I was so inspired by the unity and messages communicated through the Women’s Marches yesterday across the world. Yes, of course there were some messages at some of the marches that I did not agree with, but by and large I saw hundreds of thousands of people who rejected the negativity and hatred we have seen far too much of. Yesterday, women and men gathered together to proclaim tolerance, life, inclusion, love, unity, equality, justice, mercy, respect, diversity, kindness, and peace.
People marched for so many reasons. Some people showed up because they want to ensure their daughters and granddaughters continue to have the rights women have fought for in our country over the past couple of centuries. Some marchers went to be a voice for those who fear daily discrimination, abuse, deportation, and being marginalized. Some were motivated by their faith in Jesus who taught us to love our neighbor (especially the neighbors who are different from us), welcome the stranger, and show hospitality to all.
This morning, one of the readings we read in church was from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in which Paul urges the Corinthians to stop their disagreements and focus on the unity they share in belonging to Jesus and sharing the good news of Jesus’ sacrificial love. Paul wrote, “Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Friends, there is far more that unites us than divides us!
Whether or not you agree with the messages or the tactics of the Women’s Marches, I hope we can all agree that each of us needs to be more active in bringing about the kind of world we want to see. Let’s spend less time complaining on social media about our political leaders, the media, the protestors, etc., and more time loving our neighbors, trying to understand the perspective of someone different than us, caring for those who are in need in our communities, and taking action to create systemic and sustainable changes in our communities, our country, and around the world.
I have some concrete things in mind that I’m planning to do in the upcoming weeks and months- things to try to fill the world with the love, grace, and compassion Jesus showed everyone. I encourage you to make a list of actions you can take to make a difference in issues that are important to you.
May we keep gathering together.
Be a voice for those who don't have a voice in our society.
Show acceptance, grace, and mercy to everyone no matter who they are, what they look like, what they believe, or where they are from.
Take action. Keep moving forward.
And most of all, keep loving everyone.
