Subject: Embracing Ubuntu: A Lesson in Unity and Shared Happiness (03/29/'24) -Message

Subject: Embracing Ubuntu: A Lesson in Unity and Shared Happiness Dear Friends and Family, I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. Today, I wish to share a powerful story that has deeply inspired me, reflecting a profound principle that I believe is essential for the future of humanity. This narrative is not just a lesson; it's a call to embrace the spirit of "Ubuntu," a beautiful reminder of our interconnectedness and the joy found in unity. In an African village, an anthropologist proposed a simple game to a group of children. He placed a basket brimming with fruits near a tree and told the children that whoever reached it first would win the entire basket for themselves. At his signal, instead of racing against each other, the children took each other's hands, ran together, and shared the bounty equally among themselves. When asked why they chose to run together, their answer was simple yet profound: "Ubuntu." They explained, "How can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?" This story is a beautiful embodiment of the principle of loving your neighbor as yourself, a value that finds resonance in various Bible verses and teachings across cultures. It teaches us the importance of carrying each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2), looking out for one another's interests (Philippians 2:4), and living in a community where if one member suffers, all suffer together, and if one member is honored, all rejoice together (1 Corinthians 12:25-26). In the spirit of "Ubuntu," let us remind ourselves of our shared humanity and the strength that comes from unity. Let us be inspired to act not only for our personal gain but for the well-being of our community, embracing the joy that comes from shared happiness. May this story inspire you as it has inspired me, encouraging us to live out the true meaning of unity and love in our daily lives. Warmest regards, Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 29, 2024)