Salt and Light Volume 1: Discussing Matters of Social Justice
I have been dreaming for a long time of writing a series about social justice. Among my other passions, this is something that just makes my heart beat fast and gives me the urge to motivate compassionate people around the globe to take action.
I want to begin by helping you to prepare your heart for what's ahead. Matters of social justice can be very difficult to stomach, especially if you are new to this space and are just starting to become aware of things going on in our world that can be difficult to process.
So many times we listen to the news or hear a story and we are at a loss for words. The problems in the world can seem so large and overwhelming. Despite the hard facts, I would ask you to consider what role you might play in this story. When we come to terms with matters of social justice, we logically want solutions. Could it be that you are part of the solution? Is God putting a burden on your heart for the oppressed? You may think there is only so much that one person can do, but you’d be surprised at how many opportunities to engage in these matters exist and how many people are part of the movement to bring social change to issues that have been swept under the rug for far too long.
"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Psalm 82:3-4
If you are human and have any compassion in your soul, you will likely have some type of reaction to the things that I am going to share in this series. You may feel angry or overwhelmed. I would be surprised if you didn’t. So, just expect the feelings to come and rest assure, that it’s because you care.
The main question that almost always gets asked it, “How can God allow these things to happen?” I believe the answer lies in our perspective. We can sit back and blame God, say it’s all His fault, and shake our fists in disgust. However, I would ask you to take a moment and consider this: what if YOU are the agent of change that God wants to use to end these atrocities? Maybe God can’t be here in the flesh, but you’re here, present, and able. You can be the voice. You can represent. You can use peaceable means to bring about much needed change and you can recruit other like-minded people to do the same.
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8
Each week I will focus on a different aspect of social justice such as domestic violence or human trafficking. I will tell you stories and share victories. I will tell you about humans just like you that are taking huge strides to end violence against the vulnerable and help impoverished people get on their feet. I will also tell you about some very practical ways for you to also engage. Social Justice is a huge space, but if many people step up, pretty soon we’ll have an army fighting this good fight.