Come Together, Right Now
Do not be daunted by the enormity of world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
- Rabbi Tarfon (1st Century)
How can we make sense of the hundreds of millions who lack a home or seek refuge in distant lands? How do we allow our neighbors to lack nutritious food, drinkable water, free from sexual and physical violence? How do we allow our schools to be shooting zones, desperate families to be separated, and over 3 million children to be victimized into sex and labor trafficking?
Those of us who do advocacy work walk a thin line as it is easy to overwhelm the masses. What I just described is just the tip of the melting icebergs. Pointing to the challenges of injustices in our own and distant lands often leaves others, with a sincere shrug, saying “what can I do?”
This is not meant to ignore the good that we already do in what is within our reach or the many helpers and healers who work tirelessly for the needs of others. Rather, it is a gentle nudge for us to shift our focus to collectively work smarter.
How often do we use our limited time to argue over politics and religious teachings, debating who is right or wrong, who is included or excluded?
We must instead open our eyes to the systemic injustices of our times and use that precious time to replace our arguing with advocacy.
Begin by looking to those in power and pay attention to how they successfully divide us. In doing so, they flourish while we argue over social media and around the dinner table. The only thing that changes is the size of their bank accounts and their reach of power. And those who suffer only suffer more.
Scroll through your own social media posts, reflect on the meaningful conversations you have with others regurgitating what you read or saw from your “reliable” news source or from your limited life experiences.
Just imagine if we better used this time to improve the realities of others.
How might we do this?
When we are presented with the heartbreak of the world, the response must be more than “thoughts and prayers,” although that is still important. We must first seek to listen and understand. The wisdom of the Prayer of St. Francis provides a roadmap.
Second, we must then lead with empathy, avoiding the temptation of judgment. It is easier to cast blame on a marginalized group than to seek ways we can be a part of the solution.
Third, we must seek those helpers who are a few steps down the road. They are experts, guided by listening to those with lived experiences of injustice. We, too, must listen to those who are suffering and simply ask, how can I be in service to you.
No answers are required. It simply requires listening and action. This is very different from the apathy we often exhibit.
So, if you see people starving, seek to understand why. The gift of technology is the access to countless non-profits, honest journalism, and various voices to unpack a situation. (If you don’t know where to start, email me at drjimmywalters@gmail.com, and I can help point you in the right direction).
If you see or hear of an injustice that stirs your heart, stop scrolling or changing the channel, and ask questions. Seek answers and then respond. Pray and reflect, asking God to direct your next steps.
It may require a financial donation, writing letters to those in political power, or engaging in further education. Anything is better than doing nothing.
Just imagine if we all took the time that we use to argue to support our side or to diminish “the other” to instead work toward justice and charity. We could improve so many lives.
We must also be open to being wrong or simply misinformed. In my work at the United Nations, I was quickly humbled in learning that I don’t even know what I don’t know. So, I learned to listen, to surround myself with those who have some answers, and to not underestimate the power of my voice.
When you see the person suffering on the street, and your heart stirs, pay attention. When you read about the financial burden on teachers to provide supplies in their classroom, the lack of care for Veterans, or the 673 million people living in hunger, stop and act. If it is the warming planet, the increase in violence in our schools and communities, or the continuous inching toward nuclear war, this is the time to turn your attention to our brothers and sisters in need.
There is so much uproar over things that matter so very little. For example, in the grand scheme of things, who really cares who is performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show next February? Imagine if we voiced the same outrage toward the suffering of our neighbors and strangers?
I get it, life is hard. As I battle cancer, my energy is less than it once was, and the needs of those within my reach are already great. However, I also sense that as the clock is ticking a bit louder than before, there is an even greater urgency to respond. I wish to leave the world a better place and I know you do, too.
Margaret Mead once wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
I believe we are presented with this opportunity each day to answer the prayers of those in distant and near lands, simply by learning and then acting.
Let’s return to that opening quote- echoing the words of the Prophet Micah- to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Allow God to continue to work through you, knowing it is not our work to complete but it still remains our responsibility.
