I had the honour of writing and performing this piece for a missions rally at my church in November. In the months of March and October, many denominations across the Christian faith focus on missions and the importance of extending support, money, and resources to underprivileged groups around the world while spreading the gospel. As a lifelong church girl, I always make an intentional effort to keep my faith in everything I do, especially my art. However, whether or not your faith or world views align with mine, I hope this piece resonates with you on a moral level and provides a fresh perspective on a reality that surrounds - and in turn effects us all.
As a former Political Science student, I have become acutely aware of the privilege we hold as citizens of the global West. Through my studies, I’ve realized that many issues we consider “political” in the West are truly things that we have politicized. In reality, these issues are often sociological, anthropological, and humanitarian concerns; a consequence of corrupt systems built on the oppression of targeted demographics. Existing in a capitalistic society has conditioned us to view challenging these systemic issues as a “radical” act of resistance. In reality, the pursuit of liberation is ongoing, collective and involves intertwined struggles. As humans, I believe we have a moral duty to use our privilege to educate ourselves, give generously, share resources, and center the stories of the disenfranchised. In doing so, the hope is that we can create sustainable change, dismantle oppressive systems, strengthen our communities, and experience peace on a global scale. So continue to give wholeheartedly, seek out education, share resources, and amplify the voices of those who have been silenced. May God’s grace and mercy be a constant in the fight for liberation, as “none of us are free, until we are all truly free”.
Please enjoy the poem.
Deuteronomy 16:17 says: “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.”
we have often been taught
that to give is to be noble
in a corrupt world where the wealthy feast
then toss scraps to the hopeful
you cannot live through a single day
without seeing news of constant tragedy on display
high crime rates,
falling nations,
corrupt leaders,
and hurricanes,
forest fires,
soldiers fighting,
children dying all alone
as we scroll past their stories in the comfort of our homes
we have been blessed beyond measure and we don’t even know
now please excuse me for my boldness because i don’t want you to be confused
for this isn’t a political statement
or a call to action
but a humanitarian issue
what a privilege it is to reside in a country with the rights to live free, yet it’s so easy to fall victim to a mindset of individuality
at it’s essence, to give is not about tax write offs, rewards,
or receiving all the glory
but understanding the role of the church
and the importance of community
and it’s so wonderful how scripture makes it
abundantly clear
for God blessed us
so we must bless his people
and do so with cheer
creating a cycle of cohesion
we were called to give what we are able whether our time, money, resources and skills
so as we celebrate another
year of missions
let us not focus on
what makes us different
but keep our eyes and hearts steadfast
on fulfilling God’s vision
so continue to give graciously
from a place of genuine love
for your accolades on Earth serve no match to the rewards you will receive from the divine up above
and as you extend your hearts to give
let not your generosity be fuelled
by centering self
resist the urge to flaunt your wealth
for a cheerful giver should never need to
think in hypotheticals
as if it were your brother, your father,
your sister, or wife
a cheerful giver lives by the morality to do what
you know at heart is right
for despite our differences worldwide
put the polarity of
our governments and citizens aside
despite the imbalance of privilege
and the uncertainties of this mortal life
I thank God that the one solid constant
is the grace of Jesus Christ
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