Meditation: September 23, 2007

" He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap. " Psalm 113:7    

Reflection:

Twenty years ago, my friends and friends of my parents, always asked, “Are you behaving yourself?” Being a proud relic of the Sixties, my response was, “Yes, but I am still battling injustice.” While I thought I knew my purpose and where I was going, in retrospect, I really did not. It was only seven years ago, right at the turn of the century, that I discovered who I was and what God had in store for me.

Prior to this awakening, I was forever fighting for social justice because I thought it was the civic thing to do! Over time, I became weary with the task and grew doubtful. God’s purpose for me became crystal clear sometime in June of 2000 when a voice whispered to me, “You’re not a rebel caught in a lost cause. You’re an advocate on God’s behalf. He created you to be a voice for the poor. Do not apologize or argue; just fully accept His will.”

The implanting of this predisposition for the poor led me to pursue a new career in high risk social work and public health. Now much of my time is spent advocating for the indigent and the underserved. Helping God lift people from the ashes of despair is not always the most politically correct nor professionally safe thing to do. However, I say what God destines me to say and I do all that he intends for me to do. I think nothing more about how many boats I rock or how many issues I turn inside out. I just do it.

Today, when I am asked, “Are you behaving yourself?” my response is “Yes, definitely! I am in full partnership with the Lord—reinforcing the movement to end poverty and restoring hope for those who have given up.”

Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for the courage to advocate and to serve. Amen         

Question of
the Week: What will I do to lift up the poor and take action on behalf of the needy?        

 Meditation written by Bobretta Brewton of the St. John's Writing Team.