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First Comes Justice, A call to action!

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First Comes Justice: A Call to Action

 

I heard this call last week and it has been haunting me. Do you know what the definition of Justice is? In today’s world Justice embodies fairness, equality, and accountability, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity, regardless of their background. It goes beyond law enforcement to actively pursue social equity, addressing systemic targeting that marginalize certain people groups. In our rapidly changing global landscape, justice demands a commitment to human rights and the protection of the vulnerable. It calls for us as a collective society to challenge injustices that we see and create systems that empower all members of society. Ultimately, for all of us, justice fosters a world where everyone has the opportunity to live freely and access the resources they need to succeed.

To continue this thread, thinking about a world teetering on the edge of chaos and dis-order, the concept of justice stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action. Justice is not merely a legal term or a distant ideal; it is the very foundation upon which a compassionate society is built. It is the force that holds back the darkness, offering light to those who have been cast into the shadows. But who offers this justice? Who visits the poor and the sick? And more importantly, who are we as a society—those who love and act, or those who turn away, saying, “Not my problem”?

Justice is often personified by those who dedicate their lives to serving others. These are the individuals and organizations that step into the breach, filling the gaps left by systemic failures. They are the social workers, the healthcare providers, the educators, and the countless volunteers who work tirelessly to uplift the marginalized and the oppressed. They are the ones who visit the poor, offering not just material aid but also dignity and respect. They are the ones who visit the sick, providing care and comfort in times of need. And for me and a few others that I know, visiting the incarcerated in prisons across the country with a program called “Kairos“. Can I tell you a secret? There were times that I did not want to go through that gate, I was tired, I was sure that I was not making a difference, I knew there so many more people then me that could do it better. But, if not me, who?

These guardians of justice do not act out of obligation but out of a deep-seated belief in the inherent worth of every individual. They understand that justice is not a zero-sum game but a collective endeavor that benefits all. By lifting others, they lift society as a whole.

Injustice thrives in the shadows, feeding on ignorance and apathy. It is the darkness that creeps into the corners of our communities, whispering that some lives are worth less than others. But justice, when wielded with compassion and courage, holds back this darkness. It shines a light on inequality and demands accountability. It challenges the status quo and insists on change. I like to tell people when doing spiritual direction that those of us that are called to work with the least, the last and the lost are linking arms and holding back darkness while shining light in the darkest of dark corners of our society.

Justice is not passive; it is active and dynamic. It requires us to confront our uncomfortable truths and to take action, even when it is inconvenient or difficult. It calls us to be allies and advocates, to use our voices and our resources to support those who have been silenced and marginalized.

The measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members. The poor and the sick are often the first to be forgotten, left to fend for themselves in a world that values wealth and health above all else. But justice demands that we do better. It calls us to visit the poor, to understand their struggles and to work towards solutions that address the root causes of poverty. And yes, the poor will always be with us. It calls us to visit the sick, to provide care and compassion, and to advocate for a healthcare system that is accessible and equitable for all.

Visiting the poor and the sick is not just an act of charity; it is an act of justice. It is a recognition of our shared humanity and a commitment to building a society that values every life.

In a world where the gaps in our social fabric are widening, we are called to be fillers of the breach. This is not a task for the faint of heart, and you may not be a person called to do this, but it is a task that is essential for the survival of our communities and frankly our world. Like some of you, Lynette and I have been honored to travel around the world, and guess what folks, other places has these problems as well. Because it requires us to step into the spaces where others have fallen short, to offer support and solutions where there are none.

Filling the breach means being proactive rather than reactive. It means anticipating the needs of our communities and working collaboratively to address them. It means being innovative and resourceful, finding new ways to support those who are struggling. Not by saying, Not my problem, but realizing that it is all of our problems.

Ultimately, the question of justice is a question of identity. Who are we as a society? Are we known by those who love, who act with compassion and courage? Or are we known by those who say, “Not my problem,” turning away from the suffering of others?

The answer lies in our actions. Justice is not a passive state; it is an active choice. It is a choice to stand up for what is right, to speak out against injustice, and to work towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

This is a call to action for all of us. It is a call to be the guardians of justice, to hold back the darkness, and to visit the poor and the sick. It is a call to fill the breach, to be known by our love and our compassion.

We cannot afford to be complacent. The challenges we face are so very great, but so too is our capacity for change. Together, yes together we can build a society that is just and equitable, a society that values every life and leaves no one behind.

Let us answer the call. Let us be the ones who offer justice, who hold back the darkness, and who visit the poor and the sick. Let us be the fillers of the breach, known by our love and our commitment to a better world.

 

Justice is not an abstract concept; it is a tangible reality that we create through our actions. It is the foundation of a compassionate society, and it is up to us to build it. Let us rise to the challenge and answer the call to action. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can bring justice to all.

Join us in our mission to create a more just and compassionate society. Volunteer with local organizations, advocate for policy changes, and support initiatives that uplift the marginalized. Together, we can make a difference!!!!!

First Comes Justice!

Awaken to Your Story: Attuning to Your Narrative

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Do you feel that inner voice calling you to awaken to your own story? Perhaps it whispers to you amidst the chaos of daily life, urging you to sift through the messiness of your experiences. In a world saturated with stories—some uplifting, others disheartening—how do we navigate our own narrative? How do we transform the tales we tell ourselves into something more empowering?

