At the beginning of the 2021 school year, our schools were experiencing a challenge that required parent input and involvement in order to move forward. There was a lot of confusion and discord about how to handle this situation, and it was stressful for staff, health professionals and parents alike.
I responded by forming a group of parents who were trying to do their best to advocate calmly for health and safety in our schools. Many of us were from different fields, backgrounds and belief systems. I’m certain that if not for this group, many of us never would have met or befriended one another.
After our time of advocacy was finished, we found that we had formed a community. It became a space where we were helping each other with advice, bringing each other meals if someone was sick, offering to pick up each other’s kids from school—and so much more. We also found that we were discussing difficult topics that were arising in the news constantly, and because we had this relationship built on mutual respect, we were all able to hear each other with ears of love and respect.
A number of times in this group, I have been in a “minority” as a person who has not felt wounded by the Church or Christianity in serious ways. While some people in the group are of different faiths, others have left their faith entirely. Staying in a community where I do not always feel the presence of God in a consistent way has often felt lonely, yet I know that God wants me to be there, to be a presence—to be a bridge. Even now, as we discuss such things as vaccines, Roe vs Wade, book censorship and upcoming elections within our group, there are some very strong feelings and opinions… and fears. I have wondered if our group will be able to remain together in mutual respect.
It has been nourishing to be in this group at times, and in other times lonely. But in faith I trust that I can move forward for Jesus. Through the storms, he has shown me that he does not leave us alone.
