by Rev. Dave Dunn
It goes without saying that most of us are much more than disappointed with the results of November’s election. If it had gone “our way” (and I use that term loosely knowing that we all don’t necessarily feel the same way), we would be relieved to know that, for the most part, our values would be represented by our democratically elected officials. Yet the results are the results; and many of those elected hold values diametrically opposed to the values we hold dear; and therefore, we are unable to find the relief we so desire.
With this election, many of the most vulnerable in our community will now be even more so; and they won’t be looking so much for relief but for real help and assistance. More often than not, we don’t (or can’t) know just who these vulnerable people are. (We can make assumptions, yet our assumptions can be wrong; or they greatly diminish or minimize the breadth of those who need help.)
Since we can’t rely on our elected officials, we must take it upon ourselves to do that work. We must take it upon ourselves to be diligent and intentional about extending our values into the world – extending compassion, fairness, equity, justice, love. And since we don’t know just who might be needing help, we should simply assume that everyone (and that means EVERYONE) needs it. We are empowered to extend this help universally into the world. This is social justice!!!
Social justice isn’t simply lobbying your local officials, canvassing on behalf of candidates or protesting in the streets. It is also extending our values into the world in every moment and in every interaction we have. If we believe in an interdependent and interconnected universe, even our smallest gestures matter - and they make a difference. (In an interdependent and interconnected universe, they can’t not make a difference.) Everything matters.
Most of us will get no relief knowing that our elected officials can’t be counted upon to represent our values - yet we are empowered. We are empowered to create social justice in any way possible. We are empowered to create a better world by extending, extending, extending our values into the world.
Nurture our spirit. Strive for Justice. Transform the world.