In this blog, I would like to explore the concept of ATTUNING to what is true for you, drawing on some of the transformative work of Michael White and David Epston in Narrative Therapy. We will delve into the importance of critical thinking, critical feeling, and critical spiritual reflection, and how these practices can help us change the narratives we live by.

Every day, there is a call to awaken, (yes it is true) and since we are bombarded with stories—news headlines, social media posts, and of course the narratives of those around us, we may miss the call. These stories shape our perceptions, ideas and influence our beliefs about ourselves and the world. But amidst this cacophony of noise, do we take the time to listen to our own story?

The first step in this journey is recognizing that you have a story worth telling. It’s easy to feel lost in the noise, but your experiences, no matter how tangled or messy, are valid. They are the threads that weave the fabric of your identity.

To truly awaken to your story, you must engage in critical thinking, critical feeling, and critical spiritual reflection. This means being fearless in asking yourself the right questions about your life. Are you living in alignment with your values? Are you allowing external narratives to dictate your self-worth? Do you go along with the flow of information because it is much easier than “thinking”?

For instance, consider a person who has faced significant challenges in their career or life. They may feel defined by their failures, believing that they are not capable of success. However, through critical reflection, they can begin to identify moments of resilience and growth. Perhaps they overcame a difficult project or received positive feedback from a colleague. These “unique outcomes” can serve as powerful reminders that their narrative is not solely defined by setbacks. In fact the pain of a setback might just be like shedding skin that is to small for this next part of your like.

Ahhh now comes a part I love, attuning to your own story involves listening closely to your experiences and emotions. It requires a willingness to explore the depths of your inner narrative, even the uncomfortable parts. This is where the work of Michael White and David Epston becomes particularly relevant. Their approach emphasizes the importance of attuned listening and the exploration of life stories to identify unique outcomes that contradict problem-saturated narratives

Here is an example to put it in to context, imagine a woman named Sarah who has always struggled with feelings of inadequacy. She often compares herself to others, believing she falls short in her personal and professional life. This narrative has become so ingrained that it affects her relationships and self-esteem. Through the process of attuning to her story, Sarah begins to reflect on her experiences. She recalls a time when she successfully led a team project, receiving praise for her leadership skills. By focusing on this unique outcome for her, Sarah can start to re-author her narrative. Instead of seeing herself as inadequate, she begins to recognize her strengths and capabilities.

This reframing holds immense value. It empowers Sarah to approach future challenges with a renewed sense of confidence, allowing her to break free from the constraints of her previous narrative.

There is value in identifying unique outcomes that is a cornerstone of Narrative Therapy. These moments serve as evidence that contradicts the dominant, problem-saturated narratives we often tell ourselves. By focusing on these positive experiences, we can begin to shift our perspective and create a more empowering story

Please consider another example: a young man named Alex who has always felt overshadowed by his siblings. He believes he is the “black sheep” of the family, struggling to find his place. However, through attuned listening and reflection, Alex recalls a time when he pursued a passion for art, receiving recognition for his talent in a local exhibition. This unique outcome challenges his narrative of being unworthy or unaccomplished. By embracing this moment, Alex can begin to see himself as an individual with unique gifts and contributions. This shift not only enhances his self-esteem but also allows him to engage more authentically with his family and community.

Using myself as an example, I grew up with Dyslexia and ADHD together at a time when most professionals did not know what to do with this behavior. The outside noise in the names I was called, the looks I endured, and the extream loneliness was soul crushing. I truly felt that I was worth, nothing, absolutely nothing. But I had one teacher that saw something in me and suggested a cooking program that I started in 10th grade. It changed my life! I saw that I had value and started to tune out the noise that was destructive and paid attention to the noise that was helping me grow.  I eventually started the journey that took me to years of training in the social practices like spiritual direction and coaching.  It answered my questions and helped me to shine a light, illuminating that path that others might want to take.

So, here are a few of my thought in how we can change the narratives we tell ourselves? It begins with a commitment to attune to our own stories. Here are some practical steps to help you on this journey:

 

Practice Attuned Listening: Set aside time to reflect on your experiences. Write in a journal or speak to a trusted friend or therapist who can listen without judgment.

Identify Unique Outcomes: Look for moments in your life that contradict your dominant narrative. What achievements, strengths, or positive experiences can you highlight?

Re-author Your Story: Use the unique outcomes you’ve identified to reframe your narrative. Instead of focusing on limitations, emphasize your strengths and resilience.

Engage in Critical Reflection: Regularly ask yourself questions that challenge your beliefs. Are you living in alignment with your values? What stories are you allowing to define you?

Embrace the Messiness: Understand that your story may be complex and messy. Embrace the imperfections and recognize that they are part of your journey.

Awakening to your own story is a powerful and transformative process. By attuning to what is true for you, you can begin to change the narratives that shape your life. The work of Michael White and David Epston in Narrative Therapy can offer valuable insights into how we can explore our stories and identify unique outcomes that empower us.

As you embark on this journey, remember that your story is yours to tell. Embrace the messiness, engage in critical reflection, and allow yourself to re-author your narrative. The outcome may hold more value than you ever imagined, leading you to a life that is more authentic, fulfilling, and true to who you are.

So, do you feel called to awaken to your story? The journey begins with you.