Reflect, Pray, Act
Reflection by Rev. Erica Williams
Today marks the 21st Anniversary of September 11, 2001, when we watched our nation come under one of the worst terrorist attacks in history. It was my first year in college, and classes had just started. I was in class when I heard the news about the second plane crashing into the World Trade Center from my sociology professor, who yelled, "the world is coming to an end," before she exclaimed for us to go home and to stay there. I was scared and confused and dreaded going back to my dorm as my homesickness was already overtaking me.
However, when I arrived at my dorm, staff members held space for the residents in the main lounge. As I entered the room, I felt the tightness in my stomach vanish as I was assured by others that I was not alone and that we would get through this uncertain time together. Throughout my life, I have found that when I share space with others to debrief and encourage each other, I gain clarity and courage to continue on my journey.
I am thrilled to attend my first Reflect, Pray, Act as the inaugural Rev. Dr. Yvonne Delk Theologian in Residence. I have longed for the opportunity to gather with other people of faith to ask the question, where do we go from here? We are living through COVID-19, white supremacy, capitalism, and a climate crisis, and it seems things will only get worse. When one in ten Chicago residents live in extreme poverty and unprecedented numbers of Black Trans women are murdered. Our city continues to be one of the most segregated places in the country; we need healing and restoration.
Over the summer, CRS hosted space for congregations to reflect and pray about current events, create opportunities and space to connect pastoral and lay leaders, and move action items to affect change. We hope to bring support and guidance to our members as we are at a critical time in our democracy. Our faith tradition admonishes us to be in community and to share each other's burdens. Now is not the time for us to be divided and work in isolation, but it is our moment to stand together to help redeem the heart and soul of Chicago.