Conversation Point

Carrying a Torch

The Dream for Darfur Torch Relay began it's twenty city tour yesterday here in Cincinnati, Ohio. The torch was carried around the commons of the University of Cincinnati by local heroes, raising awareness and imparting an urgent message for advocacy and action. Emphasized was the critical and constructive role that China can play in ending the ongoing atrocities,

One of those local heroes, Nick Clooney, offered first-hand knowledge of what is happening in this African nation, having visited there last spring with his famous son, George. Mr. Clooney spoke with warmth and affection for the people he met on that visit with whom he remains in contact. This is, after all is said and done, a human tragedy. When tragedy strikes, we gather ourselves together to care for one another. Mr. Clooney most poignantly wished that his friends in Darfur could see us standing together to support them, to let them know that they have not been forgotten.

What lessons has God taught us so that we may help these people who are our sisters and brothers? As people of faith we are obliged to do more than those who do not know God's love and grace.

The words of the Biblical prophet Isaiah are integral to our understanding of how God works among us. Isaiah anticipated the birth of The Messiah, informing the people of his time what to look for in this new leader. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this (Isaiah 9: 5-7)."

Isaiah also spoke openly about God's directive to care for the poor, the lonely, the lost, the suffering, with whatever we had to give, saying, "Is not this the fast that I choose; to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am (Isaiah 58: 6-9)"

Between these two portions of scripture we understand what we are to do and who leads us to do it But we also learn that our own futures are at stake in this venture. How we behave, how seriously we take Isaiah's words as God's prophet, directly impacts our lives. If we recognize the leadership God presents to us in The Messiah, whom we know as Jesus the Christ, we will honor God's imparative to care for each other, and then our light will arrive, we will be healed, our righteousness will go before us, God's glory will follow us and guard us. We will call out to God, knowing that we will be heard and answered. God will say, "Here I am." It is in giving that we receive, and in helping others we help ourselves. Time and time again the prophets have spoken, extending the opportunity to do what we know to be right, just and loving in God's eyes.

Prophetic voices still speak among us.

After Mr. Clooney spoke, Mrs. Homa Yavar, co-chair of the event and the Greater Cincinnati Advocates for Darfur, led us in prayer for the people in Darfur, honoring the dead and upholding the dreams of the people who still live. Her voice broke as she eloquently bound us to the vision God carries for us, for them, for all of humanity.

How then can we embody this Biblical precept and stop the violence in Darfur?

We can pray. We can write our congressional representatives to put pressure on President Bush to act decisively to end the violence. We can divest our money from companies that do business with the Sudanese government, architects of this horrific slaughter. We can stop buying all products produced in China. We can stay conscious, educated about what is happening in Darfur, and we can tell others what is going on and urge them to act in anyway they can.

Prophetic voices still speak among us, requiring us to pay attention, take note and to act. Our own voices must be added to this historical litany so that everyone who needs to hear has the chance to make a difference.

posted by Cory L. Kemp @ 8:00 PM