Jesus calls us to more, always more.

 

(This poem was written specifically thinking about people who land up living away from their homes or are without homes, people always on the move who find places to live and sleep in many different spaces. Many people would prefer they were not there and so they are often treated very badly by citizens, security personnel and the police. I am aware that not every poor person is jobless, homeless or without hope. But Jesus calls us to care for the poor, the lonely, the sick, those in prison, the fatherless and the widows. Let's change things around. Let's lift people up. Let's create next steps and build a new future together that we have yet to see. There's lots to solve, resolve, sacrifice, rebuild and make new. Let's keep going and keep hope alive.)

 Them and us.
Does that sound like Jesus?

Always begging. Always wanting something.
Watch out! Be careful!
They only understand violence.
My wrist hurts from the slap I just gave.
They picked the wrong person today.
I‘ll show them!
Don’t come and try that here!

Does that sound like Jesus?

The poor you will always have with you
Weary, hungry and maybe smelly.
A reminder to always care
To always be aware.

Don’t turn the other way.

Them and us
Does that sound like Jesus?

Good news! Good news!
Read all about it.
Hear all about it.
See all about it.
It’s good news. Good news.
It's for the here and now.

The poor you will always have with you
Tired, abused, cast aside.
A reminder to always care
To always be aware
Commissioned to share.

Them and us.
Does that sound like Jesus?

From the shore
He calls us to more.
Deeper and deeper
And deeper still.

Good news – read it, hear it, see it, feel it
Celebrate it
Let it be seen, heard, tasted, felt and smelt.

The poor you will always have with you
Jobless, maybe homeless, sometimes hopeless
A reminder to always care
To always be aware
Commissioned to share.

Choose compassion over convenience.
Choose cheer over fear.
Let’s not leave Jesus hungry or thirsty.
Be filled – let’s find you some food.
Thirsty and cold? Let’s get some coffee.
Do you take sugar and milk?
Do you need some warm clothes or a blanket?
Can I kneel and wash your feet,
Out here on the street?

Represent the King and represent him well.
Generous and some more
He always calls us to more.
Bring light
Bring life
Be his hands and feet on the street.

Did they pick the wrong person today?
Don’t turn the other way.
Stop to talk
Come close, embrace body and soul.

The poor you will always have with you.
Addicted, confused and maybe sleeping on the streets
A reminder to always care
To always be aware
Commissioned to share.

There are things to do.
Always something we can do.

The poor you will always have with you
Men, women, children and babies
Sickness, violence, hurt and shame
A reminder to always care
To always be aware
Commissioned to share.

Re-humanize.
Open your eyes.

The image of God on display
Restoring dignity everyday
Restoring choice
Releasing power
To empower
The next step
A brighter future
Filled with hope
God comes near
Go in peace
Eased of pain.
Clothed in love.
Warmed to the heart.

(Graffiti picture taken at St.Alban's Primary in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape from an Isuzu sponsored event. Artist signature is visible.)

Empowerment through choice

I was recently invited by a friend to speak at an event. It was a Mom’s night out with the title ‘Diva Feva’ and my brief had been to share on safety as I work in the field of safeguarding children. But with the spin of using the title of the evening that being ‘Diva’s’ we feel powerful and in charge, but not everyone has that luxury, and to be aware of those around us, like children and other vulnerable groups of people. Niqui Cloete Barras was hosting the evening and using her vast talent to entertain through song, comedy and fun activities. I had sat and thought about how I was going to turn my normal talk on safety and child protection into something that works for this particular evening and what normally could take about an hour and a half now needed to be put into a 15 minute talk. Hah! Not so easy.

But, about a week before the event everything fell into place due to a number of different conversations listened to in person and online. A thread emerged that could make sense with the evening theme, talking on protection and empowerment of the vulnerable and something encouraging for the Mom’s to take away and implement in their everyday lives. I thought to share the talk on my blog too.

We use the word empower quite easily and frequently. I have it in my vison for Pilot My Future – Empowered Youth. Transformed Nation. The name Pilot my Future comes from the heartbeat behind the organization of allowing young people to see that they have agency over their lives. They have the power to choose and that choices they make now will impact their futures, and will ultimately help them to 'fly their planes or crash somewhere'. We want to inspire them to make good and wise choices and to 'fly' well in their lives.

