Dear Friends,
I’m writing this on Thursday afternoon, July 17, the fifth anniversary of the death of John Lewis, an icon of the civil rights movement, a notable member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a faithful follower of Jesus.
In 2018, Congressman Lewis tweeted this: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
I am constantly reminded that the work of justice is slow, that the struggles of our forebears can be instructive and inspirational; and that hope, as Bryan Stevenson reminds us, is our superpower because hope is the enemy of injustice.
Even in the dog days of summer, when heat and humidity sap our energy and we start packing in last minute plans and activities before school and normal routines resume, All Saints folks are showing up to pray, to advocate, and to stand for justice. Witness Wednesdays continue through at least August 27 where we join for prayer in Federal Plaza at 12 PM to pray with Episcopalians and others from around Chicago. Two weeks ago, several people walking by stopped to pray with us; an attorney representing a woman who had just been detained asked us to include her name in our litany; and a federal employee thanked us for our presence saying they could hear us in their offices when we sang. Prayer and faithful witness truly make a difference, and it’s been such a meaningful experience for all of us gathered. Join us if you can either in person or by praying with us wherever you find yourself on Wednesday at noon. You can find a link to our prayers in this e-news.
And next Sunday, July 27, I hope you’ll join in with fellow members of United Power for an action on the southwest side, celebrating the construction of homes recently built and sold, and pressing our elected officials to follow through on the commitments they have made to us. We are halfway to our goal of 100 attendees. The sign up can be found in this e-news.
So friends, let’s keep making good trouble through prayer and action knowing that we will continue to show up in the places where we are called to bear witness to injustice and to point out the places where God’s kingdom is breaking in.
All my best,
Courtney+
p.s. Your cards, texts, emails and calls expressing your condolences for the death of my mom last week have truly been a balm to my soul. My deepest thanks and gratitude to all.