Emilie Richards

This moving song was performed during last week’s UU worship service here at Chautauqua Institution, and I wanted to share it with you. The YouTube video is the singer-songwriter herself singing it at the Philly Folk Festival. You “may” have a short commercial before you get to the song. Skip it as soon as you…

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; Ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, And see that they get justice.” -Proverbs 31, 8-9 Now more than ever. 

“A person of good intelligence and sensitivity cannot exist in this society very long without having some anger about the inequality – and it’s not just a bleeding-heart, knee-jerk, liberal kind of a thing – it is just a normal human reaction to a nonsensical set of values where we have cinnamon flavored dental floss…

“The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy, we can all sense a mysterious connection to each other.” ​ – Meryl Streep Have you ever felt deeply connected to someone you’ve just met? Or how about a person very different from you? That instant moment of “I know him…

“This is what you shall do; Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to…

“Life is not a solo act. It’s a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece, especially when you are with your people. life is better when we leap together.” -Kermit the Frog, Commencement Speech at University of Maryland

Everything you have experienced has been purposeful. It has brought you to where you are now. You have a collection of experiences to use as stepping stones to take you where you want to go.” ​ – Iyanla Vanzant

To the mother with an anxious heart, I wish you hope. To the mother running on empty, I wish you rest. To the mother with a broken heart, I wish you peace. To the mother aching to have a child, I wish you gentleness. To every mother, no matter how you got that title, I…

“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” — Yoda

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” ~John Wesley