This is another one of those issues, which I’m dealing with from two sides. One I’d like to “give up” in today’s Lenten Letter and the other I need to regain focus of.
Which one should I address first? Let me flip a coin and see as we begin this edition of “Becoming Today”.
Okay heads it is, so let’s move forward with our seasonal focus. Today’s letter involves my need to release whatever is preventing me from finding some connection.
Dear Lord,
Well you already know it has taken me quite a while to even get this far in this correspondence. That seems to be something involved in the root of the issue, I’d like to talk through with you today.
I am seeking to give up, whatever it is that is preventing me from finding silence. We’ve recently talked about my battle with “Clouded Vision” and I suspect this momentary loss of quiet is somehow connected.
What am I missing?
What do I need to do to regain the ability to relocate those small still moments of peaceful contact?
Help me to hear what it is I need to progress at this time. I know you are always faithful to your promises, so as you instructed I am casting my anxieties upon you, trusting that I shall be healed.
Thank you Lord, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Love,
Rochelle
As I await my response I now want to address another silence related issue. That is the need for some of us to overcome our remaining in silence on a multitude of issues. We are either part of the solution or part of the problem.
As I alluded to yesterday, we must decide to take action . Stand up for what is right. Shine light onto the darkness that is attempting to restrict us. Then we must take that action. Do it. Publicly.
We all share in the responsibility of being the change we want to see. Of co-creating our world for the better. It’s at the very heart and soul of our shared path. It’s also something that Martin Niemöller, a German theologian and Evangelical Lutheran Pastor, sounded the rally cry for during World War II.
His famous words still echo true:
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
The responsibility to have your voice heard and hold those we elect to have a leadership role in our lives accountable to their own words and statements of faith while ensuring that their actions remain in accord with their sworn duties and publicly expressed beliefs and testimonies is up to us.
The decision is yours. Do you decide to speak now? Or cry out only when they come for you?This is an important reminder, more and more.
Even as we speak officials are coming for us. In ways I never imagined. In fact one U.S. Governor is pushing an agenda that would require anyone who would choose to write about him to be registered with the state government. Simultaneously he is also pushing to attack freedom of the press and derail constitutional protections.
These are scary times but I will not live in fear. I will instead stop biting my tongue and ensure that the lights of Truth and equal justice are shining brightly, protecting all, as they should be.
What issue are you not being heard on? Where should we together be focusing our lights?
Reflect on that and we’ll talk about it more tomorrow on our next edition of “Becoming Today”.
Becoming Today with Rochelle Jeanette 