2015 Invocations (18)
In 2015, the Central Florida Freethought Community offered secular invocations at civic meetings across our region. Each reflection centers on shared human values—compassion, reason, integrity, and service—while respecting freedom of conscience and the separation of religion and government. Below are the invocations from this year.
2015 September 10 - Loren Kahle, Longwood, FL
2015 April 27 - Chris Allen, Winter Park, FL
21 December 2015 - City of Longwood Commission
Jocelyn Williamson - 263 words
Thank you Mayor, Commission Members, Staff, and community members for the opportunity to offer opening words for tonight’s meeting.
This is a room in which there are many challenging debates, moments of tension, of frustration, and ideological division. This is also a room where we come to work together and where we have much more in common than we realize or remember during our discourse. And we all share the same potential for care, for compassion, for fear, for joy, for love…
On this eve of the Winter Solstice, the year’s darkest day, let’s take a moment to reflect on a few examples of what we have to be thankful for. We have a safe city thanks to our hardworking police, firefighters, and paramedics looking out for our health and our security. We have children who are learning and growing because of our wonderful teachers who dedicate themselves to a brighter future. And we have a city that thrives because this commission and the city staff are dedicated to working together with the community.
Carl Sagan once wrote, “For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.”
There is, in the political process, much to bear. In this room tonight, let us cherish and celebrate our shared humanness, our common capacity for reason and compassion and our love for Longwood and its place in Central Florida.
No matter why or how you celebrate the change of season may you, your family, and friends be filled with hope for a bright future, and love for your neighbor.
19 November 2015 - Volusia County Council
David Williamson - 217 words
To Be of Use by Marge Piercy
The people I love the best jump into work head first without dallying in the shallows and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.They seem to become natives of that element, the black sleek heads of seals bouncing like half-submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart, who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience, who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward, who do what has to be done, again and again.
I want to be with people who submerge in the task, who go into the fields to harvest and work in a row and pass the bags along, who are not parlor generals and field deserters but move in a common rhythm when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
The work of the world is common as mud. Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust. But the thing worth doing well done has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident. Greek amphoras for wine or oil, Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums but you know they were made to be used. The pitcher cries for water to carry and a person for work that is real.
16 November 2015 - City of Longwood Commission
Martha Kirby - 344 words
Thank you Mayor, Commission Members, Staff, and community members for allowing me this opportunity to offer opening words for tonight’s meeting and for the good work you will do here together on behalf of our beautiful community and its residents.
As I began contemplating what to say this evening I Googled the City of Longwood and found excellent words of inspiration right on your home page. The first phrase of the mission statement of Historic Longwood is “to foster citizen trust by practicing open, accountable, and responsive government.” What an excellent idea! Further searching led me to information on the commission-manager model employed by Longwood: elected commissioners representing the community and its citizen’s needs and wishes; and an appointed manager to carry out policy and ensure that the entire community is being served. In addition, there is a section encouraging citizen activism by promoting open communication.
Reading these words, I was reminded of the term “servant leader” – one who focuses on the growth and well-being of people and communities to which they belong; a way of behaving in leadership that allows shared power and collaboration.
I offer for your consideration and reflection (from the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership several important characteristics of servant leaders that we should embody as we work together through tonight’s agenda and beyond:
Listening – to each other and to all who need to be heard
Empathy – for all stakeholders
Awareness – of the uniqueness of each of us and our shared humanity
Conceptualization – developing clarity in thought and purpose
Foresight – what effect will our decisions have?
Stewardship – careful and responsible management
Commitment – to the growth of people
Building community – through engagement and trust
Practicing these behaviors with intent, having confidence in yourselves and in the citizens of Longwood; working together courteously and respectfully; and making the most of everyone’s unique talents, contributions, and differences will truly make the City of Longwood an outstanding place to work and live.
May you bring your best selves to this service and do this work, hand in hand, with each other and with our community.
22 October 2015 - City of Winter Garden Commission
Ed Lynch - 286 words
Before I begin the invocation, I would like to briefly give thanks. This will be the first non-religious invocation before a government meeting in this city—as far as we know.
For their role in getting us to this point, after countless religious invocations and a few recent moments of silence, I would like to thank Joseph Richardson—for blazing the trail; David Williamson and the Central Florida Freethought Community, along with the Freedom From Religion Foundation, for all their hard work supporting the Constitution; city staff for their work on this issue and this Commission for inviting me to do the invocation today. Thank you all.