I think we would all agree that the word Diva carries a certain power in it. (And yes it has positive and negative definitions if you look on the web.) We certainly are all special and important in this world and we were aware of the fun aspect of the title for the night. The invite was pretty powerful by inviting all dazzling, incredible, vivacious and amazing Mothers for a glamourous evening of song, comedy and fun with Niqui. But, I pointed out that we should be aware of people who might not think that about themselves or to be able to be that without maybe a little or a lot of help from others.

Recently a few conversations and comments from different people had caused me to think deeply and had really lit a light bulb for me around the word empower.

The dictionary says this about empower, “it’s to give someone the authority or power to do something or to make someone stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.”

But ultimately we can put all of that to someone, but in order for it to happen, they need to take the action themselves. “If it is to be, it is up to me!” a well known quote by William Johnsen.

One of our offerings at Pilot My Future is the Protective Behaviours programme which is teaching and giving children and teens knowledge and skills in personal safety. We give them the tools to look out for themselves in our sometimes very unsafe world. But we work with the parents in the same area because children do not have the same levels of power in this world as adults do, hence why abuse so often involves children or those who are vulnerable for other reasons. So we work together, hand in hand, using the whole village to raise and protect our children. As children grow, so does their power in the world. They have a voice, but they just need to learn to use it. Protective Behaviours is a 10 week course and on the one week we teach the safety continuum which is all about different stages of safety that we experience through our feelings - safe, fun to feel scared (roller coaster ride), risk on purpose (having a necessary injection or going to the dentist) and unsafe. We would have already taught the lesson on our early warning signs which are basically the autonomic bodily reactions we experience when we are scared or excited. With each stage we look at how choice, control, time limit and early warning signs interact.

When feeling safe we feel good and probably will have no early warning signs playing out. In all the other spaces there will be early warning signs, but we need to ask ourselves why they are present. “What is going on? Why do I have early warning signs?” Sometimes I have chosen to feel scared or I am feeling scared because of something like the dentist, but I have choice and control and I know there’s a time limit involved, so I can talk with someone or do some self regulating exercises to feel calm and safe again.

However I would be in the unsafe space when I have no choice and control, there is no known time limit and I have many early warning signs. I either need to get away from what is causing this or find someone on my safety network to talk with so I can work towards feeling safe again.

We cannot guarantee actual safety to anyone in our world, but we can always work with the feelings of safety.

Now think back to lockdown and how choice, control and time limit played out there. Personally I felt it was necessary for them to do what they did, but think where we landed on the scale - we were sitting in the unsafe space with no end in sight, so no wonder there were high levels of anger, frustration and anxiety - all our early warning signs were on high alert. There was lots of trauma and people talking about their rights - all because people wanted choice.

I was recently in a discussion on homelessness and one of the people at my table was a man by the name of Phinius Sebatsane. He reminded us of the statement, ‘beggars should not be choosers!’ which has been used on repeat by way too many people in our world. And then he said if you take choice away you are no longer human! That sat with me. So often in our world we have dehumanized people in an effort to make them seem less important or not important at all because it releases us from any obligation or need to reach out and help. People have been called names like cockroaches, insects, monkeys and beasts in an effort to remove humanity from them. It makes it easier to exert control over them, but when we dehumanize others we lose some of our humanity in the process. Taking choice away is part of the dehumanizing and oppressing process of people and it creates a huge power imbalance. An example of a simple way to bring choice back into the equation of helping those who live on the street would be to offer 2 types of food or to give clothing vouchers so that they can choose from clothing to be given to them, instead of just receiving someone elses’s choice.

Then I was listening to Danielle Strickland sharing live on Instagram just before she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro last week with World Vision. It was in connection with Change Agents in Africa and the Chosen Campaign where people from the West (like her) say they are willing to partner with Africa with the gifts they have and to help the change agents (children) to bring about change in their community. The children are then given pictures of the willing partners and they have ‘Chosen parties’ where the change agent child gets to choose who they want to partner with.

She goes onto explain that the origin of poverty is disempowerment, when people can’t choose. So, one way to start to combat poverty is to choose and create meaningful and good choices.

