The dance of advocacy for and with people who are being taken advantage of who are living in extreme poverty is a privilege. However, I am always humbled by the opportunity. Last night about 60 people gathered to create a space to get answers to questions residents of Rosedale Ridge have about their living conditions.
There is the very real potential that the 161 units and around 400 people could have to move from their homes come December 1. As with most issues of injustice, it's complicated. However, what's not complicated is people choosing to use their power and connections to work for justice.
But, often people, and most often-the church, doesn't choose this. People choose personal relationship and not wanting to offend corporations over being present with, advocating with and taking action for the oppressed.
In the midst of these advocacy struggles, as a person of faith-who firmly believes God is present and knows and hears and sees. I have learned to discipline myself to look for the grace, the signs that God is with us.
So for last night, God was with us in providing willing church people to assist in transporting people up and down the hill to get to the meeting. A Nazarene church pretty disconnected from the struggle, but they were willing to come. God was with us in allowing for people to express their anger and frustration but not hurt anyone. For this, I am grateful. God was with us in providing a group of people to be laboring together. Lindsey-her daily love deposits into the lives of young people and their families. Rachel-her constant dedication to advocate for the neighborhood, making sure people get connected to the resources they need and her dedication of her space, her church. Support from Jacob's Well to provide childcare for children who needed to be present with their parents. Heidi and the RDA team, willing to side with the injustice happening to residents while fully aware of the tensions between residents and neighborhood members.
And honestly, the news being present was a bit of grace to. They were another piece of accountability. Another way conversations had to go "on record". An African proverb says, "When you pray, move your feet". I resonate with this and am guided by this often. One with the other. Not separate from the other.
This is a key part of my pastoral calling. This is a key definition of what is looks like to be a "merciful peacemaker" while speaking, advocating and crying out with those who's voices are silenced due to their lack of status in the world in which we live.
God have mercy. Be with us all.
There is the very real potential that the 161 units and around 400 people could have to move from their homes come December 1. As with most issues of injustice, it's complicated. However, what's not complicated is people choosing to use their power and connections to work for justice.
But, often people, and most often-the church, doesn't choose this. People choose personal relationship and not wanting to offend corporations over being present with, advocating with and taking action for the oppressed.
In the midst of these advocacy struggles, as a person of faith-who firmly believes God is present and knows and hears and sees. I have learned to discipline myself to look for the grace, the signs that God is with us.
So for last night, God was with us in providing willing church people to assist in transporting people up and down the hill to get to the meeting. A Nazarene church pretty disconnected from the struggle, but they were willing to come. God was with us in allowing for people to express their anger and frustration but not hurt anyone. For this, I am grateful. God was with us in providing a group of people to be laboring together. Lindsey-her daily love deposits into the lives of young people and their families. Rachel-her constant dedication to advocate for the neighborhood, making sure people get connected to the resources they need and her dedication of her space, her church. Support from Jacob's Well to provide childcare for children who needed to be present with their parents. Heidi and the RDA team, willing to side with the injustice happening to residents while fully aware of the tensions between residents and neighborhood members.
And honestly, the news being present was a bit of grace to. They were another piece of accountability. Another way conversations had to go "on record". An African proverb says, "When you pray, move your feet". I resonate with this and am guided by this often. One with the other. Not separate from the other.
This is a key part of my pastoral calling. This is a key definition of what is looks like to be a "merciful peacemaker" while speaking, advocating and crying out with those who's voices are silenced due to their lack of status in the world in which we live.
God have mercy. Be with us all.
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