This past weekend thousands of people marched through their city streets in what was called “March for Our Lives”. It was the first time in my life that I recall seeing such a movement that was led by youth (in most cities). The march was a result of the shooting that occurred in Parkland, Florida where 17 people lost their lives. The march was to call attention to gun laws in our country and make a statement that these mass shootings need to stop. As I watched the coverage, I was amazed at the youth who were speaking all over the country and on television. The one thing I notice in them all was their passion; it was pretty astounding to hear them speak with such conviction.
As the day progressed, and even into Sunday, I was on social media and began reading some of the stories that were being written about this march. As I scrolled through the comment sections of these stories, it became disheartening to read what some were writing about our youth. Some were using words like spoiled, dumb, waste of time, entitlement, etc….this list went on. Some were saying these kids were merely pawns and they knew nothing about what they were marching for and should just go back to eating Tide Pods. I found it to be sad.
Isiah 1:17 says “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” This is all about advocacy. As Christians we should seek to ensure that all people, especially those who cannot speak for themselves, have their voices heard. Each of us is called to be an advocate and our example of how to do that is Jesus Christ. He showed us how to love our neighbor and care for the flock. He spoke, taught and acted to change our lives, so that we could change the lives of others. As Christians, and as a church, we should stand for justice. We should stand for those who cannot protect themselves; be a voice for those who have no voice. Most importantly, we should love one another as Jesus first loved us. Who will you be an advocate for this week? Who will you stand up for? Where will you seek justice?