by Sandra Higgins Smith (UUMS Class of 2025)
This season of my life has been one of deep transition, transformation, and tremendous growth. Through it all, I have anchored myself in Divine Order, surrendered to the unfolding path, and leaned into Divine Love and Strength. Deep in my soul, I knew that every decision, every challenge, and every step was leading me exactly where I needed to be…my Divine Purpose.
A Seed Is Planted
As I neared the completion of my final ministerial classes, I was uncertain about the next step. I wanted to serve in a way that went beyond what was currently available at the Unity ministries in Louisville. Then, in a casual conversation, my friend Sue said something that planted a seed: “There are many people in Southern Indiana, and no Unity churches nearby.” Her words stirred something within me. I turned to Silence and remembered the sacred wisdom of Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know.” In that stillness, I formed a vision to pioneer a Unity Spiritual Community in Southern Indiana.
A Divine Confirmation
A few weeks later, I traveled to a Wisconsin regional retreat with Reverend Valerie Mansfield and a van full of Youth of Unity (YOU) teens. Somewhere between laughter, the music, car sickness, and heart-sharing, I spoke of my uncertainty about the future. Reverend Valerie affirmed what I had already begun to feel: “Southern Indiana is an area not currently served by Unity.” When I returned home, my heart was whole, and I knew with absolute certainty. I felt like Charles Fillmore, who declared at 92: “I fairly sizzle with zeal to do what is mine to do!”
Taking the First Steps
I enrolled in the UWM overview, unaware it included a pioneering ministries session. After class, I reached out to Rev. Glenda Walden, the UWM Pioneering Ministry Cohort facilitator, who, to my surprise, lives in nearby Evansville, Indiana. We met at the Overlook Restaurant in Leavenworth, Indiana, a breathtaking space to dream into Spirit’s possibilities. I shared my healing journey, from decades in nursing to my personal experience of manifesting healing of breast cancer through Unity’s teachings and Myrtle Fillmore’s Healing Letters. I spoke of returning to our roots: the practical teachings of Jesus, the metaphysical wisdom of the Fillmores, and the bold faith of New Thought pioneers. Glenda affirmed my calling and invited me to join a monthly support group for pioneers, starting in February.
Forming Our Launch Team
On the drive home, I called Sue and said, “I’m moving forward with pioneering a Unity Spiritual
Center in Southern Indiana!” She was ecstatic. Soon, she invited friends to her home to hear the vision. Everyone present said “Yes!” to being part of this divine adventure. Our launch team collaborated beautifully: Sue, Cyn-d, Evelyn, Melba, Phill, Lisa, Chelsea, and I. The USC in SoIn consists of three musicians, three prayer chaplains, a youth minister, and I, a new “soon-to-be” Unity Minister.
An Unexpected Blessing
In a sacred moment, I called Rev. Carole Mahaffey to share my news. Carole was the person who encouraged me to pursue my call to ministry. She told me that she recently closed the church she pioneered in Lexington. With grace and love, she said: “I’ve been praying for guidance on where to donate the supplies from Unity of Lexington… and now I have my answer.” I was in awe. Through joyful tears, I told my husband, Patrick: “Just like Jesus, miracles are part of my everyday life… but every time I recognize them, I’m still in awe and grateful beyond words!”
Unity Spiritual Center Is Born
Momentum grew quickly. I completed the Registration Sheet for a Non-Affiliated Seed Group and submitted it to UWM. We named our ministry USC in SoIn and began envisioning our future. Our mission: “We transform our lives through love.” Our guiding scripture is Matthew 19:26: “With Spirit, all things are possible.” Reverend Carole agreed to be the Keeper of the Flame for USC in SoIn, holding the high watch as our vision unfolds. We began gathering in local libraries and coffee shops, connecting with our community, scouting locations, and receiving our first love offering from Unity of Lexington.
Where do I go from here? I continue to attend the monthly UWM Pioneering Ministry Cohort meetings. I am completing the Expansion Ministry application with UWM as I continue to listen for the Divine Ideas whispered through nudges, urges, and dreams. I know that this is mine to do. This is my purpose in life, and every experience up to this moment has prepared me to step into this Truth of my being. I say yes to this journey with faith, gratitude, and a heart open to serve. Yes, to Spirit. Yes, to Love. Yes, to the power of prayer. Yes, to knowing we are all perfect, whole, and complete. I am grateful for Reverend Carole Mahaffey, Reverend Valerie Mansfield, the USC in SoIn Cohort team, and UUMS as I move forward on this sacred journey.