This article was written by our diocesan sister the Rev. Shaneequa Brokenleg
What does love mean to you?
In Lakota there is almost no direct translation for “I love you.” Instead, many say, “techihila.” “Thehi" means to suffer or endure. “Chi” means me to you. Adding “la” to the end makes it endearing. So techihila mean, “I’ll suffer or endure for you.” Anytime we say that phrase for “I love you” (techihila), we are reminded of the action we are called to because of that love. Jesus is a perfect example of that love. He suffered and endured for us because of his love for us. I think in our call to love others we should always be reminded that it is an action and not simply something we say or something we think. At the festival we heard about so many ways people’s call to love was turned into action and they are enduring for their neighbors. What workshop/presentation/panel spoke to you the most?
I loved the Speed Dating (speed networking) workshop. I was able to meet so many amazing people in such a short period of time. I made connections, and we found places where we could collaborate. We always found things in common and places where our lives overlapped. I also loved the “people bingo” at the beginning. It was fun to watch people connect with one another and step out of their comfort zone.