International Human Solidarity Day
Gwendolyn Hawks-Blue, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Co-Chair
Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. -Luke 1:38
Phenomenal! That is the word I use to describe what was being shown on the internet and television. Thousands of people of diverse colors and ethnicities in locations in the USA, Brazil, England, France, New Zealand, Argentina, Kenya, Australia, and other places around the globe joined to express international solidarity under the concept of justice for all. They were marching to protest the heinous killing of an unarmed Black man by a policeman in May of 2020 in the USA and to support the call for justice and equality.
As humankind, we face a precipice in the struggle for affirming all people as persons of worth. We can use this time of riveted attention to intentionally and boldly address the systemic inequities that oppress and harm segments of our society in neighborhoods, cities, towns, states, and nations. This moment is unique also because many of us are becoming more aware of discrepancies in the use of resources that could help poor and disenfranchised people. We each must ask ourselves, “What can I do to bring peace and well-being for all?”
Over my lifetime I have seen actions that help us, globally, move closer to the “beloved community” that Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned. When we see each other as valuable members of the human community, we gravitate toward peace. When we work together to provide quality education, health care, and economic opportunities for all, we foster the wellbeing of everyone. When we join with others in nations across the globe to protect and safeguard the environment, we create a better world for humankind, other creatures, and care for the planet we are blessed to inhabit. My prayer and hope is that we each seize this moment to support, in whatever way we can, international human solidarity in pursuit of good for all.
Prayer Phrase
“Trust what is being born.”
Spiritual Practice
Jesus, the Peaceful One
We have spent this year with a guiding question: Are we moving closer to Jesus, the Peaceful One? As we near the end of this calendar year, we review how this question has been shaping and forming us. In our thoughts, words, and actions, have we been embodying Jesus, the Peaceful One? What might it look like to move closer to Jesus, the Peaceful One as we make space in our lives for Christ incarnate this Advent season?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
