Starhawk reflects, Rebellion, unless it can transform itself into resistance, inevitably becomes self-destructive. When we rebel without challenging the framework of reality the system has constructed, we remain trapped… Resistance differs from rebellion because it embodies a reality incongruent with that of domination. We do more than defy reality: we present its alternatives, communicating our beliefs and values.

In the month of April, we’ll consider the theme of Resistance. And in doing so, we’ll confront our perception of what it means to resist.

We resist a lot of things on impulse. Resistance itself isn’t a stretch for most of us. But the things we impulsively resist are often not based on deep life-affirming values. We often resist things that threaten our own sense of comfort. We resist things that threaten our pride. We resist things that require us to look at the places where we need to evolve or grow. In other words, what we call “resistance” might often be ego-driven rebellion.

A kind of resistance built on our life-affirming values is a bit different. There’s a sense of risk involved in transforming unjust systems. When we embody a reality incongruent with destructive systems of power, there is bound to be some push back.

Just a couple of days from now, I’ll be one of a number of clergy serving as non-anxious presences at a series of LGBTQ-affirming events in a local community. I’ll be supporting and shielding attendees from alt-right protesters that have promised to show up with hateful and threatening messages to coerce people into compliance.

I wouldn’t show up to this event all by myself as a non-anxious ministerial presence. The sense of risk is too high. And yet, it makes all the difference in the world to know I’m part of what Rev. Rebecca Parker calls a “community of resistance”—a collective who care about affirming and celebrating human life in all its vibrant diversity.

So, we’ll begin our journey together exploring what it means to our particular community, in our particular place and time, to speak truth to power. Then, we’ll share in a reflective Easter service focused on seeing ourselves as embodiments of the divine—resisting some of the negative and self-sabotaging ways we often see ourselves. At our Second Sunday Easter meal together, we’ll bring our congregational covenant closer to completion.

On April 16, Kelley Fox of Faith Choice Ohio will offer an inspiring service, followed by a special workshop on restorative justice. In honor of Earth Day, our April 23 worship time will consider a revolutionary approach to the climate crisis. And we’ll cap off the month on April 30 recognizing intentional rest as an act of resistance.

As we enter into this rich theme together, I invite you to consider the resistance you express. Are you resisting things because they feel personally threatening? Is your resistance a reflection of your spiritual depth? Are you rebelling in a way that leaves you trapped? Or are you part of a collective that embodies an alternative way of being, built on the foundation of life-affirming values? What and how do you resist?