The need for change...

"I tell you the truth," [Jesus] said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
~ Luke 21:3,4

Early morning drive into the city to meet with the Presbytery to be examined as I continue to serve Westminster Presbyterian Church part time in Galveston. The air is cold, but the sky is clear, offering sunlight along my journey. Under several underpasses this morning I noted homeless individuals, trying to find shelter from the colder temperatures. I immediately thought of the times years ago when I would pass out bus tokens to the homeless that would then allow them to ride for 8 hours on a city bus, where they could sleep and stay warm, as long as they didn't bother anyone.

I am deeply convinced that we can only work for change if we love the people we are hoping to help. We can also only help them when we recognize the sacredness they also possess as children of God. These images remind me of the importance of the need for social change and the necessity for us to continue to work to bring these changes about.

I am reminded that daily we are called to be the instruments of the living Christ. In the embodiment of Christ, we are invited to be in solidarity with Christ as well. We are moved to work for social change. Working for this change, to me, means to make visible that which has already been accomplished by Christ himself.

Years ago I began helping those on the street because I felt abandoned by the church during a time in my life when I was really struggling with many things, both personally and professionally. I felt drawn to help others because I had experienced brokenness. Since this time, I have learned that we are to work to make a better world not out of frustration, resentment, pain, or anger. (These can sometimes be catalysts for change.) We are being invited to work for change because we are called to love, forgive and live in gratitude.

We are the embodiment of Christ in a world, that is seeking change.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2019