(Mayor interrupts: “[Commissioner] Colin Sharman did.”)
'Thank you' to you, double.
Thanks also to everyone here today for taking the time to participate in our democracy. Winter Garden is a great place to live, work, and play. With that, let me begin the invocation:
Let us play.
There is work to be done but let's not forget to play. One of the greatest human accomplishments took a great deal of work but started with a most playful idea, "Let's fly to the moon and back."
Let us play.
From the first time we touched the mobile hanging over our crib, we learned that effort is rewarded. As toddlers we were constantly learning mostly through play. Throughout childhood we learned many lessons through play:
Share, take turns, play fair.
Control your emotions!
The importance of a level playing field.
The importance of teamwork.
Play by the rules. Don't cheat.
Learn from your mistakes.
Make sure everyone is included.
Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
In other words, treat others how you would want to be treated.
All learned through play.
Each of us here won the lottery…to be here, in this moment, each moment of awareness. Focus on each moment and be thankful for it. We won the lottery.
Think about it; we are literally stardust. Only as a result of incredible luck: the unlikely conditions for the beginning and continuation of life, followed by billions of years of evolution. Here we are. Stardust. Capable of playing--Angry Birds, Minecraft, Fallout 4, Orlando City, Solar Bears, right here in Winter Garden.
Capable of learning. Capable of, thereby, learning. Capable of making up our own minds. Capable of kindness. Capable of getting past our differences and creating a better town, a better world, for all of us.
21 October 2015 - City of Apopka Commission
Joseph Richardson - 212 words
Thank you, Mayor and Commissioners. I’m very happy to be here tonight to represent the Central Florida Freethought Community and to offer this secular invocation.
As humans, we have an unfortunate tendency to separate ourselves into groups. We notice differences between “us” and “them” and then tend to think that the things which make us “us” also make us better than “them”. We emphasize these differences for one reason or another and then band together over these various ideologies or beliefs, skin colors or gender. This probably offered survival advantages at one time but these days, it seems mostly to work to our detriment.
Tonight, as you consider the issues on the agenda, I encourage you to do your best not to exclude and not to divide, but to come together as a board and unite this community. As you deliberate, keep in mind that most inclusive of concepts, the trait we all hold in common, and the identity that excludes no one: our humanity.
It’s hard to go wrong with a quote from Carl Sagan so I’ll close with this: “Each one of us is, in the cosmic perspective, precious. If a human disagrees with you, let him live. In a hundred billion galaxies, you will not find another.”
Thank you.
22 September 2015 - Seminole County Commission
Brenda Frei - 376 words
Good evening. First I would like to thank the county commission for offering me this opportunity. As a proud central Florida resident for over 40 years, it is my honor to stand here before you this evening to offer words of encouragement and inspiration to begin this meeting.
It is also my honor as a Humanist Celebrant to represent the atheist, agnostic, and Humanist citizens.
Instead of bowing our heads tonight, please lift them up and look around you. Take a moment to look at your fellow citizens in the room tonight. Look each of them directly in the eyes. Look past their politics. Look past their beliefs or religion. Look past their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other label that we artificially assign.
Look into their eyes and realize that every single person in this room has inherent, unequivocal, and unquestionable value as a human being. Realize that they have the same hopes and dreams that we do. They want to love and be loved. The people around you are neighbors we know and neighbors we have yet to meet.
As a species we have survived and even thrived because of our ability to come together as a community and recognize our similarities, to bond with our fellow human beings. It is our similarities that move us forward and our ability to recognize the value and worth of our entire community that makes us great.
During the meeting and even after you leave here tonight, it is my hope that you will remember what you saw in your neighbors’ eyes. That you remember what we have in common and focus on what we all can do to aspire to the greater good of humanity.
I would like to close with a quote from Charles Darwin’s.
As man advances in civilization, and small tribes are united into larger communities, the simplest reason would tell each individual that he ought to extend his social instincts and sympathies to all the members of the same nation, though personally unknown to him. This point once reached, there is only an artificial barrier to prevent his sympathies extending to the men of all nations and races.
Thank you!
21 September 2015 - Osceola County Commission
Jason Grooms - 366 words
Good evening. First I would like to thank the county commission for offering me this opportunity. As a proud central Florida resident for over 40 years, it is my honor to stand here before you this evening to offer words of encouragement and inspiration to begin this meeting.
It is also my honor as a Humanist Celebrant to represent the atheist, agnostic, and Humanist citizens.
