Small Acts of Resistance

“Flooding the zone” is the technique. A chaotic overwhelm designed to make us feel powerless. And yet, our faith teaches us that the “still, small voice within us” which is our conscience can be our guide in times such as these.

Small acts of resistance begin with the belief that what we do matters. That is what our faith teaches us–that we center on love and also are rooted in our individual power as woven together by interdependence.

Small acts of resistance are more likely to make a difference if we do them in concert with other people of good faith. Last Sunday, Rev. Rodney led a Justice Sunday, followed by our campus hosting of change oriented groups. Next week we will join others in Richmond in support of immigrants as part of Faith in Action East Bay. Each week we offer ways to continue not to deny that climate change is real, that some groups of people are marginalized and that we need one another.

Small acts of justice can look like many things. Attending a Town Hall to hear from our elected representatives. Participating in the justice activities designed to keep our values alive in this new regime. Helping others through our Winter Nights program which gives shelter to families who are unhoused in a time increasingly hostile towards those without housing privileges. Sitting with a friend who is feeling particularly despairing. Becoming a pastoral listener to hold people’s griefs and fears on Sundays and other times. Taking time to nurture our own spirits through meditative resources and worship.

Small acts of justice won’t stop the hate or end the fear. However they will help keep hope alive. Let’s keep the faith through small acts of justice-making and resistance. And let’s do them TOGETHER.

In faith and persistance, Rev. Leslie Takahashi