The second idea that came to mind was how stationary we, as a community of faith, has become. I often find myself talking big and seldom acting in a big manner. I want to change things, but I can't remember the last time I "prayed with my legs." I think that we all get lost in the intensity of our own lives. We forget that the Bible is not something that is to be just read, we have to be mobile with our actions. Heschel said, " You see, God is absent, invisible, and the task of a human being is to represent the Divine, to be a reminder of the presence of God." I think that God would be really disappointed in his representation. I don't know if things will be remarkably better than they were when I started working, but I would like to think that I have fought a good fight, that I have been positive and thought that mankind could change and make a better world. Perhaps this is, as Andrew Younger would say," People's ability to have faith in the midst of persecution and destruction."
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Be the Presence
While reading this week I fell upon two distinct topics that really spoke to my heart. The first was how as I have been reading, I have been shocked at the number of people who fought so diligently for the cause of freedom who get lost in the story of the Civil Rights Movement. I always knew that there were a large number of influential figures who were participated in the marches and protests. I think that Martin Luther King, while he deserves ever second of praise for his efforts, gets all of the attention. I believe that we should also shine the spotlight on the Abraham Heshels, the Rev. Lawsons, the Stokely Carmichaels.
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I agree. I think that we all find ourselves a little (if you'll allow me) "lazy". Not to say lazy in the traditional sense, but I mean lazy in our fighting. We often put these awesome ideas out there, but hardly act. I do this, too. And, if and when we are called upon to act, we are embarrassed or find an excuse, when all we should do is get out there!
ReplyDeletei agree that praying with our legs is definitely something you don't often think about. However, going out there and fighting for justice is the only way to go to see any change. I feel like so many people just sit in church so mad at the world today, but the truth is no one is going to change it unless those christians take responsibility. I agree that Heschel and Rev. Lawsons our huge factors in the civil rights movements, and not many people give them the props they deserve. Great Post Abby!!!!
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