Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Then all the city was aroused, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. While they were trying to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, May 18, 2022
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
When I was a child, I attended a few protests with my parents. Most specifically I remember marching in a protest against a plan to transport nuclear arms through the communities surrounding San Francisco. To prepare for the protest, we made sure to wear durable shoes, apply sunscreen, and pack snacks.
Earlier this month I came across an opportunity to join a protest for a more current issue. It was recommended that we prepare as such: wear a mask, wear goggles, cover up identifying tattoos, write the phone number for the national lawyers guild for our city on our arms (so we’ll have the number if we get arrested), change our phone to unlock with password only (because officers don’t need a warrant to unlock your phone with your finger), do not wear contact lenses (because they trap teargas), do not touch teargas canisters (because they burn), do not post pictures of ourselves or others at the event, do not post what we’re wearing to the protest, do not talk to the police without a lawyer present, and do not bring children.
It seems that sometimes standing up for what we believe can be incredibly dangerous. Paul knew it to be true. But not standing up for what we believe is also dangerous. It means giving our power away to people who do not have our best interests in mind. What do you believe that is worth the risk?
