I love invitations that feel genuine. What a wonderful sensation it is when someone wants me to be there, valuing my presence. I feel intensely welcomed.
When was the last time you invited someone into a space of appreciation?
Courage
To extend an invitation to someone else takes courage. After all, what if a person rejects your invitation? I once knew a person who was a member of a barbershop quartet for several years. Although being UU was a big part of his life, he seldom talked about it with others. Eventually, he ran into a fellow quartet member at a UU event and they learned they share this major value! Then, a third member of the group asked what UU was. After learning more, he lamented, “I wish I had known about UUism years ago. I think I would really enjoy it!”
How do you muster the courage to extend an invitation?
Identities
Since I’m at the center of multiple marginalized identities, I often think a lot about the how I will be perceived in spaces. Is only one part of my self invited? Like blackness is welcomed, but not my queer identity. I often experience breaking myself into pieces in order to feel comfortable accepting the invitation. After the invitation, the second thing I think about is have the people done the work to make me feel welcomed and seen, and not just like someone is ticking a diversity box for the space or event. This is something to always consider as we have multifaith congregations and services!
Consider the ways in which your multiple identities intersect and change the ways you are perceived.
Hospitality
Invitation has a connection to hospitality for me. My second job was at the Olive Garden and I had a really good server manager. She talked a lot about “hospitaliano” and how we welcome in people with the love we would give our families and that’s always stuck with me.
How can you show hospitality to someone today?
Compassion
Invite others to be part of your world, part of your existence. Humans are social creatures, we need and depend on interaction with others. Show concern and compassion for others with an invitation to be part of your daily life. This can be to a big life event–or just a chance to connect with another person.
How can you show someone compassion today?