Editorial Reflections

One little thing builds momentum for justice

 

Are we learning every day to be silenced, hopeless and overwhelmed?

Every day it's worse. The gaunt faces, thin arms, listless children, empty bowls, and shooting of those scrambling for food in another part of the world.

Every day in this part of the world, someone else fired from a needed government role—be it the forest service, national parks, weather stations or emergency management.

Every day, there's a new illegal action undermining the Constitution, the historical records in museums, the integrity of universities, the freedom of speech.

Every day, someone else is nabbed off the streets right here to disappear, another lawsuit raises a challenge, another injunction is denied, another lawsuit is filed.

Everyday, we see an onslaught of the made-for-reality-TV assaults of decency, diverting our heads this direction and that.

Every day, I feel helpless, but . . .

Every day, I can donate to trusted faith and nonprofit agencies to provide food, shelter, health care, hope to people.

Every day, I can donate to trusted faith and nonprofit groups that challenge illegal activities of our government.

Many days, I can join a protest.

Every day, I can write a letter, join an organization.

Every day, I can keep informed by journalists who thwart the threats to tell the truth.

Every day, I can care for someone, do self care and take time to pray.

As I keep connected to my family and faith community locally, regionally, nationally and globally, I am reminded that every little bit counts.

Daily, I read of the World Council of Churches—as one group—and the myriad of issues on which they are speaking out and making a difference. Their actions remind me that my little actions today will add up with the actions of my congregation, my community, my colleagues and my global connections to have an impact.

We can rant and rail. We can feel hopeless. We can give in to being overwhelmed. We may want to run away but, remembering we are not alone, we need to ask: What is one thing I can do today?

Watching a recent PBS program on Berlin, I was reminded of conditions when I visited East and West Berlin in 1985. I remember seeing the white side of the wall, where speaking out was ostensibly denied where family and friends ratted on each other to receive a perk.

I remember seeing the colorful, creative graffiti on the other side express the people's will for peace, justice and freedom.

I remember that despite the blank East side of the wall, people met in churches and spoke honestly with each other. I remember their commitment to peace, justice and freedom.

They did not want a dictator. They kept up the momentum until they—not the Russian leader, Gorbachev—were able to tear down the wall because the repressive dictators could not withstand the momentum of their movement.

We need to keep the faith, and with God's help to keep on working, to know we are not alone and to act on our call to love our neighbors.

Mary Stamp - editor