What are you really passionate about?
One of my friends is passionate about the issue of sex trafficking. I asked her what she tells people when she talks to an audience.
“Awareness is important, but by itself it’s pretty useless. At some point, awareness has to translate into some form of action.”
She pointed me to Psalm 82.
Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked. (Psalm 82:3-4)
I noticed it doesn’t say “feel sorry about” or “feel pity for.” The action verbs tell me to do something: defend, uphold, rescue, deliver.
The Message conveys the same meaning, but conveys it as a central purpose.
Enough! You’ve corrupted justice long enough,
you’ve let the wicked get away with murder.
You’re here to defend the defenseless,
to make sure that underdogs get a fair break;
Your job is to stand up for the powerless,
and prosecute all those who exploit them.
“You’re here to…” “Your job is to …”
I get the sense that these aren’t suggestions.
My friend’s comment reminded me of something I wrote a few days ago (Know Or Do). It’s not enough to be aware or even to express outrage. Apparently it’s not okay to simply lament my inability to solve huge problems or to feel guilty about my inaction, my addiction to personal comfort.
Know is just the first step. Now that I know, what will I do?
If you’d like to contribute to International Justice Mission through my ride, please go to this page. Be sure to find my name under “participant name” so your donation’s properly credited.
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