That choice then has ripple effects for other people who realise they can’t live without partnerships in this world because we need each other to see all there is to see or to be in this world.

So choice and empowerment go hand in hand. Think of little kids and their favourite word being no. Often they are wanting to bring some choice and control into their little worlds. So let’s bring choice back even in small ways and maybe we won’t hear the word no so often. We can give choice of food or clothing - this or that? Making good choices takes practice. We can’t expect good choices if someone is never given the opportunity for practice. And one good choice leads to another.

If we look at Erikson’s developmental stages we see autonomy vs shame and doubt in the 1-3 year old phase. This builds power in independence followed in the next stages by initiative, self confidence, identity, intimacy, relationships and family. Those steps are all important and get messed up without basic choice being factored in. Giving choice restores dignity and humanity and it builds confidence and power.

This also reminds me of teenagers who no longer want our choice of clothing for a gift but they would rather have a voucher or money so that they can choose for themselves. It’s a gaining power and confidence part of growing up. There were a group of younger ladies in the room all nodding their heads to this comment. Even for ourselves we would probably appreciate the gesture if someone bought us clothing and says they have left the slip in the packet and that we are welcome to exchange it if we would like to. 

“I choose to. It’s my idea” is a very empowering statement to make and lift us out of feeling sorry for ourselves and any victim mentality too. Just think that washing dishes does not have to be that we have to do it or are forced to do it. We can flip it around and make it our choice. We even had choice at the event we were at as the invite had said that dress-up was optional. I chose to do it because I love the opportunity for dress-up fun.

One more note about choice. We do not want to mess with it and abuse it because we will land up losing it and find life having more restrictions. There are always consequences for our choices. Let’s make them positive ones and keep freedom of choice alive. We will continue to empower ourselves and those around us.

A new commandment of love

 

It’s been niggling at me for a while when I see a follower of Jesus speak out on certain matters with no love in their voices or actions. Sin seems to be the only focus and the greatest commandments seem to have been forgotten about. These commandments supercede all other commandments. I decided to look at them across the 4 gospels for some better understanding. There are a few small differences in each gospel, but same focus and clarity.

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. (first seen in Deut 6:4-9) And the second is like it: “love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34
To love others as he loves us. That’s a big standard to live by. So how does he love us? It’s a big love, deep and wide and high. It's a sacrificial love, with the cross offering redemption and a permanent solution for a way back to God.

The most important commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-34
”You are not far from the kingdom of God.” was his response to the man asking him questions when he repeated back the wisdom Jesus had just explained. It certainly gives us a window into what the kingdom is all about.

The same verses are repeated as from Mark 12, with the ending statement of ‘do this and you will live and then it is followed by the story of the good Samaritan, with the question being asked “who is my neighbour?” The story follows with the next question being who was a neighbour to the man in need? The answer being, “the one who had mercy on him”, with the command to go and do likewise.
Luke 10:27

When our focus is on only/either half of these 2 commandments, it leaves us unbalanced and we are not being representative of the kingdom of God.
The Kingdom of God is not about one liners, or parts. It’s holistic and there’s always more.

Only focusing on God’s commands in regards to sin, without loving people is not ok.
Only focusing on God’s commands in regards to loving our neighbor, without taking sin seriously is not ok.

We seem to be missing the balance. We seem to either have harsh truth or love without truth.

You will hear many repeating that we should speak the truth with love and grace, but the words and actions that follow do not add up.

My thoughts go around the first and greatest commandment – if we are loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength then the rest will flow from there. It’s always God first, then an often missing piece is loving yourself as a child of God and getting your identity sorted, then it moves from there to loving others (as you love yourself! Loving as a child of the King, with the same love he has loved you with, so it’s loving like him – the whole of Him – the truth, the justice, the peace, mercy, grace, redemption and holiness etc etc) - with all the backing of the first 2 parts. If we are loving God with everything in us, then we are going to be dealing with our sin and stuff and we are going to be hearing him as to what steps to take and what to do and how to love people and live in this world.

