Early March I had the absolute honor to travel to Kenya and help document the work of a ministry I love in two communities. We spent time going school to school sharing God’s word, the little book printed in Swahili that these people were hungry for, the one they spent days praying for.
The schools are so different in Africa; the students raised from a young age to stand and welcome their teachers and visitors in respectful manner. As teachers and presenters speak to the groups of students, they weave in participatory anthems, whether through a common word or a series of synchronized hand clapping. One phrase that stood out to me; Are We Together?
Are We Together was used to keep the students attention. Are you with me? Do you follow? Are we in agreement? Always followed by a chorus of children citing “yes.”
When standing there, feet planted in Africa, I had no idea that as this idea of unity washed over me that I would need these words daily when I returned to a new world, stricken by COVID19.
Are we together in treatment? Do we believe together that we should stay at home and social distance to slow the spread?
Are we together in prevention? Will we wear masks when we leave our homes?
I grew to really love the comfort of staying at home. I’m an introvert and in this past year I’ve begun to chip away at the anxiety that seemingly makes me function, I’ve come to experience an involuntary physical response to my anxiety; panic attacks. This time of great pause has seemed to be just what I needed to take the edge off of maintaining a full time job, part time business, and the ongoing work of learning how to develop my self-compassion. But then the pause became longer than a month. And another month passed. Now am I too comfortable in my bubble?
Videos are shared, voices are raised. Wow, are BIPOC really still being treated like this? This is uncomfortable. I can’t breathe. Say his name.
Are we together?
Are we together in believing that yes, obviously every life matters? Every life is entitled to an equal shot to really thrive at this life we have on earth. Black lives matter. Are we together in saying just those three words and nothing else? Black lives matter. Period. No “but also all lives matter.” Not all lives are hurting from this injustice. All lives face trouble and uncertainty and trials, but black lives matter and need this period in history. Up until now, black lives were treated unjust. Up until now. Are we together?
Marketing departments have had time to make their “we are here for you during these uncertain times” commercials. Christian leaders have had their time to make a stand for our people of color. Protests have been held, riots have been had, clean up and restoration of cities have begun, but are we ready to restore our land? Oh God, will you heal our land? Heal our hearts, our homes, our families. Show us how to love people like your Son loves people. All people.
We are together.
*All ministry images shown are property of The Gideons International. Landscape, travel, and safari images are personal property. Identities have been withheld for the protection of the subjects pictured. All thoughts expressed above are my personal opinion and not to be interpreted as endorsed by the Gideons International.
Please enjoy this for what I have intended it; a personal reflection on travel, these unusual times, and the beauty I found in Kenyan nature and humanity.
