Don't Give Up: You Can Make a Difference
“I am furious/frustrated/horrified, but what can I do?”
With clients, friends, even strangers, I have been hearing this again and again over the last 17 plus months and that anguish has risen significantly since the inhuman policies of the Trump administration were instituted several weeks ago. Policies which criminalize families fleeing for their lives; who came to this country seeking asylum. As a result, children are being taken, kicking and screaming, from their parents and ‘stored’ like objects to be used in furthering a political agenda. No one is allowed to touch them – to comfort them. God is so pissed off right now. And so am I.
No matter your political views, this is about treating people with respect and compassion. It's about humanity.
Here’s what we can do…
ADVOCACY
I know it is daunting, but it really works. Contact your representatives to encourage them to act or support them if they are aggressively addressing these issues. For information on how to do this go to the Faith Action Network site (see below). Not only will they give you step by step tools for how to be an advocate for change, they also promote events that support these critical issues.
GET CONNECTED, STAY INFORMED OR FIND AN EVENT
Faith Action Network (FAN) is a statewide interfaith advocacy nonprofit organization through which thousands of people and over 120 faith communities across Washington State partner for the common good. Together, we are a powerful voice of the faithful building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. They offer information about upcoming legislation, advocacy and education on social justice issues. They give you the tools you’ll need to have your voice heard. Here’s a good place to start: Advocacy ToolKit
The Church Council of Greater Seattle has its roots in the worldwide ecumenical movement which began to flourish in the early 20th Century. The Seattle Federation of Churches was formed in 1919, and this ultimately became the Church Council of Greater Seattle. Over the years the Council has embraced all denominations and many interfaith partners. It has also developed a distinctly activist character in keeping with the Pacific Northwest’s pioneering spirit and the Christian call for compassion. Website
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) For almost 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. ACLU Website
Follow groups/people on Facebook and Twitter like: www.familiesbelongtogether.org www.Familiesbelong.org and follow @WomenBelong, @RepJayapal or @ECMclaughlin on twitter.
Americans of Conscience by Jennifer Hofmann: She writes weekly actions for positive change so Americans of conscience can get engaged in their democracy. Every week, you can help make a positive difference in our country by sharing your values and advocating for issues that matter. See website.
JOIN THE NATION-WIDE PROTEST
June 30, 2018: Watch for one in your area.
GIVE WHERE YOU CAN
Find an organization you trust and put your money where your heart is. Even a few dollars a month adds up when we do this together.
HAVE AN ONLINE PRESENCE
Use your social media to share information and raise awareness. Martin Luther posted his concerns about the church on a door because that is where
JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP
If you would like to get together for encouragement and a safe place to speak, I am offering support groups through The Heart’s Way Home at no cost. Email me at heartswayhome@gmail.com
IF YOU ARE SO INCLINED…PRAY
Chances are if you are part of a faith community, they are already setting up gatherings for prayer. If not, I have attached a prayer vigil you can do at home.
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’…‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31
For me, the bottom line is this.
I refuse to be part of a modern-day holocaust.
I will not be silent.
I will not give up
and I will love my neighbor;
no matter their sexual orientation,
no matter their gender identity,
no matter their skin color,
no matter their country of origin.
I invite you into the conversation and ask that responses be respectful, intelligent and well thought out. In return, I promise to hear what you have to say with an open heart and curious mind. Peace.
