![]() Art of the week Resistance! Frederick Douglass -- by Rev. Derek (ink on Bristol Paper) "I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.!” — Frederick Douglass The recent sermon by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Prayer Service has sparked much conversation, and rightly so. Addressing President Trump directly, she called for compassion and mercy, especially for those most marginalized by his administration's policies. It was a moment of boldness, truth-telling, and deep faith. Bishop Budde’s words remind us of what it means to live out our faith authentically in challenging times. As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Jesus, who consistently sided with the oppressed. Jesus was a Palestinian, a minority Jew, lynched by the Roman majority—those with the economic and political power of his time. His life and ministry were rooted in radical love, justice, and solidarity with the marginalized. It’s not enough for us to simply pray, gather in our churches, or read about justice. We must put our faith into action. As Frederick Douglass once wrote: "I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs." Today, we are called to pray with our legs, our mouths, our privilege, our energy, our finances, and our resources. Praying with our finances means recognizing that money is not just a tool for personal use but a resource that can further justice and equity. Whether it’s donating to organizations advocating for marginalized communities, supporting grassroots movements, or funding initiatives that provide direct relief, our financial stewardship is an essential part of the fight for justice. The policies being enacted, such as eliminating federal recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities and stripping protections for gender-diverse Americans, are clear acts of oppression. These policies aim to erase, silence, and further marginalize already vulnerable communities. As people of faith, we cannot sit idly by and allow these injustices to continue. Bishop Budde exemplified courage by speaking directly to power. Her plea for mercy was grounded in love, humility, and a call to unity that does not ignore the fears and needs of the oppressed. Her actions remind us that faith must be lived boldly, even in the face of criticism, hate, or misunderstanding. We too must step out of our comfort zones and stand with those who are hurting. We must actively resist systems of oppression and create spaces of safety and hope for all. Jesus didn’t call us to remain behind the walls of our churches. He calls us to be out in the world, to embody his love and justice, and to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. This is a particularly harsh moment in our nation’s history. Immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and other marginalized groups are bearing the brunt of oppressive policies and rhetoric. It’s not enough to hope for change—we must be the change. Bishop Budde’s leadership reminds us of the power of speaking truth to power and the importance of engaging in respectful, compassionate discourse. But let us not stop there. Let us act. Let us organize. Let us pray with our legs, our voices, our privilege, our finances, and our resources. Let us show up for those who are hurting, scared, and at risk of losing everything. In this moment, we need to follow Jesus’ example of radical love and bold action. Now is the time to pray with everything we have. Let us be bold, be brave, and, like Bishop Budde, speak truth in the name of love, justice, and mercy. -Rev. Derek
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