I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay, and raised by parents who love both water and wilderness. My ancestors were voyageurs, freethinkers, immigrants, revolutionaries. My spirituality is grounded in the beauty of the natural world and a feeling of connection to all that is; the greatest adventures of my life have happened when I was open to new experiences. With a background in law and international development, I’ve had the opportunity to work with diverse people in multicultural settings to create positive change. My children, Jamie (27) and Kevin (18) and I are, together, a “United Nations family” (Asian-American, African-American, and European-American) (they are both adopted). Dinner-table conversations reflect my children’s personal experience with racism and racial identity, leading to talk about morality, ethics, rights, responsibilities, and the risks of making assumptions. My commitment to creating justice in the world arises from their stories and my own. The colorful tapestry of my life informs and energizes my work as a parish minister. I’ve learned the importance of treating people with respect, listening carefully, and trying to spot the way that different “perception filters” create misunderstanding. The most satisfying moment is when people who see things differently begin to understand one another. It may not cause them to agree, but it keeps them working together, keeps them moving toward compassion. Life is a journey, and we’re all traveling in the same “blue boat home.”
email: revjenniferbrooks@gmail.com