Instead of bowing our heads tonight, please lift them up and look around you. Take a moment to look at your fellow citizens in the room tonight. Look each of them directly in the eyes. Look past their politics. Look past their beliefs or religion. Look past their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other label that we artificially assign.
Look into their eyes and realize that every single person in this room has inherent, unequivocal, and unquestionable value as a human being. Realize that they have the same hopes and dreams that we do. They want to love and be loved. The people around you are neighbors we know and neighbors we have yet to meet.
As a species we have survived and even thrived because of our ability to come together as a community and recognize our similarities, to bond with our fellow human beings. It is our similarities that move us forward and our ability to recognize the value and worth of our entire community that makes us great.
During the meeting and even after you leave here tonight, it is my hope that you will remember what you saw in your neighbors’ eyes. That you remember what we have in common and focus on what we all can do to aspire to the greater good of humanity.
I would like to close with a quote from Charles Darwin’s.
As man advances in civilization, and small tribes are united into larger communities, the simplest reason would tell each individual that he ought to extend his social instincts and sympathies to all the members of the same nation, though personally unknown to him. This point once reached, there is only an artificial barrier to prevent his sympathies extending to the men of all nations and races.
Thank you!
15 September 2015- Lake County Commission
Cynthia Lodyga - 261
Members of the County Commission, staff, citizens and guests of Lake County, thank you for including me today.
This invocation is not a prayer, so no need for bowed heads or closed eyes. I join you today in the spirit of inclusion. Inclusion is about ALL of us. It’s about living full lives together in our shared community.
The original motto of the United States of America was one of inclusion. “E Pluribus Unum”, which translates, “from many, one”. It’s a motto that unites us as Americans, ALL Americans in ONE nation, indivisible. It reflects the values upon which our country was founded, and it doesn’t seek to exclude or extol any citizen for any reason.
Our country’s Founders were critical thinkers, regardless of religious beliefs or lack thereof and, in addition to an inclusive motto, they set the groundwork for a way to ensure ALL Americans could participate in society and in their government.
It has taken a while to provide a long-deserved equal footing to all and we continue to progress—even today. This includes women, African Americans, and as recently as this year, the right for all to have their loving relationships recognized as equal by the State. More and more people are being included in the process of self-governance. And this is as it should be.
So today, let us consider our shared history as a nation, our successes as a community and the continuing process of embracing more and more citizens and new perspectives —especially at the seat of government closest to our lives.
Thank you.
14 September 2015 - City of Sanford Commission
David Williamson - 410 words
Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, [FL] Representative [Jason] Brodeur. Members of the community. Welcome to one and all.
First I want to express my gratitude to the Commission for including the Central Florida Freethought Community in tonight’s meeting. We look forward to continued support and participation. While we cannot offer the legislative prayer the agenda calls for; atheists, humanists, freethinkers, religious skeptics, and other non-believers can provide something special—which no prayer could ever accomplish.
As we do in every other public setting—we live, work, play, learn, and we govern more effectively and harmoniously when we find amazing ways to unite instead of divide. Only those remarks that regard the common interests of all in attendance—and not just to the beliefs of some—can embrace the entire room, can speak on behalf of the community as a whole, and will be shared by all those who visit and who know Sanford as The Friendly City.
A secular invocation—not unlike a moment of silence—is welcoming to everyone. Otherwise the speech not only falls short—it may even alienate some of those who seek an audience with the Commission. Best of all, anyone can do it. Let’s give it a shot tonight:
As the community gathers this evening, let us briefly reflect on the things you, as a Commission, bring with you to do the business of improving the City of Sanford for residents, the many businesses, and cherished visitors.
Wisdom is often called for during an invocation, however all the knowledge needed is already right here in this chamber. Your fellow commissioners, the hard-working city staff, as well as citizens and business owners come to serve along with you and to be a resource to call upon.
Compassion is essential for effective public service and it is cultivated through a lifetime of learning about the needs of everyone in the community and the harm that follows when those needs are neglected.
Your integrity and honesty are earned through life lessons you take from family, friends, and your own personal experiences of these principles in everyone around you.
As we unite with the common goal of improving the lives of all stakeholders and even those who will be affected by this evening’s decisions for generations to come, take solace in the fact that on our own we can do this, because of who we are, because we have one another, and simply because it must be done.
So let’s get to work!
20 July 2015 - City of DeLand Commission
Jake Lee Smith - 409 words
As a council whose mission statement advocates the importance of representing a city with “diverse citizens” that “demonstrate a strong sense of community,” myself and others here in attendance appreciate your open-mindedness here tonight.
