As we await the long anticipated judicial events to begin, the Board of the UCCR feels that you, our readers, would benefit if we use the EBS message forum to reveal the varying perspective and reflection of individual board members from time to time. We hope that you will appreciate the diversity of views expressed.

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face."

Eleanor Roosevelt 1884-1962

It's hard to imagine the difficulties that we've had to endure as "gifts".  Yet, as we study these words of Eleanor Roosevelt, we might recall some of the experiences that we would not have had encountered otherwise.  Each of these, good or bad, can be considered blessings or lessons.

Through quiet self-reflection we can uncover the personal growth - patience, strength, creativity, endurance - that each individual has developed from our experiences.  And as we move on to others, we learn that we are more of a community than we realized.

In spite of the fact that we look forward anxiously to the return of our interest/investment, let us count the many blessings that this experience has provided.  And let us grow in the light of this difficult period in our lives.

Many blessings to all of you.

Thank you.