Psalm 34 says if I seek him, he will answer and he will deliver me from all my fears. If I look to him I will be radiant and my face will never be ashamed. He will save me out of my troubles. Taste and see that he is good. Blessed is the person who takes refuge in him. I will not need to fear and he will bless me with good things.

Do we see radiance and goodness and no shaming, blessing and goodness coming out of the mouths of those who speak on behalf of God and his Kingdom? Will we be drawing all people to him if we are not offering a space of no shame and condemnation, of goodness, grace and mercy and provision and peace and freedom from fear and anxiety. That’s the kingdom I stand for and want to be a part of. A place of hope. A place of forgiveness from my wrong choices. A place of redemption. A place of turning from lack and dread and death to life and peace and hope. And yes, I know it’s still a choice, but let’s at least show the kingdom in all its fullness and brilliant, shining radiance and not offer something that’s the opposite or less than that. God draws people towards him with his loving kindness. 

FOUND

 In our weekly online church prayer meeting this week, the very first pointer to pray for was our Country, our metro and our City of Gqeberha. My time landed up focusing on this alone.

The words lost and found suddenly dropped into my spirit. More the word ‘found’, and this sent me on a bit of a discovery of thoughts and Scriptures.

We have seen and experienced much loss in South Africa right from its very foundations. But God is always the God of redemption. He turns things around. He makes what wasn’t into what is. We might be lost through wrong actions through the years, but he will make us found. May SA be found in a way it has yet to be found. We know God sees. May we be found. Found in His loving hands, with his tender eyes of mercy on us. Right now our country is literally groaning in huge distress and people are suffering in all spheres. But the most vulnerable will always be the worst affected.  May we play a part in the process of finding others, so that they too may be found.

LOST - When we think of something/someone who is lost – what have we forgotten? What/who have we left behind? What are we not seeing? What/who have we stopped caring about? Did we go back to look for them/it? Did our focus shift rather towards getting something new and forgetting about the person/thing that is lost? Will we engage in this thought process and look back and find out if there’s something we can do to remedy this oversight? Is there a redemptive thread here that can facilitate us all being found?

Luke 15:10 We have all been lost and then found.

The lost sheep, lost coin and lost son were 3 parables Jesus used to show his redemptive power, but they came on the back of Jesus being accused by his disciples of meeting with sinners, of being welcoming to those who were lost and outcast.

May that be the accusation levelled at us too! May we be found in the places where Jesus chose to go. To the people he chose to spend time with.  May we remember that we carry that redemptive, death overcoming, life giving power as we go into our world and love people and help them to be found by the love we are carrying in our hearts. The love and welcome of Jesus that extends to every person who is made in his image. We have got excited and been so encouraged in our faith by seeing the welcome of love extended by Lebanese Christians to Syrian refugees. May we be found there too, extending that loving welcome right here in our own City.

FOUND

Jeremiah 15:16 ESV – Your words were found, and I ate them. And your words became to me a joy and a delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

What are those words we have found of Jesus that would bring joy and delight to us and our world and to him? What does he say? He certainly speaks of action – Go into all the world (close and far). Keep looking, keep seeing, keep searching, keep seeking, keep loving and caring. Keep being salt and light.

How will we be found? Gen 18:26 Will we be found as one of the righteous that God searches for that could cause the redemption of a City or a country because of their way of living for God? Where will he find us? What will we be found doing for the kingdom? Will we be found living like Jesus did? And maybe taking some flack and sacrifice for it?

You know where I am God. I am found by you. Help me to go help others be found too.
You know where our City is. You see South Africa. Remember us. See us. Bring redemption. Help us to partner with you. May we be your hands and feet, eyes, ears and mouth. Let us remember that sometimes we pray for solutions, and sometimes we land up with the answers right in front of us. It could just be us that you choose to use as part of your redemption plan. May your Holy Spirit flow through us, pour through us to others, to our hurting country. With you we get to be an encouragement to those seeking life, hope, health and help.

 

 

Leadership, crowns, royalty and wisdom

I love all things royal for some very different reasons. I do have some British blood through my Dad’s side of the family and was completely enamoured with Princess Diana as a young girl, even copying her hairstyle.  I have watched the pomp and ceremony of big occasions when they have occurred. There was much beauty in the coronation proceedings, but today I tend to hold these things in a bit more balance being very aware of the conversations about monarchy and money and injustice and colonisation. (My own country of South Africa and continent of Africa being negatively affected by it.) There’s a lot of ugly stuff that needs understanding of all the intersections and nuances, and a lot that needs to be fixed and given back to the people and other countries. But that’s for another conversation.

