A Message from the Pastor

By Mary Alice Birdwhistell
Highland Baptist Church, Louisville, KY

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Yesterday morning, I was preparing for the upcoming season of Lent and came across Jesus’ words in John 12, “Now my soul is troubled, and what should I say?” I carried these words with me as the events of the day transpired and domestic terrorists, far-right extremists, stormed our nation’s Capitol while Congress was voting to affirm our next President.

Oh, how our souls are troubled, dear Highland family. And what should we say?

As Ginger Miller rightfully shared with our deacons last night via e-mail, “If this were a normal Wednesday evening, many of us would be together in the Fellowship Hall, and we’d certainly be lifting our country in prayer. It’s been a sad, scary, unbelievable day, and I so wish we could be together. I do find hope and comfort knowing we’re all praying in our own spaces.”

On one hand, many of us could not believe our eyes as we watched the horrific events on the news unfold yesterday. On the other hand, many of us knew all too well that this was the result of the white supremacy, Christian nationalism, and far-right extremism that has been festering among us rearing its ugly head for the world to see.

I could only think back to the day of the Attorney General’s announcement about Breonna Taylor here in Louisville. At Highland, we heard helicopters buzzing loudly over us as dozens of cop cars stormed past the church and barricaded Bardstown Road. Police in full riot gear confronted a group of peaceful protesters marching from Injustice Square. To think, what would have happened yesterday had the group of hundreds been People of Color carrying Black Lives Matter signs instead of the Confederate flags and paraphernalia we saw march so easily through our Capitol.

And yet, it’s not lost on me that yesterday was the Day of Epiphany, when we remember the wise men who defied a tyrant king and chose to go home by another way.

My bold hope is that this will be a year of all of us choosing another way. Choosing repentance for our complicity in the white supremacy surrounding us, and even within us. Choosing to actively work against the rampant racism that is on full-display in our country right now. Choosing to stay grounded in the midst of the fear and anxiety that is flooding the media. Choosing to care for ourselves when it is all too much to bear – and to care for one another, too. And choosing to lean in, even more strongly, to God’s bold and inclusive love in the days ahead.

I’m reminded of Stacey Abrams’ words: “Remember this, in the darkest moments, when the work doesn’t seem worth it, and change seems just out of reach: out of our willingness to push through comes a tremendous power… Use it.”

Highland family, even as our souls are so troubled, may we be a people who boldly and bravely use the tremendous power God has given each of us – for peace, for justice, and for light.

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Solo disponible en ingles.

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