We tell ourselves that we need a break from the tragedies of Buffalo, Texas, and Tennessee, so we channel indifference in the name of self-care. Suddenly, we are consumed by our own issues, and it becomes difficult to see outside of our own experiences.
We forget about the anger and the outrage we had. We forget about the promise we made to ourselves that this would be the last time this had to happen. Maybe there’s too much to be angry about. Racism, xenophobia, abortion, prison systems, educational systems, euthanasia, poverty… it all seems like too much. It’s easier to believe that it’s someone else’s job. Maybe someone with more money, influence, and power.
Where does that leave the average human person? Maybe we post something on Instagram to show our support for the antiracism movement, or we finally tell that family member that it’s not okay to use a racial slur. Isn’t there more? It doesn’t seem like enough.
The anger goes away as new headlines occupy space. We forget, and we move on.
We need to add fuel to that righteous anger again. We need to open our eyes to the injustices and do what Christ did… turn to the suffering with compassion. Suffering was never an inconvenience for Jesus. Our brothers and sisters’ suffering should not inconvenience us either. Where did that anger go? Is working for justice an inconvenience to our lives? Or just a loud interruption once in a while? I hope you get angry and feel sorrow.
Those emotions are all good reminders that your heart is working correctly and it’s time for you, time for us, to do something.
Below are some ways you can continue to get involved.