“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” ― Maya Angelou

I choose to orient my life around gratitude. I lay my head down with gratitude for another day on this earth, and lament that the day is over. My gratitude was deep and fulfilling as I finally rested last night on the eve of my Installation as the Minister of First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh.

I am grateful for the extraordinary care of members through generous acts of moving, moving, again, lifting, ordering, shifting, considering, writing, voting, reacting, singing, playing, and finally settling into this new relationship. Here we are! Such gratitude.

I am grateful for the committed staff who believe in themselves and believe in this community. We are settling into a new relationship. Here we are! Such gratitude.

I am also aware that sometimes, it’s a huge personal challenge to be grateful when we are in pain, grieving, or oppressed. It can be horrifically insulting and harmful to suggest to someone they should be or could be grateful when emotional or physical pain and oppression happen in life. It is not for me to impose or expect how others experience and orient their lives. It is for me to bear witness, and commit to helping when asked to do so. I am grateful to use my power to help others.

I know I have had many privileges in life granting me access to better education, health care, housing, and employment. All of which has led and allowed me to this point in life. My gratitude is present, even while knowing that many marginalized people do not have such privileges. It is for me to bear witness, and commit to helping when asked to do so. I am grateful to use my power and privilege to help others.

I am grateful for my power and capacity to help create change in our culture and society to bring greater equity and access to everyone, not just the privileged.

Gratitude is a relationship, accompanying me each night, and in constant relationship with my faith in a better future for all.

With Love and gratitude, Rev. Kate

Care and Connections

Our love is with ioulía Kornberg as she grieves the death of her mother on May 13.

If you have joys or sorrows you would like to share with the community, please send them to Rev. Kate, at kwalker@first-unitarian-pgh.org