Prepare to Rise Up from Defeat

Author: Matthew Waterman, Director of Admissions & Recruitment

I recognize that so much is going on the world right now and many things feel like they are either being dismantled or broken. I remember a similar feeling several years ago – and this is what brought me to Starr King.

I had many moments of feeling helpless. I felt like those that I loved and cared about were being targeted and that there was not much that I could do. So, I came to seminary. I realized that the best thing that I could do is prepare. Prepare to support those that I love (and those that I haven’t met yet that I already love); prepare for a world where historically marginalized people will be the target again; prepare to be my best version of myself to help.

I often think of a Maya Angelou quote:

You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

These are the same moments again, beloved. Many in our communities are feeling defeated, but we must be prepared to support them in rising up…and to rise ourselves.

Seminary taught me many great things. Two of these are how to care for others and how to care for myself. In order to support our communities, we must first care for ourselves. At Starr King, you can learn to do both while deepening your commitment to social justice and understanding of organizing, and graduate prepared for the work of progressive religious leadership in the 21st century.

Now more than ever before, your ministry is needed. It’s needed for now and for future defeats of our loved ones. Now, my friend, is a great time for you to come to seminary so we can organize and build beloved community together. You are needed in this work.

If you want to connect about how Starr King can support your call to ministry, spiritual leadership, sacred social change, chaplaincy, or other paths, please do not hesitate to schedule a time to connect, call or text me at 925-494-1923, or email me at mwaterman@sksm.edu.

May your journey be a blessing to you and many others.