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The recent and current “Black
Lives Matter” movement has brought to our attention the legacy of the slave
trade. Whether or not we agree with the protests, we agree that the movement
has challenged us to advocate for justice in society. However, we may wonder:
What can I do? I’m just one person. How can my voice be
heard?
The voices of several individuals who advocate for justice inspire us.
Mother Teresa gave love and dignity to the dying in India.
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Gary Haugen founded the International Justice Mission, an organization that protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. It is one of the most respected organizations in the world today.
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Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin, published in 1852 several years before the American civil war. It has been claimed that she single-handedly sparked the fire that led to the emancipation of slaves, proving that, “the pen is mightier than the sword.”
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Most of us don't have the stature of these leaders. However, God calls us all to embrace causes bigger than ourselves—causes which are near to his heart. “Whoever is kind to the needy honours God,” wrote the author of Proverbs (14:31). Isaiah added God’s further instructions: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17).
It breaks my heart as I pray for Christ’s tender
compassion and freedom to come to millions of street children in large cities. To
child labourers who are forced to work long hours every day with little concern
for their poor nutrition, health, and education. To workers who agonize in bonded slavery. To the
poor and orphans who suffer violence and abuse. To the 260 million believers
worldwide who suffer severe persecution. To those in my back yard who are
hurting and need Jesus.
In addition to prayer, God has compelled me to give to organizations such as the International Justice Mission, and then participate through such endeavours as sponsoring children overseas and writing letters to encourage persecuted believers. Perhaps my most dramatic engagement has been to take part in mission trips overseas where I met and encouraged persecuted believers and HIV/AIDS sufferers.
However, in the last year, God has opened up a new avenue: to write to these issues. (For example, I wrote a companion piece to this blog post which will be published in the upcoming FellowScript issue.)
As we accept God’s invitation to advocate for the needy, we will become sensitive to needs, both around us and worldwide. The more we comprehend how much God cares for the oppressed, the more He will empower us with His Spirit of compassion and mercy. The more we are filled with compassion, the more we will honour God, both in strategic or small actions—even something as small as giving a cup of water (or mug of coffee) in Jesus’ name. And the more we are inspired to action, the more God will use our abilities and passions to become engaged in causes larger than ourselves.
Gary Haugen said, "God has a plan to help bring justice to the world--and his plan is us." Let us join him in God's plan.
How has God challenged you to become involved in social justice issues? What are your roles in change, both in your ministries and in your writing?
In conclusion, my prayer for all of us comes from this poem.
O Lord, open my eyes
that I may see the need of others,
open my ears that I may hear their cries,
open my heart so that they need not be without succour.
Let me not be afraid to defend the weak
because of the anger of the strong
nor afraid to defend the poor
because of the anger of the rich.
Show me where love and hope and faith are needed,
and use me to bring them to these places.
Open my eyes and ears that I may, this coming day,
be able to do some work of peace for you.
The poet was Alan Paton of South Africa, who wrote, Cry the Beloved Country, published in 1948 at the beginning of the decades-long apartheid system that gripped his country.
Absolutely love this! What a beautiful reminder of all that God has called us to do for his glory. In big ways or small everything we do sends the world a message that God has a plan for this world. We are the hands and feet of Jesus and through us his plan will be fulfilled.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vickie. How true we are the hands and feet of Jesus, and he has entrusted us with taking mercy and compassion to help God fulfill his plan.
DeleteGod's word does call us to serve others and to be obedient to His word includes loving others. Thanks for your words that show and remind of our purpose! Paton's poem ends with a line asking for God to show us where we can serve by bringing His peace into our world. And it really is that isn't it? Instead of selfish anger over the injustices, it is the righteousness of Christ from His peace within us that shows His love to our world.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynn. You made a good point, that we have an alternative to selfish anger over injustices--Christ's righteousness from His peace within us that shows His love to others. And it is this love that draws others to Himself.