About 10 years ago I came across a course called Modern Day Princess by Doreen Hanna in the USA (or Daughter of the King for better clarification). It was a rite of passage course for young ladies on that brink between young girls and young ladies. Just as teenage years are arriving and life changes quite dramatically in many ways. It’s a journey in identity. Their identity as a daughter of the King of Kings, their relationship with Him, themselves, their family, friends, future spouse, their community and the world. It’s a fantastic journey of discovery and healing. I have had the privilege of taking 6 groups of girls through this course since 2013. In needing some décor for weekly displays there have been many additions of all things royal added to the collection, including a purple robe from a friend, many crowns and tiaras, old style jewels, beautiful cups, gold bags and pretty material.

So, I was interested in all the symbolism of the coronation today. I will always default to pledging all my allegiance to the King of all Kings, and not to an earthly king or queen. I firmly believe in the priesthood of all believers too and so many of those things said over King Charles today, I believe God would speak over those who believe in him and choose to follow him. If you are a follower of Jesus, then you will more than likely lead others to him, that makes you a leader and an excellent leader is one who reflects the image of God in unwavering love and loyalty. The love and loyalty is towards the people and their goodness, it’s not about self. It was said a few times today that King Charles is a servant to the people. ‘Service is love in action’ was one comment.

The kingdom of God is very different to any other kingdom of this world, but there was a strong focus today on the Bible and the wisdom that comes from it. It was said this is royal law, here is wisdom, the lively oracles of God. I cannot think off the top of my head of any earthly kingdom, empire, democracy or autocratic Government where the word of God is taken seriously enough for us to experience the difference this wisdom brings. I do not support Christian nationalism either because that also does not reflect the Kingdom of God. It seems to be fear based and that then leads to power and control issues where servanthood and God’s wisdom seems to be entirely forgotten about. Corruption and deceit seem to follow next.

Backing up a bit, I have been following a devotional by Lectio 365, and in the last few days Izwe Nkosi has been unpacking a few things on wisdom. Mainly coming from the book of Proverbs, which is uncanny after looking at today’s proceedings. Proverbs is a king’s practical life instruction to his son. It’s also for anyone in leadership. Do not forget my teaching, let your heart keep my commandments. This will be added to you – length of days, years of life and peace. It goes on to say ‘bind them around your neck.’ That’s pretty close to you and visible to all. ‘Write them on the tablet of your heart.’ Again, so close and intimate and having huge impact on the way you live. This will help you to find favour and good success. And this is not just personal wealth and success, otherwise we have lost the plot again about servant leadership and honouring others above oneself as we find in Romans 12:10 and in Philippians 2:3. This is to be done in the sight of God and man. It then says trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. Now there’s a thing. The day before while looking at Proverbs 2 it said that we should ask God for wisdom and that he stores it up for you. That blew my mind just a bit. It’s like the more you ask, the more he will give. I wonder how many of our world leaders practice this? It’s available for any person who is earnestly following God.

Some of the symbolism that stood out to me. The Bible – the comment made was that it is the most valuable thing that this world affords. Blessed is he who reads it, hears the words and does the things contained in it. It's not just good leadership advice, it holds the words of eternal life. The glove – having authority with gentleness and grace. Charles sword – not just for judgement, but to be just. Not just for might, but to show mercy. It was also said to him that he would be clothed with a robe of righteousness. The rod of equity and mercy, so that justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth. IN ALL THE EARTH – these statements, these words, these actions, if applied, could affect the whole earth. The sceptre – kingly power and justice. A reminder of covenant and peace. The crown - a symbol of royal majesty, that he may be crowned with God’s gracious favour and filled with abundant grace and all princely virtues, through one Supreme God. (Justin Welby)

These are weighty things to carry. These are amazing things to carry. These are world changing things to carry. Transformation available if the wisdom is applied and carried out after asking God for it over and over again. It would change everything about the monarchy as we know it. He agreed and said yes to all these things spoken over him. Maybe that Holy Spirit blessing spoken today would be welcomed to breathe the life and change we would all desperately like to see. Humility would need to come into the picture in large amounts. Doing justice (there’s so much to put right in a restorative way), loving mercy (there’s so much opportunity to really show love and honour to your neighbor) and walking humbly with your God (looking to him for the help and wisdom needed) - that scripture from Micah 6:8 kept playing on my mind as these different symbols were presented and talked about. That’s what God requires of us.

