Alka's Angle

I am sharing only a section of the message that showed up in my inbox this morning from another Social Action organization that is part of the United Methodist Church, and takes action on issues of peace, poverty and people’s rights within the church and the world.

Yes, it is February so of course the expectation is that we hear about “Black History Month” but as an Immigrant Female of Color I have to say, I feel some kind of way doing this- because I wish we were able to celebrate the stories of our black, brown, immigrant, female, indigenous siblings everyday and not need these specific months. I also know that while we at Broadway might be a little ahead in celebrating all people of God, there are folk who need the reminder. 

I don’t know about you but it seems that I have lived a life or two in these past two weeks. We have been on the edge waiting to hear what the next announcement will be about. And on Thursday morning, amidst everything else, we wake up to the news of the midair collision of a regional jet plane and Black Hawk helicopter, with no possibility of survivors which was confirmed before the day was over. I am unable to fathom the pain that this has caused to many who have lost several members of their families.

The last few days have been like a roller coaster of emotions: filled with anxiety and uncertainty and fear. Even though I have not spent much time in front of TV, I have definitely not escaped the news. If you wish to know- you can learn what Executive orders were signed on Monday, some that directly affect our ministries and the communities we serve.

The ongoing wildfires in California, relentless genocide of Palestinian people, continued climate change, upcoming transfer of power in the political makeup of our country, and much more that our world is experiencing; so much is changing around us, some of which causes a lot of anxiety within us. Change, in general, can be hard, and also brings moments where life’s greatest possibilities can emerge.