Keep Your Loved Ones Close and Cherish Them

Connor NealThe Monastery, The Universe, ULC, Unity

In a world caught in the whirlwind of transformation, where political storms surge and everything
seems upside down, the old rules don’t apply. Left has traded places with right, up is down, and
it’s hard to tell friend from foe. We’re all asking the same questions: Will there be enough food
for everyone? Will our homes still stand when the next disaster strikes? As we face relentless
floods, fires, and fears of war, we wonder what’s left to hold onto. Yet, in the midst of this chaos,
a timeless call arises—a quest, an unbreakable spirit that defies the madness around us.

It’s the quest to dream the impossible dream, to fight the unbeatable foe, to bear what others
deem unbearable. In a world that seems to unravel daily, this drive to reach for what others call
unreachable, is more vital than ever. We’re surrounded by so much doubt and turmoil, but
“follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far” has become our collective mission.
For some, this might mean striving to secure a future of stability and resilience; for others, it
means seeking a deep connection with those we love, finding the strength to stand firm even as
the winds of change blow through everything we know.

As we walk this path, we’re not alone. People everywhere are looking for comfort in one
another, reaching out to parents, partners, friends, and loved ones. These bonds are what hold
us together, anchoring us in a storm. We ask ourselves, who do we lean on when the ground
beneath us feels unsteady? Maybe it’s time to think about commitment, about linking our lives
with others who can bring us strength and stability in this turbulent time. For many, marriage or
other forms of deep commitment provide a harbor, a way to face an unpredictable world
together, arm in arm, fighting for love and unity in a landscape that seems more fractured by the
day.

Some of us even feel a pull to become part of something larger, to step into roles of guidance
and support. Perhaps we feel called to become a minister, to get ordained, to officiate weddings
for others who, like us, are seeking certainty and unity. To be willing to step up, to “march into
Hell for a Heavenly cause,” and offer hope to those around us in times of need, is perhaps the
most powerful commitment of all. Although these choices may seem small compared to the
forces at work around us, they are our part in this glorious quest. Each person who chooses to
reach for love, commitment, and resilience adds a spark of hope to a world that’s desperate for
light.

And so we continue to dream, to fight, to love, even when our arms are weary. Even when
doubt creeps in. This is our quest: to stand tall in the face of adversity, to make the world a little
bit better by our refusal to give in to despair. We may be scarred, scorned, and battered by the
relentless storms of change, but we press on, “strove with our last ounce of courage,” daring to
reach that unreachable star.

For those of us who hold onto this dream, the path is never easy. We question, we stumble, and
we wonder if it’s worth it. But we know that if we stay true to this quest, if we keep reaching for
something higher, something better, then our hearts will find peace. And maybe, just maybe, the
world will be better for our efforts, for our courage to stand against the tide, for our drive to
dream in a time when dreams seem so vulnerable.

So here’s to those who are willing to reach for the impossible, to love fiercely, to hold on to one
another through the tempest. As the winds of change rage around us, may we be the ones who
stand strong, who keep dreaming, and who refuse to let go of that unreachable star. For in
doing so, we don’t just change ourselves—we create the very hope that the world so
desperately needs.

Get ordained to officiate a wedding for your friends and family, or ask one of them to get ordained to do your wedding! Click here: https://www.ulc.org/#begin-ordination