Ephesians 4:31-32 The Message “Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”
How are you my brothers and sisters? I’m not good! Actually, I’m enraged! Why is that? It is just too much! When will it stop? In February of this year, I had the opportunity to attend the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference and the theme was “Holy Rage, Holy Hope.” The mission of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference is to nurture, sustain, and mobilize the African American faith community in collaboration with civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders to address critical needs of human rights and social justice within local, national, and global communities. For me, it was powerful, empowering, and a life changing experience! As I reflect on the week, I find myself full of “Holy Rage and Holy Hope.” Holy Rage, Holy Hope is what is needed to visualize and begin to reimagine how we do what we do in our communities for God’s people. The time is NOW for transformation. The last year has put a bright light on the disparities in our community, country and the world. It is time to start healing and helping God’s people! It has taken me to Exodus 5:1 “…let my people go…” It is no time like NOW!
I find myself being tired and weary, but the struggle is real, and I cannot or will not give up! I must fight for what is right by doing and valuing what is right over the need to be right! Our people and communities are crying out! As best said by Fannie Lou Hamer “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” When do we begin to value and nurture children not kill them? Why do some feel the need to silence the voice of the people by limiting their right to vote? When will justice be served for those for those doing harm against others? When do we begin to honor the people’s voice not the voice of those desiring to limit healthcare to the poor? When do we eliminate education and health disparities, food insecurities, homeless, and inequities in justice? When will not be a crime to driving while Black? When do we create equity for all not just a chosen few? Know that these are only a very small representation of questions which need answers!! We need God more than ever! We need to pray and be faithful because HE has not or will not leave or forsake us! There are lessons to learn and blessings to give. We need to care, love, be compassionate, show empathy, and support! Put yourself in the place of others! Value Black and Brown people for who they are and what they bring to the table! As I cry out to God, my God, my God and how long Lord, I know I’m not the only one who is fighting the good fight and getting in good trouble for others. I refuse to be numb to what is! I am committed as was the late Rep. John R. Lewis "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” MY SOUL IS ON FIRE!
As you know this is #StuffValSaid, but what do you say? What is causing your rage? Is your soul on fire and moving you to be part of the solution? What are you going to help eliminate injustice in our community? Are you using your voice for change?
Rage is a good thing and don’t let anyone tell you anything different! I remain hopeful of what can be! “You can pray until you faint, but unless you get up and try to do something, God is not going to put it in your lap.” – Fannie Lou Hamer As said in Swahili, Ashay…” Be with us!!!” Join me…let’s get to work! I love and honor you!!!
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