Nourishing Community – Finding Hope in our Community
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. –Hebrews 10:24–25
Let’s face it. This past year has been tough. I have been more politically involved than ever in my life. My awareness of all the really awful things that are happening to our immigrant neighbors has been on overload. I’ve seen the persecutions that our trans neighbors are suffering. And sometimes, it is hard to find the hope. Sometimes I feel like there are so few of us, bonded together, fighting for goodness and love for all people.
Which brings me to No Kings Day 2. It happened last October 18, and my protest chorus was ready to sing at some of the rallies. I booked us for two of them, Ashland and Framingham.
And it was SO powerful. Sure, the singing was great. Having so many of us show up to unite others with song and having rally-goers sing with us. That made my heart happy.
But what nourished my soul was seeing how many of us really care about other people; how many of us were willing to show up and speak out against all of the atrocities happening to our fellow human beings. That was like a big, warm, hug from a LOT of people, most of whom I do not know.
It was just the shot in the arm I needed to nourish me to keep on doing this work. And I am SO looking forward to March 28, which is No Kings 3, when sure, my chorus will sing (probably at several rallies), but more than that, I will be able to feel the love and support of this local community as we come together to stand up for each other. I invite each and every one of you to join me. (And if you come up to me and ask, I will give you a real hug.)
Loving God, thank you for the times when we all come together to show love for each other. May we be a voice for those who are being persecuted.
–Laura Beck