Dear Faith Des Peres Friends,
Julia, Helen, Margaret and I had an amazing time at the Women’s March in Washington, DC. What an incredible experience it was to gather with ½ million people in our nation’s capital to speak out for women’s rights. One of my favorite rally chants was one group shouting, “Tell me what democracy looks like?” and another shouting back “This is what democracy looks like”. And indeed it does. We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to march, chant, vote, debate, and have our voices heard.
The big question after the march is, “Now what?” I’ll admit that I’ve felt overwhelmed this week with the number of calls to action I’ve received through emails, text messages and Facebook. They all seem so urgent, and all of them are important. But realistically, I can’t respond to all of them – time, money, and mental health constraints don’t allow for it! But I can choose one action that is important to me and do something about that. And so can you! No matter where you fall on the political divide, we’re called to act because we’re people of faith. We’re called, as the great prophet Micah said, to be people who “love kindness, do justice, and walk humbly with the Lord”.
This Saturday night, about 15 of us from the church are putting our faith into action by sleeping outside to raise awareness about homelessness. How can you help if you’re not sleeping outside? By showing up Sunday morning to support those of who did by listening to us talk about our experience. Show up! You can also take your action a step further and help assemble kits for the homeless after church on February 5, and you can help distribute them, too. Sign-up here.
Edward Hale once said, “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
DO SOMETHING. Take action. SHOW UP. Be present. Listen. Learn. Help.
All of us can do that.
On behalf of those of us sleeping outside, I ask for your prayers for safety, good weather and comfort. We’re starting at 8pm. Stop by and say “hi”. Join us for a bit. We’d love your company!
I’ll see you in church, right? Right!
Blessings,
Annie