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Staff Blog - A Call To Action

A Call To Action

Posted by Sheila Devereaux on

A Call to Action

Tears don’t seem to stop streaming down my face. I am anxious.
I’m angry.
I’m sad.
I’m tired.
In the past I tried to ignore or control those feelings. I have since learned that they are a gift.

Jesus got tired.
Jesus wept.
Jesus got angry.
They are gifts from him.
They are signs that we are human.
Today, they are reminding me that we’re called to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

200 years of legalized slavery.
89 years of legalized segregation.
Here we are 66 years after that, still fighting for equality.

Beatings, lynchings, racists, and oppression are not a thing of the past. They’re evolving. We should evolve, too.

“What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation” (Galatians 6:15).

In Jesus, we are transformed. What if, instead of standing still and complacent as a new creation, we wake up and set different intentions? Intentions for action.

If we claim not to be racist. We need to act like we are not racist. Jesus was a man of action...not just soundbites and anecdotes. Jesus wasn’t white. Jesus was not a man of quiet acceptance. Jesus saw injustices and inequities. Jesus protested. Jesus saw what was inside people. Jesus called them out.

Can we become a new creation in how we put the Gospel into action?

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the
Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Isn’t it our job, if we call ourselves Christian, to share with others the message of their value? To share that they are loved and worthy?

Or is it easier to point fingers?
What did “they” do to get themselves in that position?
Why are they protesting?
Is fighting violence with violence the answer?

Does the Gospel simply mean that we’re near God? Or is it also reconciliation?

In order for reconciliation, there needs to be action.

That hopeful idea of “one race”? As believers, we know that one day all will be resolved. All tears will be dried. We’re not there yet.

So what do we do right now?

Check on your friends and family members of color.
Ask them how they are.
Honor them.
Tell them you see them.
Tell them Jesus will dry their tears, hold their broken hearts, and tired bodies...that they have hope through Him.
They are worthy.
They are loved.
They are valued.

Engage in conversation with sisters and brothers of color.
Become friends with or follow people on social media that don’t live, look, sound, or act like you.
Read books (for yourself and/or with your children) by people of color.
Educate yourself. Try to understand their fears, concerns, hopes and dreams.
Do the hard work and research, without relying on people of color to teach you.
Don’t post or share videos or photos of violent acts against them.
Don’t pat yourself on the back for being called honorable, saintly, accepting thanks and appreciation when you share messages and words of support...give credit to people of color.

Their voices should be louder than yours.
THEY are carrying this burden, NOT you.

355 years of fighting for equality...and counting.

If the message of the Gospel is that we all belong to God together—no separation, no difference then STAND UP for our brothers and sisters. We want to act like Jesus, we want our hearts set on fire for each other’s burdens, because we’re not there. Yet.