Alright, so I had a little melt down the other day and I whined a little.... OK, maybe a little more than a little! I'm back strong and with renewed purpose... maybe because tomorrow I can splurge! A banana milkshake it will be!
This is what grabbed me this week:
"The White savior industrial complex is not about justice. It is about having a big emotional experience that validates privilege".
That's what Nigerian born writer Teju Cole said about the grass roots campaign "The invisible Children" project that had raised awareness by blasting the world with a twenty minute video, highlighting warlord Joseph Kony, leader of the LRA, a guerrilla group that had and still is now on some levels kidnapped, raped and turned thousands of African children into killers for more than twenty years. The idea was to "make famous" this killer in an effort to unite the world in capturing this guy and making him stand trial for his crimes against humanity.
"Never Doubt That A Small Group Of Thoughtful, Committed Citizens Can Change The World; Indeed, It's The Only Thing That Ever Has.
Margaret Mead
The video went viral and the co creator has since been arrested for unsavory behavior, the critics attacked the IC in huge waves saying that "the video was too simplistic and emotional", "We should seek a peaceful solution", "A major strike may cause more violence". They were questioning IC"s motives and financial reports. The video became an instant motivator for many but mostly young college age kids who were exposed to the injustice of what they SAW before them. I watched the video and had high hopes for it as well. I believe that bringing awareness to an issue will awaken our sense of justice and then guide us toward activism. But the critic that made me STOP EVERYTHING and examine my own motives for entering into this Blood:Water's Mission's "40 days of water challenge", was the statement made by Teju Cole which I posted at the top of this entry. He is challenging their/my motives!
What is my motivation for doing it? Am I a white American (immigrant) desiring to be a hero to poor, helpless Africans? Am I doing this out of guilt? Not every question has an easy answer, but this one did. I just needed to think about it for a few minutes.
"Vision Without Action Is Merely A Dream. Action Without Vision Just Passes The Time. Vision With Action Can Change The World."
Joel Barker
As most of you know, I consider myself a follower of Christ and although a lot of times I don't much care for my fellow earth walkers, he says I should love and extend grace to all his children. I do love Jesus and I think his teachings are sound and are truth. These verses are some of the reasons I am doing this.
The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:31-46
This is what God commanded the Israelites to do:
"If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kind from him". Leviticus 25:35
God says: "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: here am I. Isaiah 58:6-9
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