06-02-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 2, 2020
Scripture: Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Thought for the Day: I assume that if life can flow from us, so can something else… something that is far from life-giving. I appreciated the recent Op-Ed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The imagery of this paragraph really stood out to me:

I don’t want to see stores looted or even buildings burn. But African Americans have been living in a burning building for many years, choking on the smoke as the flames burn closer and closer. Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible — even if you’re choking on it — until you let the sun in. Then you see it’s everywhere. As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands. But we have to stay vigilant, because it’s always still in the air.

Racism and bigotry are like dust in the air, and though we may not see this dust, we are choking on it. Light has allowed us to recognize it a bit more clearly, especially those of us who are not directly impacted by racism and bigotry. Outside of a few very sick individuals, everyone is currently outraged and heartbroken, but we’ve been here before…only to see the passion diminish when something else grabbed our attention. There will be something else, but just because our attention has been drawn away does not reduce the “choking hazard” of hate that permeates every part of life. Vigilance is necessary, especially those of us who believe in the power of nonviolent resistance as the tool for real and lasting transformation. Anything else might bring change, but it won’t have the permanence that we all seek.

Prayer: You have created us, Holy God, as agents by which life can be shared. For too many, life has been taken from them – emotionally, economically and physically. Use us however you see fit, and as you give us the Spirit of life, we shall share it in such a way that the springs of life shall flow in the streets, neighborhoods, businesses, courthouses, government buildings and even your churches. It is in the name of Jesus Christ that we pray. Amen.

---

TOMORROW
Wednesday

Prayer Times
For & From The Centrum

11am & 7pm

---

---

via WordPress https://ift.tt/3drqF3m