PSWR Disciples,
In honor of African American History month, I lean upon the thoughts of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his book Strength to Love. He writes, “in the inevitable moments when all seems hopeless, (we) know that without hope (we) cannot really live, and in agonizing desperation (we) cry for the bread of hope. And there is deep longing for the bread of love.” He goes on to name many of our other societal needs, the bread of freedom and the bread of social justice. Having already traveled the geography of our region, from Honolulu to Las Vegas to San Diego to Los Angeles to Lompoc (coming soon to Bakersfield), I’m renewed by the witness of our congregations who work hard to provide and supply their surrounding communities with bread in its many forms.
Under the banner of these challenging times, where our communities’ needs increase and our breads might seem not enough, I’m convinced it is where we can become our most innovative, creative and resourceful. As we come closer to Lent, we remember the words of Jesus, in Matthew 4 “one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” What new ways is God helping us to meet the needs of our neighbors and communities? Let us continue to work helping our neighbors with bread, but much more than bread. May we help them to find love, freedom, hope and social justice. I pray above all we all hold onto hope. We know like the psalmist (121) all too well, that our help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. If we choose to practice this season of Lent doing without something in order to connect anew. I hope this effort might reveal or uncover new ways, resources and mission/s we might be able to share with the world. As individuals, congregations, communities and as a region. Let us always bring others the bread of life.
During this month, may we find time to celebrate the art, poetry, music, contributions and accomplishments of African Americans. You’re invited to attend our upcoming MLK Lecture featuring the Rev. Dr. Frank Thomas, Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics, Director of the Phd in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric Program, Christian Theological Seminary, “Martin Luther King Jr. and the Art of Black Preaching” on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 1:00pm at McCarty Memorial Christian Church, Los Angeles.
With Hope,
Richie