Last Sunday our Fort Wayne UU Congregation hosted a guest speaker, Caroline Brewer. Caroline is an
author whose recent book, Say Their Names, is a children’s book on the importance of the Black Lives
Matter Movement. Her talk was an inspiration for many adults in our Congregation. As a group, we are
quite concerned with the existence of racial injustice in America. However, it is not enough to just talk
about the problem. Sometimes, being proactive is the only way for change to occur.
Whether the subject is racial injustice, global warming, white nationalism, antisemitism, mass shootings, violence, abuse, hunger, or personal shortcomings, it is often not enough to simply react to the problem. Solving problems—whether societal or personal—requires a willingness to be proactive. It may mean becoming aware, motivated, energized, and having the courage to take on the situation rather than responding after the problem has erupted.
Being proactive about societal issues may mean writing letters to the editor, or writing a book on , or participating in marches and demonstrations, or joining organizations that are actively working to address the problem.
On a personal level, being proactive may mean seeking counseling or help for relationship issues or an
addiction. It may mean helping someone rather than waiting to be asked; performing a random act of
kindness; or taking a class in order to qualify for a better job.
It is relatively easy to complain about an unfair situation. The people who make a difference in the
world are those who are willing to be proactive with their energy, talents, and resources. America (and
the world) desperately needs more people who care enough to be proactive.
