January 6, 2021: Thoughts on Terror and Words

In Sunday’s sermon, I mentioned the destructive and tragic event that took place in Nashville on December 25th. I started to say “bombing,” but I was impelled to say “terrorism” since I had read so much and contemplated not just the events surrounding the explosion but the post on social media made by the Gideon’s Army organization (above.) Since we made a contribution to them after the tornado, I have followed their activities. In late December, I took part in required training for people who want to volunteer with them. I did this because I would love for some of us to work more closely with them as the pandemic ebbs and I don’t ask you to do what I will not do myself. I was so impressed with the welcome and wisdom of the leaders, and the open-hearted, generous but firm and clear reminders that when white people come into Black and Brown space, there are certain caveats we must remember.

One of those is to center the voices of POC (People of Color.) That does not mean to silence or ignore other voices, but to pay particular attention to the ways in which marginalized voices have been left out. The point Gideon’s Army was making may seem too extreme for some: what is terrorism? And yet, the question they ask: how might the words have been chosen had the suicide bomber been an immigrant, a person of color, or of a different faith, is one worth considering. As UUs, we are never afraid to ask and discuss those hard questions! I welcome and encourage these discussions.

This stands in contrast to other anti-racism efforts I’ve encountered and gives me so much hope for Nashville (as do NOAH and other organizations).

I hope you’ve had a chance to view the video of the lecture given by Rasheedat Fetuga, the founder of Gideon’s Army, at FUUN this Fall. CLICK HERE to see it if you have not! If you don’t follow her, or Gideon’s Army, you may not know that her son has been in the hospital with severe injuries. There is a meal donation service that is set up to provide meals from restaurants and food services via donations, called “Meal Train.” I was able to donate FOR GNUUC, so thank YOU for funding a Minister’s Discretionary account! I was excited to learn about this service, and I thought, BRILLIANT! We could use this ourselves to organize meals for folks who need them.

CLICK HERE to see Rasheedat’s page and to learn more about Meal Train. It works for families as well as for organizations!

When I come across something like this, I’m likely to think, wow! That seems so simple. But it took a creative and imaginative way of looking at a challenge in order to make it happen in the world. In the coming weeks, I will be talking about how we can harness our own individual as well as collective imaginations to come up with ways to meet the challenges as well as opportunities for GNUUC.

Stay Tuned!