The Dangers
When volunteers come to participate with Urban Bicycle Food
Ministry on Wednesday night I try to always give a disclaimer that includes the
dangers of what we do. It is indeed not the safest bike ride you can
participate in. As all cyclists know, it is a dangerous activity. Though, this
ride has other elements of danger: riding among Memphis traffic, through
alleyways, under bridges, and meeting with people who live on the street. Most
of us don’t think twice about it. Not once have I ever felt threatened while
fulfilling our weekly mission. But, I know the dangers are apparent. This
doesn’t bother me. There is a strong since of security with this activity.
Recently some folks in Raleigh NC who participate in a
similar ministry to UBFM were threatened in a way that is quite disappointing.
This has exposed a new danger to our mission. It is a case of injustice and a
good example of how to approach it. It seems that a group of people who have
been providing breakfast for the homeless community for nearly fifteen years
were threatened with arrest by the local authorities. This is quite sad. I have
yet to experience a threat of this nature but UBFM could potentially be faced
with it some day. The group in NC has responded with a non-violent approach.
They have rallied numbers of people to contact local congressmen, protesting
against the law, which forbids them from feeding the poor. I do believe this is
the best approach. If an arrest is appropriate to make a point, then so be it.
Many non-violent activists have welcomed handcuffs to uncover injustice. However
in memory of Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech (it was delivered 50
years ago today) here is a thought to be mindful of:
“Nonviolence is a
powerful and just weapon. which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who
wields it. It is a sword that heals.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
I believe that being a Christian is not supposed to be safe
or comfortable. If it is, you might be missing something. When a person makes
the commitment to follow Christ and forms a covenant with God, things are not
suppose to get easy. Life becomes something else, a mission or a calling. The
person’s gifts and talents become more relevant and unique. And if they are
willing, God leads them to the places they can put their gifts to work. But,
there is no guarantee it will be safe, especially when injustice is involved.
One may, very well, feel threatened. Nevertheless, we do it for love. And I
believe that love is God living through God’s people.
Peace be with you!
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