An Extra-ordinary Day

Most days are ordinary—I think that’s true for most people.  You get up in the morning and go about your usual activities, whatever those may be.  And then, ever so often, one day stands out as special.  This was true for me on Saturday.  I participated in two events, both related to social justice issues.

I helped organize a small event at my church to uplift the concerns of reconciling ministers in our connectional church while our General Conference met in Florida.  The Conference included delegates from all over the world.  Specifically, we want our church to change its policies and lovingly include GLBT people—as equals, as pastors, as people free to choose whom they love.  We shared breakfast, prayer, a video, liturgy, and conversation.  We didn’t know what to expect—what we got was amazing.  Our group included members of the GLBT community.  The honest sharing and trust, the love in the room—it was truly moving.  Clearly this is just a beginning for our congregation. We are learning what can happen when we are open to God’s love and choose to reflect that love.

The second event was a local march to end the War on Women, sponsored by a local grassroots organization and pulled together at the last minute to coincide with other marches across the country.  About 100 people, including my husband and me, gathered at the Anne Frank Memorial and walked with police escort to the steps of our state capitol building.  Along the way we chanted “Not the church, not the state, women must decide their fate,” “We will remember in November” (the favorite) and many more.  The group included all ages, from children to senior citizens, although it seems there were more older women.  Perhaps that is because we’ve been around long enough to know what we stand to lose—and we can’t believe we are fighting the same battles again.  As we stood together at the capitol, we heard some inspiring speakers.  In addition, a young girl around age 10 asked to share her perspective and eloquently told us how this matters to her generation.  I think we all went home with a renewed determination to fight for women’s rights, to fight for equality.  We will NOT go backwards.

I shared my activities on Facebook and received appreciation and compliments.  However, I really don’t feel I should expect any pats on the back.  I believe I need to work for social justice. . . as a woman, as a Christian, and simply as a human being.  Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Injustice to one is injustice to everyone.”  I could not agree more.