I don’t think I’m alone in admitting that I tend to like to hear myself talk. Sometimes it’s aloud. Sometimes it’s in writing. Sometimes it’s in pictures. I share my opinions on Twitter; my travels on Facebook; and my food and dog pictures on Instagram. I’ve made one TikTok video – but that’s another story.
I don’t think I’m alone in admitting that I like to share my thoughts.
But there are particular times when I think it’s especially important for me to listen to other voices…
On Wednesday, a Kentucky grand jury decided not to file homicide charges in the death of Breonna Taylor.
The Reverend Leila Ortiz, Bishop of the Metropolitan DC Synod, a gifted preacher and teacher, and also a woman of color had this to say:
People still wonder why the Black Lives Matter movement exists.
People still argue that the term is exclusive of other people – “what about me?!”
People still insist the term is political and has no place in the church.
Dear People, Black Lives Matter exists because sin in society has made “common sense” not so common – the Black, Brown, and Indigenous body is human, not property or object to be oppressed, marginalized, displaced and/or killed without consequence. Black Live Matter. Black lives are sacred.
Dear People, Black Lives Matter is not exclusive. It’s actually the opposite for the above mentioned reason. It seems Black, Brown, and Indigenous lives have yet to be recognized within the “human” category. As such it must be made explicit – Black Lives Matter.
Dear People, if we take a step back and look at all the “political” arguments debated, we may notice that human dignity, humane treatment of fellow humans, the care of the poor, homeless, imprisoned, the widow, the least of these…has been politicized for the gain of some and the detriment of others.
To profess Black Lives Matter is not partisan. It’s true. It’s humane. It’s in keeping with God’s not so common sense- with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We lament and grieve each time sin in society confirms what we know in our bodies – Black, Brown, and Indigenous lives do not matter.
May we lean into, work toward, and insists on God’s sense until we do.
I’m listening. And I hope I’m learning.
In Christ, Pastor Jen