| From Protest to Policy Bishop T.D. Jakes was asked by a reporter “What should we be doing now in the midst of dealing with racism and police brutality.” His basic response was “We need to go from protest to policy.” I understood that to mean we need to put our words and concerns in to action. It does not mean stop protesting or making our points clear with words. For me it means to “walk the talk” as the saying goes. We are called to transform our lives and institutions to reflect justice for all. In light of scripture, we are to love our neighbor -Mark 12:31. We are to act and call for society and institutions to do the same. As Christians we are called to lead by example and not to simple say good words. In moving from protest to policy we are called to put into practice compassion: treating everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness. We are called to act personally in treating everyone with agape love (Agape love is unconcerned with the self and concerned with the greatest good of another. Agape isn’t born just out of emotions, feelings, familiarity, or attraction, but from the will and as a choice. Agape requires faithfulness, commitment, and sacrifice without expecting anything in return.) seeking the others best interest and that they are treated fairly. We need to work to see that our institutions reflect fairness and value the contributions of all peoples. The goal of our lives today is to show forth our oneness. We should celebrate our common humanity, understanding that God came to us in the life and ministry of Jesus for the whole world. May we as Christians hear God’s call to serve him through serving others, and treat everyone with agape love, with respect and justly. Amen. Blessing upon you and the congregation of Pilgrim church, Pastor Ken |
| Blessing upon you and the congregation of Pilgrim church, Pastor Ken |