GREENSBORO – U.S. Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis said, “With God we will find a way when there is no way.” He advocated that we “find a way to get in the way. When you see something that is not fair, not right, or not just, you must have the courage to stand up, to speak up and find a way to get in the way.” Lewis said Rosa Parks was a good example of doing just that.
Words are not always needed to find a way or to get in the way. Sometimes silence or prayer can open your heart and connect you to where God is leading you. Prayer helps, but mostly when taken into action. Because God wants all creation to know grace, mercy and justice, you may find God is out getting in the way and leading you to places where people are hurting. By getting close to those hurting places and giving what is needed to alleviate suffering, you find God cheering you on.
While I am troubled by leaders and policies that want to make it okay to be mean, to be cruel and to deprive others of their basic human rights, I am also heartened by the people working together to tend to those who are bearing the brunt of cruelty and deprivation.
When we meet and talk with migrant workers, we learn together how to respond to crises of justice. When we source healthy food and share it with families, pantries and at gatherings, we fulfill God’s desire for all to be safe and fed. When we make a visit to those who are lonely or left out, we connect in our common humanity.
When we march together to resist injustice, we carry on what Christ did in his work. His mercy, generosity and loving kindness did not stop him from getting in the way at times. Consider how he went to Jerusalem to take action where the Roman Empire was suppressing God’s people.
We can do simple things that are generative and nourishing for the future; such as feeding the soil. What is generative in response to people’s concerns? Encouragement, showing interest, being as generous as possible to those in need.
Whether you trust that with God we will make a way when there is no way, or follow your heart and use your hands in places where people are hurting, you are part of making the way forward.
Reverend Ed Sunday-Winters
Reverend Ed Sunday-Winters is the pastor of the Greensboro United Church of Christ.