The DeLand city mission statement also goes on to say that we will “remain dedicated to preserving and enhancing those assets which make DeLand distinctive,” and that “We, as citizens of DeLand, will continue to strive to maintain DeLand’s heritage as the ‘Athens of Florida.’” It is my personal belief that the primary assets which make DeLand distinctive lie within the hearts of each and every one of us here in this great little town. This distinct community maintains great historic roots, and a rich heritage.
I, myself, benefit from this city’s rich heritage, as I currently attend Stetson University here in DeLand -- one of the oldest institutions of higher-education in the country. We always must, of course, seek to preserve our history, and never forget to look back at where we came from. However, it is equally important to look forward to the future, learn from the past, and keep our eyes open to progress. A great example of progress here in DeLand sits before us all, Ms. Jessica Davis, the first African American woman to be a city commissioner in this council’s 133-year history.
This shows that within all communities is the potential for improvement, and one of the greatest improvements a community can make, is that which comes from within. It’s not all about infrastructure, budgets, building codes, and taxes. No, at the core of any great town, are its great people. And as the mission statement claims, we seek to always remain a city that values the diversity of its citizens – regardless of what we look like, who we love, or what life philosophies we pledge ourselves to.
In closing, I would like to leave you all with a few important words from one of the most revered speeches in cinematic history.
“We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness - not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful…More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness.”
Thank you.
16 July 2015 - Orange County Commission Meeting
Warren Geltch - 362 words
As you know, one of the great things about Orange County is its vast diversity. Every individual in our community is important, and deserves to be treated equally...no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, or non-religion. Morally, no one can justify inequality, discrimination, or intolerance.
The record shows that through great leadership...and often difficult struggles...our sense of morality has changed and progressed over the course of our nation's history.
But positive changes usually don't come easily...or quickly. Slavery wasn't abolished until 90 years after our country's inception. Women couldn't vote until 1920...144 years after our nation's inception. Since then, we've expanded civil rights, women's rights, and gay rights. However, significant hurdles remain. There is still inequality, discrimination and intolerance.
So, how do we continue positive trends pertaining to morality?
Well, to have a good moral compass, we must possess two (2) core values.
The first core value is empathy. We must be able to place ourselves in the other person's shoes to understand them and see their point of view. We must really get to know them. When we don't know them, it's easy to demonize them. When we do get to know them, we may find that we all primarily want the same things out of life.
The second core value is conscience. We must feel good when we do the right thing and feel bad when we do the wrong thing. We must be accountable and responsible for our own actions. That includes treating others how we ourselves, want to be treated...and making this one life the best we can, not just for ourselves, but for everyone, because every life is precious.
Without empathy and without good conscience, we will not progress.
Mayor and Commissioners, you are about to approve a new budget today. Undoubtedly, you will consider many issues during the next fiscal year. The public trust requires that every issue be considered on it's own merit...be analyzed thoroughly...and decided through rational problem solving...guided by ethics and integrity.
In conclusion, on behalf of the Central Florida Freethought Community, I want to thank you Mayor and Commissioners for allowing us to present this secular invocation this morning.
Thank you.
1 June 2015 - Town of Lady Lake City Commission
Robert Ridgard -295 words
Good Evening. This moment of reflection is to remind us that we are here to work in harmony for the good of, and in service to, our community.
We gather together this evening to share our collective wisdom in response to the needs of our citizenry. We are here to consider many issues and find the optimum solutions. As this body convenes to do the business of the Town of Lady Lake, we must look ahead, with anticipation and enthusiasm, to the concerns set before us, and in consideration of the consequences of our decisions.
Humanists, by our very nature, believe that we all have the power to solve problems within our own capabilities, through logic and reason. Applying reason with the strength found in empathy and compassion for our fellow humans, we can overcome most any challenge.
It isn't needed that we agree with each other’s views. But we are required to respect each other’s right to hold those views and practice their beliefs without fear of persecution, so long as no one infringes upon the civil rights of others. Truly we each have come here from different backgrounds, and for our survival and progress we must learn to live well with each other, respecting and honoring our differences.
Morality holds us all together by the promises we make and keep with each other. We rely upon and trust those promises and depend on each other to do that which is right, just and necessary for us to live together in a community.
The success of any government stems from the commitment of all to serving the entire community, not just a favored few. It isn't through strength in numbers, but strength in our fidelity to each other that we find success.
