There are probably several more similar sentiments about the importance of public relations, the need to describe oneself, or one’s organization, in the most glowing and positive light. Googling the question of how much is spent in America on public relations yields a number north of $100 billion for 2023, the last year noted. And I suspect in years of intense political effort, that number soars even higher.

Many of us were raised in more modest times, when it seemed inappropriate to tout how wonderful/smart/rich/erudite/moral/etc. we were. Better to let someone else extoll your virtues than doing so yourself. And, well, if no one comes to your aid in aggrandizing your work or efforts, just keep soldiering on until someone does.

All that seems to have been turned on its head of late. We watch the news daily where our political leaders can’t stop themselves from telling us how great they are, how much they’re doing for us common folk, how important their legacy is, or will be, or must be, what incredible rewards they deserve. Extolling the “dear leader” ala North Korean style has become de rigueur. 

So I’m probably quite old-fashioned when I suggest this all for me just seems  wrong. I’m a firm believer that one should be more than one seems. Let others discover the depth of your thought, the wonder of your personality, the extent of the good deeds you’ve done, the kindness you offer without you having to tell them. Go about your day doing the good works you care about without caring about who knows, or who recognizes you for them.I  have kept a small figurine of the Star Wars character Yoda on my desk for years. It seems to me he’s the quintessential embodiment of being more than he seems. Would that I had his Jedi powers!

The public relations world would retort with the first quote I noted above, and they’ve sold that repeatedly. But couldn’t there be some intense inner satisfaction to have people discover your good works, your kindness, your generosity, your character and be impressed that you are much, much more than you had seemed?

Yeah, this probably isn’t the way to run a railroad, or an oil company, or a political campaign, or promote a small religious community in Menomonie, WI, but as a personal style of life, I think it has advantages. But do consider being more than you seem—the world could stand more of this.

Having now written all this, I need to ask: does our small fellowship need to tout our existence? In a world of declining local news options, and with no easy way to let the world know we’re here, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Menomonie does need newsletters like this, a website, social media posts. In a world increasingly leaving organized religion, we still offer a place where people can continue their search for truth and meaning, knowing they will be supported and encouraged. Self promotion may be hard for me personally, but we need to keep focused on it for our fellowship’s sake, and for the opportunities we can offer people searching for their own path to meaning, spirituality and religious community.