Today I want to take a moment to be thankful for those who have fought against oppression and prejudice, and to be challenged by their bravery.
Because men and women stood with Christ in the gap of injustice, my family was made possible.
Because men and women spoke out against mockery. slurs, and character assassination because of the color of someone' skin, my sons can be assured of their worth to one another, to our family, and to Christ.
Because men and women climbed on buses and endured brutal beatings to stand for equality, my family can grow in the comfort of our love for one another.
Because men and women chose non-violence as a way to embody the sacrificial love of Christ for ALL people, my sons will walk through life, hand-in-hand, as brothers.
Because men and women, like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., lived out the truth that "greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (Jn. 15:13)," my family lives securely.
Because of the imperfect but bold faith of men and women like Dr. King, my sons know that they don't have to be perfect in order for Jesus to use them mightily for His Kingdom.
I am grateful for the victories won over injustice, but the fight must continue. As the Body of Christ, we must continue to stand in the gap for those who still feel the sting of prejudice and the oppression of injustice and poverty. There is not a gender, race, or socio-economic class that is outside the loving reach of Christ's victory and freedom...this is why we preach the Gospel to all people (and most importantly to ourselves). This is what we must live out, even on the hard days, even when the fight asks everything of us.
As people of Christ we were reborn to fight for freedom, serving the One who has all the victory. Jesus laid down his life so that we may be reconciled to God and set free from the oppression of our sin.
Church, let us stand with Christ and the men and women who make up our rich heritage, and boldly declare through our words and actions that we are a people of liberty and of life. Run to those who are suffering and perishing with the open arms of Christ. Live as living sacrifices, as those who have sacrificed before us, so that all people can know the freedom and security that we know through our Savior.
