(Proverbs 31:8-9) Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.[a] 9 Speak out; judge righteously; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
A lot of us do not flinch when we need to volunteer in a community serving event or raise money for a good cause. However, asking a person to write their local or congressional representative or participate in a march or protest…and you might as well have asked them to voluntarily get a root canal. Personally, I am growing in what it means for me to live out the gospel as a social justice advocate. I found the article below on umc.org that explains advocacy as simply being engaged in the conversation. The author, Laura Buchanan stresses that authentic advocacy begins with these five things: Education (never stop learning!); Information (inform yourself and others); Partnership Connections (meet those already doing the work); Create safe spaces for dialogue; Take action.
(link to the article):
https://www.umc.org/en/content/take-these-5-steps-to-grow-your-advocacy-work
My Lenten practice:
Today, I did some research on an issue that I care deeply about. I tried to research balanced perspectives from qualified and trusted sources. I also looked up our social principles through the UMC, to see how our gathering of laity and clergy have discussed topics like the one I was researching and what scriptures they pointed to as their biblical foundation of understanding. You, too, can review our UMC social principles, here: https://www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/what-we-believe/our-social-positions
A lot of us do not flinch when we need to volunteer in a community serving event or raise money for a good cause. However, asking a person to write their local or congressional representative or participate in a march or protest…and you might as well have asked them to voluntarily get a root canal. Personally, I am growing in what it means for me to live out the gospel as a social justice advocate. I found the article below on umc.org that explains advocacy as simply being engaged in the conversation. The author, Laura Buchanan stresses that authentic advocacy begins with these five things: Education (never stop learning!); Information (inform yourself and others); Partnership Connections (meet those already doing the work); Create safe spaces for dialogue; Take action.
(link to the article):
https://www.umc.org/en/content/take-these-5-steps-to-grow-your-advocacy-work
My Lenten practice:
Today, I did some research on an issue that I care deeply about. I tried to research balanced perspectives from qualified and trusted sources. I also looked up our social principles through the UMC, to see how our gathering of laity and clergy have discussed topics like the one I was researching and what scriptures they pointed to as their biblical foundation of understanding. You, too, can review our UMC social principles, here: https://www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/what-we-believe/our-social-positions
And then, I prayed.
I then not only took the time to look at the bill being proposed, and thought about my own personal experience, but I prayed about what it meant to hold the opposing view other than my own. I prayed for the “other side” of the aisle as a child of God and prayed for peace in my heart in any conversation I may have moving forward. I prayed for clarity and awareness from God to open my perspective in ways that I may be blinded. I prayed that God would lead me to the next faithful action….and then I realized that prayer could be considered one of those steps, too.
I hope to attend the next General Assembly today with other United Methodists who gather at the Virginia Assembly to have conversations with politicians and discuss local issues. There are also more walks, petition information, and advocacy days through the UMC General Board of Church and Society https://www.umcjustice.org/ if you want to get more involved. Our local church also has a Peace with Justice ministry that works to be informed on local, state, and national issues (from all angles) and works to create spaces for discussion and action. You can reach out to Bill Botts to get more involved.
Join me in taking one faithful step at a time towards justice and speaking up for the voiceless. Be informed, pray, and listen for God’s leading in the next step.
I then not only took the time to look at the bill being proposed, and thought about my own personal experience, but I prayed about what it meant to hold the opposing view other than my own. I prayed for the “other side” of the aisle as a child of God and prayed for peace in my heart in any conversation I may have moving forward. I prayed for clarity and awareness from God to open my perspective in ways that I may be blinded. I prayed that God would lead me to the next faithful action….and then I realized that prayer could be considered one of those steps, too.
I hope to attend the next General Assembly today with other United Methodists who gather at the Virginia Assembly to have conversations with politicians and discuss local issues. There are also more walks, petition information, and advocacy days through the UMC General Board of Church and Society https://www.umcjustice.org/ if you want to get more involved. Our local church also has a Peace with Justice ministry that works to be informed on local, state, and national issues (from all angles) and works to create spaces for discussion and action. You can reach out to Bill Botts to get more involved.
Join me in taking one faithful step at a time towards justice and speaking up for the voiceless. Be informed, pray, and listen for God’s leading in the next step.
Prayer: God, thank you for the ability and freedom to speak out when we see injustice occurring in our world. Give us clarity in your wisdom. Help us to take the next faithful step. Amen.