MLK, Black History Month, Adequate Housing for All
- Written by Deacon Bill Mennenga
- Category: Blog
Martin Luther King’s birthday - do you know the actual date? Or do you only know that you get a day off? I remember the date for it’s near my birthday. But I also remember the date because of who he was and what he stood for. And I remember the day he was assassinated for the same reasons.
In my Synodical Deacon Annual Report, I spoke of my Call to housing for the unhoused and for affordable and workforce housing. And I said that my Call fits with, and expands on, the Redeemer Lutheran Church, New Paltz Focus Areas of Equality and Justice, and Homelessness.
What has my report to do with MLK’s birthday?
I suggest the following: John 13:34-35
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Many of our siblings in Christ are excluded from adequate housing because of their skin color. Let us not be part of this sinful act.
Love for our siblings in Christ means ALL SIBLINGS and includes adequate housing.
I invite you to speak with me about housing and the need for housing.
You may ask, “but what can I do about this critical need?” To that, I say the following:
God calls us to do things we never expected to be doing. And it is a blessing when we recognize that WE are being CALLED by GOD to do these things! At least we realize it is a blessing once we get past, “God, You want ME to do WHAT?” And, “God, I have NO IDEA how to do THAT!”
If you are stirred by housing issues, let’s talk.
And I ask that you join me in prayers for all our siblings who are in need in our community.
You have questions, so do I. Let’s talk.
Peace be with you,
Love Conquers Hate