In 2 Timothy it speaks about leaders (this includes kings, all in high positions, presidents, prime ministers or something else) are to lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way because this is pleasing to God. Godly and dignified to me is so many of the words spoken over Charles and Camilla today. These same words and sentences have possibly been used many times in coronations and other solemn ceremonies. For some reason they were important to utter today on such an auspicious occasion. Godly qualities from the book of wisdom are needed in large amounts for our world to function like it should. We need a new season of leadership where it’s not about self, power, control, status, position and building personal wealth. It should be about the betterment of the people and the world as a whole. Keep asking God for wisdom and he will give it.

On my home front of South Africa, I have been reading a book called ‘Made in South Africa’, by Lwando Xaso. A brilliant lawyer who understands our Constitution so well and seeks to make it easily understood to others. She says our bar raising constitution needs bar-raising leaders and she is very clear on what makes good leaders. People who exhibit integrity, are ethical, reliable, honest and conscientious. Sounds like the wisdom and weighty words spoken at the coronation today.

She goes on to say that leaders owe us words that validate, soothe, inspire, build, unify and form communities. Leaders owe us the duty of searching for the right words. The ability to resist the temptation of diverting one’s gaze but to face a difficult moment straight on and to bravely put words to that moment is critical for an effective leader. Those kinds of words and actions were mentioned in abundance today. Bravery and courage are being called upon in these current times. For leaders to shake things up and turn things around for a new future. One we have yet to see.

Lwando says, “Mandela was the right leader at the right time. He understood the power of words, that sometimes the power of words, when all seems lost, is all that we can offer. Even as he faced a lifetime of imprisonment, he left behind words that sustained his followers until the dream was realised.

My childhood was framed by Mandela’s rainbow nation rhetoric. I did not understand politics, but I understood the need for community and unity at the age of 10. It makes me wonder what vision today’s children are being called to by our leaders. Who do they aspire to emulate? What vision do they have for the world and for our country? And whose words do they cling to during uncertain times?”

So powerful when we think beyond to those who are listening and watching for now and will one day get a chance to lead. What is the example being shown? My one suggestion would be that we keep drawing on that store of wisdom that God has waiting for those who seek him, ask him and then use it in the execution of their leadership responsibilities. The robe of righteousness and justice would be on display for all to see and benefit from.

Social Justice and the healing of society

 

I saw a statement recently that said ‘the social justice movement is destroying the family.’ This intrigued me and caused me to do some research and unpacking to show that generally the opposite is true. I am finding that many Christians are confused with some of the terminology out there and what sometimes can happen is people tend to lump all the terms in the same boat/under the same banner and treat everything as evil and destructive. Some of these terms being: social justice or social justice movement, woke, grooming, politically correct, the race card, critical race theory, restitution, justice, diversity, inclusion, equity etc

A quick Google search helps to unpack these terms and bring some understanding and insight.

First up would be a one liner I found that said the Golden rule for social justice is ‘treat people as you would like to be treated.’ (fowpal.org) Simple, universal, powerful and Biblical.

So how then can social justice be destructive to the family? It is so important to critically evaluate the sources of information we are listening to and to ask, ‘what does the Bible actually say?’ It’s not the healthiest response to react to words, headings and titles and not do the work of finding out what it’s all about, because in the long run that then sidetracks and hinders us from the good works that God has set aside for us to do.

