*links found in the essay below correspond with Denominational and Interfaith Work, Organizational Development and Administration, Racial Justice and Multiculturalism and Social Justice*
(written on 11/8/16 after the election, but still relevant today)
When we woke up this morning, things felt different. When we woke up, it felt like racism had won. It felt like fear and hatred of people of color and people with accents had won. It felt like rape culture and committing violence against women had won. The truth is, when we woke up this morning, those things were going to be there waiting for us, regardless of who won an election last night. No matter what, fear was going to haunt women and our siblings of color today. No matter what, hatred of anyone who stood in the way of whiteness and power was going to seek a stronger foothold. No matter what, racism and sexism and love of money were going to work through the guise of fear and hatred to make us think they were almost gone for good. They’re not. These things have been lurking in this land for more than 500 years, and the darkness was always going to be waiting for us this morning. The only difference is that now we know how fiercely to fight and with what urgency the work needs to be done. There was always going to be work to do to fight fear and hatred, but now we can fight them in the open. Now we’ve shown the world and ourselves where they are. They’re real, concrete, and visible. They’re out in the open, daring us to come fight. They can no longer be denied.
The thing is, fear and hatred thrive in the darkness. They need to stay in the shadows to be strong. The dark is only scary because you don’t know what’s in it. Now we know. Now we know what we were made for. If you were looking for your purpose in life, this is it. This is the Moment. This is the Rebellion. You are fiercely and wonderfully created with a heart that is a weapon the size of a fist. Keep loving. Keep fighting. Fight for the person on either side of you. Fight for each other. Fight with every ounce of soul and heartsong you possess, and we will fight with you.
When we woke up this morning, the line in the sand was already there, but now it has been drawn in a clear, straight path. It was always going to get worse before it got better. It had to, to be worth it. Let’s stand together on the side of love of each other, where the light shines through. This is the time. This is our time. This is what you were made for. So, what are we going to do? #WeFight – Let’s get to work.
– McKinley
Rev. McKinley L. Sims, M.Div. 