We Must Come Together

Just as God gave us the breath of life, we must express our gratitude by giving to the work that minister to the needs of others. During these difficult times, we are challenged to remember that God moves and breathes in us. We must not take this gift of life for granted. (Ephesians 30) We must defend our right to breath in a world that would deny our right to live in an equitable society where all are valued. (Isaiah 1:17) We must help each other breathe so that God will hear our cries, restore our broken hearts and crushed spirits, and rescue us from inequality and injustice. (Psalms 34:17-22) We are reminded that whenever others cannot breathe, we are susceptible to the same fate.

So, what is our duty to those who find their breath cut off and their lives shattered? We should say and do all we can to strengthen each other by helping to eradicate injustices and inequalities. In this way, we encourage confidence in God and support the work we all must do to help us breathe as one. (Job 5:15-16) We are challenged to find strength and encourage confidence in each other. We must come together. We must breathe as one united in our continued pursuit of advocacy, healing and justice in our world.

Join us today as we exhale and renounce inequalities and injustices in our society, and inhale God's love for all of humanity. Give as one, grow as one, and go forth as one! God Bless!

By Rev. Sandra Florentino, M.Div.

Rev. Sandra Florentino, M.Div. is an ordained deacon and UCC clergy, Past UCC IL Conference Secretary and career chaplain.