A message of fear speaks against ‘being in the world’, it speaks against being close and our proximity to the pain and mess in our world and making a courageous difference like Jesus did. When there is a message of fear, it speaks of a small God who wants us to stay far away and hide in our small corner and not reach out in love. It’s not speaking to loving the image of God in every living person. It’s forgetting about loving your neighbour, it’s actually speaking against the power of God. We have been told we will have trouble in this world, but to take heart because He has overcome the world. It forgets about who Jesus was and is. What did he do on this earth to show us a better way? We cannot ever be deceived into thinking that by staying away from the very real issues in our world that we are following Jesus. Jesus was right there with everyone, all included. Complete diversity. Complete equality. His character is inclusion, belonging and giving us our identity and free choice as in everything being permissible, but not always being beneficial.

Instead of having conversations and discussions of what we stand against, why are there not more conversations and discussions about what we do stand for and how exactly we are going to implement God’s restorative justice in our world? I absolutely stand with what God requires of me as a kingdom follower and of kingdom values and principles. I can also get annoyed at the ‘there goes the woke crowd again’ comments. Why? These terms have been around for years, but in recent years there has been an onslaught from a certain sector of society of slamming the terms, of creating confusion about the terms, of creating fear about them and creating false narratives about them. We need to be careful as to what we are standing against and what we are standing for or with. The term woke originally started out as being alert and wide awake to racial prejudice and discrimination. In the following years other forms of oppression and injustice were included to make it more about being socially aware and empathetic. So, it’s important to know what you are dismissing and frowning at. Be wide awake church, because the devil is prowling around and showing his face and trying to promote injustice in our midst. The heart of Jesus for the world has been politically hijacked with people being scared of terms and shying away from getting involved in social issues. “Christianity is not a solo project.” says Brian Zahnd. No-one is asking you to sacrifice your beliefs as that too would work against the pillars of social justice, but we need to take note that Jesus calls us to stand against prejudice, discrimination, oppression and injustice.

Justice is the concept of fairness. Social Justice is fairness as it manifests in society. Fairness in healthcare, employment, housing, education, opportunity and more. In a socially just society human rights are respected and discrimination is not allowed to flourish. (Humanrightscareers.com)

The term probably arose around 1780 at the time of the Industrial Revolution. It was initially around economics, but has expanded significantly and now applies to all parts of society. Human rights are respected, protected and promoted. Everyone has access to equal opportunities and the resources necessary to thrive. It doesn’t mean people will always take the opportunities or always be happy, but it gives everyone a fighting chance at a life they might want and they aren’t held back by the things they can’t control like systemic barriers, prejudice and discrimination. (Humanrightscareers.com) This is basic humanity 101!!

Social Justice is not dark, it’s not destructive, it’s not evil, it’s not some bad ideological standpoint! Social Justice is for the individual, it stands for the family, it stands for healthy and thriving communities, it stands for society as a whole. It is not there to work against these things. It’s there to enhance and make better. It is not about destruction. It’s about creating a better foundation to work from. It’s going to get louder and louder and there will be more smoke the longer we have people trying to silence people.

I like this definition too. What is the main goal of social justice? It’s both a process and a goal. Full and equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs. A vision that is equitable. All members are physically and psychologically safe and secure. (ucmerced.edu)

If a nation values Social Justice and remains committed to its principles, true progress is possible. I certainly want that for South Africa and the world.

There are 5 pillars of Social Justice: (compiled from author's own thoughts and experiences and gleaning from humanrightscareers.com)

Access – access to essentials and resources like shelter, water, food, the justice system, medical care and education. If access is restricted or denied based on factors like race, class or gender, it leads to suffering for individuals, communities and society as a whole. Access is not for a few select groups.

Participation/Inclusion – Who gets to have a say? All voices should be respected. Giving people opportunity and the platform to participate in making policies that affect their wellbeing. Marginalized and vulnerable groups are often silenced (hence the need for placards, noise and smoke). The voices of those most affected need to be heard. Social injustice occurs when a small group of individuals makes decisions for a large group of people. We need to bring diverse voices to the table. Solutions, without listening properly will fail or make things worse. If you were being silenced, you would not like it and you would fight to be heard. Listening, really listening is such a gift to society. Action to create equal participation is the next gift.

