Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself

The early church rose up against great resistance. Our country was birthed out of protest. Civil rights were afforded as a result of opposition. Makes me wonder, were our forefathers simply radicals, looking for a good fight? Were they predisposed to challenge authority? Were they braver, people of greater conscientiousness, more committed than I? Were their plights more serious than my plight today? O were they more dissatisfied with the status quo of their time?

Harriet Tubman

My questions boil down to this, “Why them and not me?” Have I benefitted from their sacrifice to the extent that I’ve become numb? Have I become so fearful of NOT being politically correct or of NOT being accepted that I’ve grown silent and complacent?

Seems to me that with all of the social injustices looming around every corner, I have a responsibility to take a stand and speak out against wrong, whether I’m personally impacted or not.

Harriet Tubman said, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer… You have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” She was one person with vision and passion who definitely changed the world. So how can we be agents of change? How can we take the first step of the thousand ahead from the simple – standing for right in writings, blog posts, and speeches – to the bold and complex – starting up non-profits to benefit those in need, sharing God’s message of hope, speaking out publicly and purposefully against injustices?

JOHN f. kENNEDY

President John F. Kennedy once said, “But if the time should ever come… when my office would require me to either violate my conscience or violate the national interest, then I would resign the office; and I hope any conscientious public servant would do the same.” How far are you willing to go? What difference will you commit to make?

Bible Verse: He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6::8

Quote: “A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority.”  Henry David Thoreau

Questions: What social injustice is most concerning to you today? What are your thoughts regarding the intersection of Christianity and Social Justice? How might you be an agent of change?