I think it’s important to consider that after we deal with the issue of racism and white supremacy in our own hearts, homes, churches, and in the world, we need to stay in our own lanes in the effort to fight white supremacy, injustice, and racism. God has gifted each and every one of us with our own strengths and weaknesses. We all have gifts that can be used to fight injustice. We must understand that we have a role to play, and I am here to help guide and encourage you to act out what God has planned out for you.
Reminder: Our role might not look like our neighbors role, but it is still vitally important.
Hear me say (or type) this: your role is necessary, it is needed, it is valid, it is important, and it is impertinent that you realize this now sooner than later. The job that God has placed you in, is intentional. The church God has placed you in is intentional. The area God has placed you in, is intentional. The school God has placed you in, is intentional. The people that God has placed around you, are intentional. The gifts God has placed in YOU are intentional.
“ There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Have you noticed that every single part of your body is uniquely created to perform a specific function? Every single part was specially crafted to do a specific thing. I am in awe of how much God cares for you and me just by seeing how He allows for our bodies to be so well functioning, separate but whole at the same time. It’s the same picture for us. No body part is more important than the other but we need all of them. Together they make up who you are, and as a Christian your role is a vital part in the body of Jesus Christ.
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8
Not everybody will be a T.D. Jakes, Michael Todd, Jackie Hill Perry, or Pricilla Shrier. And that’s okay. You must walk in your own purpose because you were placed there “on purpose.” Your role is not small at all, I don’t believe in such a thing as “small influence”. If your effort and obedience is great then your influence by default will be large. Not large in a sense of following or numbers, or sales, or views, but in a sense that you are collecting what I like to call “Kingdom coin”. Yes honey, your coins in the kingdom are RACKING UP! You got stacks laid up for you in heaven not because you were recognized on earth, but simply because you were recognized where it is most important: in Heaven by our Father.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6
God wants you to be present, active, and obedient in your calling no matter what human sees you because there are people attached to you obedience. There are people who you were called to influence. And it is a disservice to yourself, them, and the Lord to disregard that. Your influence on them is what keeps us in rhythm with God’s plans for this earth.
How this is visualized (basic concept):
Let’s look at this quickly in the eyes of our current situation. We have a square (this is a very basic illustration used to simplify a nuanced idea, you can add or switch out areas depending on job title, spiritual gift, etc) with four points (or vertices, hope you’re proud of me Mr. Thomas!): heart conversations, political advocacy, social media education, prayer. In the center is God.
God is in the midst of all of these things, He wants to use His people to be advocates for the kingdom. Even though we should be doing all of these things in our own ways, God has gifted or anointed each one of us in a certain way to have the most impact where we are at. For example, we are all called to have “heart conversations” and build relationships with those around us, but there may be some of us who know that the Lord has called this to be our primary focus. Not that everyone shouldn’t be doing this, but some may be more divinely blessed to start conversations through the day to day, build platforms for conversation, be bridge builders in their own community etc.
The same for each of the other areas: there are some who have a particular propensity toward political activism; whether that means becoming a politician or pushing for change. In spite of this we should all fight against injustice through voting and be up to date on certain things happening in the political sphere of our country. Then there are some who have a heavy focus on social media, even though we all can post and educate, there are some who have a certain flair or knack to posting and creating graphics that are meaningful and attractive to the eye. Then there are some who feel called to prayer, although this can be a tricky one if not discerned correctly, because a lot of Christians have caught flack for only praying and not doing anything. But I believe intercessors to have a role as well, prayer is an important aspect of our lives as Christians, we should be conversing with God and listening to what He has to say. We should all be praying. And those of us who who are gifted in prayer should also practicing the other three. Intercession ,just like other spiritual gifts, should be used and stewarded well.
So step into your role. Walk boldly into what God has called you to, this applies to all areas of life, fighting against injustice is included. Don’t let your cry grow silent because it seems as if the media has. Take action through these simple steps: get to know God for who He is, ask for a desire to know His heart, ask Him how He has uniquely crafted you as a solution to the problem, and then step out in faith and walk in it WITH God alongside you. You have all that you need, you just need to redirect your focus my love.
Be strong, be very courageous, and know that the Lord is with you when it’s uncomfortable and scary. Seek Him about what He wants for you but don’t be afraid to walk through fear to get to the finish line. Don’t be afraid to keep moving forward even when you feel afraid. You can feel something and not let it control you. Ultimately we should work to be obedient to God not our emotions. It’s important to listen to God and become attuned to His voice. Let Him direct you not your fear. I believe in you. You can and you will do and be all that God has called you to do and be bro/sis. Go get it.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. -Ephesians 2:10
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29: 11-13
Grace and Peace,
Kaitlin ❤
she who abides. 