Equity – Equity takes into account the effects of discrimination and aims for an equal outcome. Critical Race Theory comes into play here because it is designed to figure out where in society things are happening at a systemic level that are creating discrimination based on race. (The people who don’t want equity are those who have sown the seeds of division against CRT!)
An often cited and adapted graphic (originally created by business professor, Craig Froehle) is of 3 people trying to watch a baseball game over a fence. All of them stand on a box. One can easily see the field, while the other can barely see, while the last person is still unable to watch. Equality has given everyone just one box to stand on, even though the tallest person doesn’t need a box and one box doesn’t allow the shortest person to see. Equity gives the tallest person’s box to the shortest person, allowing them to see. Now everyone can watch the game.

Can you see the game easily? Are you even aware of those who can’t? How could you help them?

Diversity – Acknowledge and celebrate the differences in people. There is richness in diversity. We need to craft policies that address everyone’s needs, realizing that some societal groups face more barriers than others. This strengthens our understanding of equal dignity of all human beings. It helps us to see how people from different backgrounds can come together to work and create in inclusive and ethical settings.

Human Rights – the most important principle of Social Justice and it forms a foundational part of the concept. Basic human rights are recognized internationally. They are inherent to all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights lays out the specific rights that are protected under law in South Africa.
Human rights/Social Justice are terms that can be used interchangeably in our current times. They are technically different, but one doesn’t work without the other. If you had your human rights at stake you would be fighting for them. If you are on a scale where your human rights are not at stake, then you might not see the need. (Hence you will hear the mention of tables, graphs and theories to show who is more or less affected in society, and where the systemic barriers exist. These are all vitally necessary to assess where and how to help and how to keep it fair.) We cannot be blinded to the needs of others just because we are ok in society. We cannot think we are being oppressed and under attack because those who are really oppressed are fighting for fairness with placards, noise and smoke. Maybe if there was more listening and action to promote fairness, the noise and smoke wouldn’t be necessary.

Using all the correct terminology is not 'politically correct'. It is taking into account the real issues we are facing in society. It is recognizing the differences, and it is recognizing the journey we have been on and continue to travel along. One that is leading us to a better place. Saying something is ‘politically correct’ can be highly inflammatory and discriminatory. Last December I was in a shop and asked the price of the elves and the lady said the price and then pointed to a specific section saying these are ‘our politically correct elves!’ (they had brown skin.) Really? I was horrified and unfortunately silenced by shock in the moment. So, having brown skin is politically correct? How bad can we get? This is not ok. I mention this because it’s a term that is being so misused. We need to stop smudging things because times have changed and more people are able to participate and be a part of society. Saying certain things is not ok anymore because why? No, not because you might get cancelled or land up in a viral social media video, but because they are hurtful, harmful, derogatory and actually completely unbiblical and not the way of Jesus. Don’t derail other people’s work in this world that aligns with the kingdom of God just because it makes you uncomfortable and expects a change/transformation from you.

Don’t be thorny ground. Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church. Be open, humble and filled with love to go and love our hurting world towards Jesus.

Let’s have a look at how so much that has been spoken about aligns with God’s Kingdom. That’s our ultimate aim as followers of him, to bring heaven to earth, not to make hell on earth for people made in his image.

God’s Kingdom stands for:

Diversity – Rev 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no-one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.

Inclusion – This is crucial to the whole gospel. John 3:16 He died for the whole world. Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition, or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.

Participation/fellowship – Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.

Equity – Psalm 9:8  He rules the world in righteousness, and judges the people with equity.

Humanity – Philippians 2:7 Rather, He made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Working together/teamwork – Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. Colossians 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Fairness – Proverbs 31:9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Justice – Micah 6:8 He has shown you oh man what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Made in the image of God – Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Healing and wholeness – 1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Empathy – Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Colossians 3:12 Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,  clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Awareness of social needs – Deuteronomy 15:11 Therefore I command you to be open handed towards your fellow man who are poor and needy in your land.

Treating others how you want to be treated – Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. This sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Caring for others – Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s heavy loads. If you do, you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Social Justice aligns itself with many Kingdom principles which are on the heart of God. Let’s listen, lean in, learn, dissect and hold up to the light of God’s Word what is being called for. If all these things were addressed we would be strengthening and healing the family, society and our whole country. Let’s stay curious. Investigate for yourself. Find out. Ask questions. We need each other to see all there is to see.