ReplyDeleteChrist said we should be as wise as serpants as well as gentle as doves. Many organizations claim to be helping the poor when they're just helping themselves. That's why I have two critera for my giving. Is the organization preaching the gospel? And is the organization giving tangible help to the poor? That's why I don't support Black Lives Matter. They don't ever address black-on-black murders. It's only when a white cop shoots a dangerous black person that they go on a smashing and looting spree. Our donations are better served by missions who preach the gospel to the poor and give them tangible help.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Bruce, that our focus needs to be on missions that preach the gospel to the poor and give them tangible help. My exception is that I have given to The Food Bank, but now that we have the same service in our church, I give to our ministry.
DeleteWhen I looked at the theme for this month I thought how providential it was in light of today's circumstances. I have a feeling it is going to be difficult for some to write to this theme, but it is an important discussion. We can't be silent. Thanks for your bravery in starting us off!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracy. Yes, I thought this might be difficult for some of our bloggers--not as easy as our "Shadow Mentors" topic. We don't always write to the issue of social justice, as I hadn't until a year ago. As you said, "We can't be silent."
DeleteI love this post, Sandi, as a reminder of the needs of the world. I learned a few years ago I can't help everyone but I can make a difference to someone. We may also learn there is a price to pay once we decide to make a difference. I learned this through my views on abortion and euthanasia. The price is worth it however. Blessings to all of our bloggers as we embrace the beautiful theme for our posts this month.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alan, for your keen observations. It's true we can't help everyone, but God has a plan for us. And yes, going out on a limb in our convictions is sometimes a difficult risk. But as you say, it's worth it!
DeleteThank you, dear Sandi, for the reminder that writers can engage in social justice when we "write to these issues." Words can be powerful to both the author and the reader. And the more Spirit-led they are--the more poignant and rooted in love they are--the more growth happens in the hearts of both.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that one of my pet social justice topics I wrote about would become the focus and opportunity for me to put feet to my faith regarding it ...
but that's a topic I will have to write about later this month.
Blessings ~ Wendy Mac
Thanks for your response, Wendy. Words are powerful. I loved the way you added: " And the more Spirit-led they are--the more poignant and rooted in love they are--the more growth happens in the hearts of both." I look forward to your post later this month!
ReplyDeleteI've just returned to reread this post and the poem has prompted me to go ahead with a podcast I'm working on. These words compel me not to submit to fear: "Let me not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong ..."
DeleteThank you, dear Sandi.
God bless you as you move ahead with your podcast, Wendy!!
DeleteI really appreciate your post, Sandi! God’s heart is so tied to the needy. I feel so small against the tidal wave of injustice. it’s hard to know where to start when I’m only one person but I know I cannot remain silent. Your words also reminded me of James 1:27 as well - pure religion Is to care for widows and orphans. I hope this includes bachelors too, haha, because we’ve been helping a couple from our church during Covid. They’ve been a blessing to us far more than we’ve been to them!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughtful response, Pam. I think God asks us to care for anyone who is in need. And yes, the blessings come back to us, just like the couple at your church have been such a blessing to you.
DeleteThis is so timely, Sandi. My heart aches -- an ever present inward wail at all that is so wrong in our world. Thank you for reminding us that individuals have made a difference by their words and lives, and it will be individuals, standing and working together in the Kingdom, who can and will make a difference now. Mother Teresa has always been the voice in my ear when I have lamented what can little me do to make a difference: 'Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.' I eagerly look forward to seeing how writers press into this theme here on the blog this month. Thank you, Sandi!
ReplyDelete"Help one person at a time," is such good advice, Brenda. I too think that the key is to do our individual part, and also stand and work together with others.
DeleteThanks for your post, Sandi. It can indeed be overwhelming when we consider the many areas of injustice in the world and can lead us to a place of inaction. But rather than inactivity we need to take a step of faith to make a difference, and then another and then another, just as He has asked us to and just as He has led by example. Lots to ponder.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Sharon, that this topic gives us lots to ponder. And I agree that as we listen to God's prompting and then take that step of faith, God will honor our endeavours.
ReplyDelete