“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm,
therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way
you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 5:2, 6:2, 6:9
Dear Caldwell,
Unthinkable.
That is among the many words and emotions stirring in me this morning.
Last night’s election outcome has stunned our nation, on “both sides of the aisle.” Each of us receives it according to our personal experience. It is unthinkably painful for some of us – for women, for African-Americans, for immigrants, for LGBT people, for Muslims and any other group our president-elect has dehumanized. It is unthinkable – and ill-advised – for any form of government to be as one-sided as it appears America will be for a while.
But above being Republican, Democrat or Independent, we are, first and foremost, people of God. That is our primary identity today, just as it was yesterday. What does that mean?
In his Letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul calls us to continue “to stand for freedom, to not submit again to a yoke of slavery” and to “bear one another’s burdens.” Paul’s words ring true in a special way for us this morning. Now – or in time perhaps – they can inspire us to persevere, to stand guard against any yokes – old or new – that might be placed on the shoulders of the vulnerable. Paul calls those of us with power and privilege to “stand firm” in solidarity to any who would be unjustly oppressed.
As people who are in Christ, Paul also calls us to “bear each other’s burdens.” For any minority group – anyone, really, who is not a white, straight male – today’s outcome brings dismay, discouragement and disillusionment. So to “bear each other’s burdens” means for white folk to bear the burden of racial minorities today, for men to understand the bitter disappointment that many women (young and old) feel today, for American citizens to show empathy for those seeking safety in America, for straight folk to empathize with the fear and uncertainty our LGBT sisters and brothers feel. It also means we must do our best to understand what’s behind the sense of disenfranchisement that led so many to make this electoral choice. To do all of this is to bear witness to our God of eternal hope.
Here are a few ways we can come together in community and empathy:
- Tonight at 6 p.m. Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church (3435 Nevin Road, Charlotte, NC 28269, USA) invites us for prayer and communion in a community service.
- Saturday 4-6 p.m., Caldwell and St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church will co-host a “family conversation” about where we go from here. This replaces the viewing of the movie “Birth of a Nation” we had planned with St. Luke, offering instead a chance to hear differing perspectives and viewpoints on how this election feels and what we can do next to bear witness to Christ in a divided nation. Belk Hall, refreshments included. Other congregations will be invited.
- On Sunday, 5-6:30, Myers Park Baptist Church hosts the Rev. Dr. William Barber in an event where the Caldwell Gospel Choir will sing as well. More details online here. https://mpbconline.org/event/rev-dr-william-barber/
As important, we can use our arms and legs to bring hope to a deserving family on Saturday, which happens to be our Habitat for Humanity build day. We will be working at 2928 Ross Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208 and our scheduled task is installing siding on a home for Jit, Dut and their children. You can sign up here with group ID: 1014.
May the Lord be with you there.
In Christ,
John