"Yes I am," they reply unsurely.
"Would you like to make a sign?" as I point to the materials PCU has brought.
"I'm not sure what to write," they say.
"Just write in a few big words why you're here today. Why do you care about climate change? You can think to yourself 'I'm here because I care about...' and just finish the sentence," I suggest.
"Cool! Thanks!" And off they go.
This past weekend was Los Angeles' solidarity march for stopping climate change along with hundreds of others marches around the country and world. While there were over 310,000 in NYC, there were at least a few thousand scattered along a two-mile stretch of Wilshire Boulevard here in LA. People held up pre-made signs from various organizations as well as the hand-made ones done right then and there on the corner of Wilshire and Vermont.
Being able to express what motivates you is a tough thing to do, especially for progressive Christians who wince at the thought of "testifying." They remember perhaps an evangelical past that pushed beliefs on people or excluded them. But like others have said before, we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Sharing your story, what matters to you and why, is a critical element of living your commitment to the way of Jesus. This is especially true when it relates to social justice issues. Facts about a problem are easily ignored, and frankly, often boring. Newsflash: those not engaged won't become involved by a bunch of facts. People care about what moves us, and hearing that is its own kind of fact that can't be denied. I know how hard this can be for so many people; I am personally more of an introspective listener than someone who's comfortable talking about such things.
The first eco-ministry team of PCU practiced sharing last evening why climate change personally matters to them and how it connects with their spirituality. Talking about what matters to us, being a witness to those concerns, giving our testimony, is something all of us (especially self-styled progressives!) need more practice in. Whether it's written on a sign we hold on a street corner, in a conversation with a friend or acquaintance, or when we are alone with our own thoughts, each of us can be strengthened by naming and claiming our stories. Let's start sharing!
Pushing past my shyness and awkwardness,
Timothy Murphy
Executive Director