Thank you
4 May 2015 - Orlando City Commission
Chris Allen - 249 words
Good afternoon, Mayor and City Council Members. As our Central Florida economy continues to improve, a rising tide may lift all boats, but some people don't have boats. I urge everyone to do their fair share to assist people, especially those who strive to improve their lives but who still need our help.
A key to changing our community for the better is for all of us to take it upon ourselves as individuals to engage clubs, groups and companies that we are part of to matter more and mean more to the weakest among us.
It is true that a lot of people in our community volunteer their time and talents and still others give part of their treasure to help those in need but too many people do absolutely nothing. They are self-absorbed meeting their own wants. These people are truly missing out on a good thing and they have not felt the good feeling that comes with committing yourself to a selfless act of kindness. It is truly something that money cannot buy.
If I am describing someone you know, set them straight. that good feeling is deeper and more enriching when it is done anonymously without seeking attention or reward. Doing good deeds should be a common expectation in a civil society. As another plane landing safely at the airport it's really important but it's not news. It is time for people who need our help to matter more to each and everyone of us.
4 May 2015 - Osceola County Commission
Michael Mello -329 words
The definition of invocation is the act of asking for help or support especially from a higher power. While this may satisfy some here today, I tend to believe that instead of invoking we should be reflecting - reflecting on the purpose of government, the value that each of us brings to these proceedings and how we can work together with all the differences we have. Bearing in mind these things, especially before these meetings begin, can unify everyone in attendance.
So I will begin with a quote by Thomas Jefferson. "Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he then be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question."
I believe that history has shown this to be true - that we can govern ourselves and be trusted to govern others far better than any king. You, ladies and gentlemen, and we the people, demonstrate this in every way as you lead the people of this county and as we participate along with you.
Today will surely be no different. As you discuss and debate issues today, and consider the right decisions for people we govern, are we treating all with fairness and equality regardless of our personal beliefs? Many documents guide us in our mission and the preamble to the civil rights program for the county can be a good reminder. It reads in part...
"The Osceola County Board of County Commissions is committed to protecting the rights of all people in Osceola County, to ensure their ability to live, work and enjoy equal access to facilities open to the public in an environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and retaliation regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or family status."
Let these words, along with your good conscience, guide you as you work on behalf of the citizens today.
http://www.osceola.org/events/2030530-bcc-regular-meeting.stml
7 April 2015 - Lake County Commission
Choice Edwards - 219 words
The second secular invocation offered by the CFFC in Lake County. The entire transcript of this and dozens more secular invocations are available at www.cflfreethought.org/invocations.
We are gathered here to support the proper conduct of the business of the people of Lake County.
We are fortunate that we have intelligent commissioners who are passionate about the people they serve and strive to execute their responsibilities to the very best of their abilities.
We know they are immune to undue and improper influence and carry their awesome responsibilities as fervently as they do their dedication and love of their families, friends and compatriots.
As they, singularly and collectively, debate and deliberate the issues before them, we know our governance is in their very capable hands
We know they love, respect and honor this community and all of its citizens of which they are amongst our most passionate and responsible leaders.
We are diverse in religious beliefs and non-religious beliefs in Lake County. We welcome Christians, Muslims, Jews Sikhs, Buddhist Agnostics, Atheist and those of us who are skeptics because we think for ourselves.
Therefore, I invite you, of your own volition, and irrespective of your religious persuasion or non-religious persuasion, to join with me in a time of personal introspection and reflection:
[SILENCE]
Finally, I wish for each of you wisdom, light, life, love, peace, power, prosperity, passion, poise, beauty, joy, health, wealth, r-o-m-a-n-c-e, and all the fun and excitement you can handle.
Thanks for your time and my blessings upon you.
Now, let us get on with the business of Lake County, Florida!
2 April 2015 - Volusia County Council
Robert Wilson - 164 words
Foremost, I would like to recognize the difficult task before you with a half a million citizens in the County we are all well aware of the vast amount of differences that exist between us. So to work with this we should summon all of the best human traits that time and time again have helped us move forward: reason, wisdom, patience, compassion, logic, understanding, and critical thinking.
Look around and soak in the amazing accomplishments of where we are and remember the human effort that has gotten us here.
We all have our differences, but we do share a common trait. We are all part of this Earth and we are here wanting to do what is best. Let’s work to make the positive change that is declared in the County’s mission statement.
And I leave you with a quote from Albert Einstein, “Nothing truly valuable can be achieved except by the unselfish cooperation of many individuals.” That is how we got here.