world?
As a lifelong educator and a late-in-life mother, I have often pondered on this. What did Ghandi's mother do to prepare him for leadership? Did Mother Theresa's father support her compassion? Surely Maya Angelou's teachers encouraged her writing! Who or what in Albert Schweitzer's life inspired him at age 21 to decide that when he reached 30, he would drop everything and devote the rest of his life to the service of others? What did the adults do for these people when they were children that supported the emergence of their gift to humankind? Did they see that spark? Did they accept and foster those emerging passions?
From UU biographies, we DO know that the mother of Antoinette Blackwell assured her eight year old daughter that, even though there were no female ministers and everyone told her a girl couldn't be one, if that was her dream then it might come true. We know that Frank Lloyd Wright's mother said, even before he was born, that he would build great and beautiful buildings. We know that Margaret Fuller's father spent his mornings at work and his afternoons devoted to her education. We know that Elizabeth Peabody's mother told her again and again, "You are a genius. You are creative, brilliant, strong, wise, and lovely to behold", and said it so often, Elizabeth came to believe it.
What if you knew, that as an adult, your son or daughter was going to make a contribution to help the world - would your parenting style change? What if it were the child of a family member or friends? Would you behave differently toward him - if you knew? What if it were one of our RE students you see occasionally in the hall or during a program? Would you talk differently to her - if you knew? Which of the 60 or so children who come through our doors in a year will grow up with the scientific curiosity of a Marie Curie or the inventiveness of a Benjamin Franklin? Which ONE will have the bravery of a Rosa Parks or the creative genius of a da Vinci? We never really know, of course, and that's why it is so important for us to treat them all as if they are the one. And I believe with deep conviction that everyone has a contribution to help the world, not just the few who will become famous or will be recognized as heroes and heroines. I believe that each and every person brings a gift to daily life when they make choices that reflect thoughtfulness and respect to people and the planet, and thus, propel human progress. I believe that each child has that spark of knowingness, and I have seen it many times - from the "Here I am! Look at what I've brought!" to the mild and quiet ones who model gentleness.
The world as we know it today will eventually fade, but in the world that is unfolding, there are STILL symphonies yet to be composed and played, beautiful art yet to be created and enjoyed, important books yet to be written and read, innovative programs yet to be developed and put into action, solutions to problems yet to be solved and implemented, discoveries yet to be made and shared. There are still lives of integrity yet to be lived.
Do you ever think about the childhood of people who WILL become the trail blazers, the change agents, and the creative artisans of the unfolding world? I do. And I get to spend time with them every Sunday!