30 Days of Anti-Racism The work for us today is to "encourage an activist." An activist is someone who actively works toward reform for positive change in society. I asked Aimee Terry if she would share with us Harper's life-changing experience. Let us encourage activists and learn from them. In June, Harper & I traveled to Minneapolis to visit my younger sister and her family. This was shortly after the killing of George Floyd & the riots. My sister was deeply heartbroken over the events that were taking place in her beloved city. However she was also uplifted by the acts of humanity that could be seen everywhere. For instance, people set up make-shift food pantries on the sides of streets immediately after stores & gas stations were destroyed. One day we were all out driving after having visited one of our favorite Minneapolis parks, Harper quietly asked if George Floyd had died near where we were. My brother-in-law started telling her that the neighborhood was not far. She asked if we could go there. The street was closed off so we had to park down a side street. Just Harper and I went. Honestly I've never seen or experienced anything like it. While walking, Harper & I held hands and I tried to explain what had happened here and answer her questions to the best of my ability. I found myself saying "Honey I don't know" repeatedly. Walking up to the street towards the memorial we were immediately approached by "workers" who asked if we needed masks or hand sanitizer. There was a table handing out food and diapers. There was music playing...joyful music. But the mood was incredibly somber. Harper and I just held tightly to one another and soaked it all in....and said a prayer. How can a mama possibly explain how something so senseless and tragic could happen? On the walk back to the car, we continued to hold hands and we talked about things that we can do, how our hearts can hurt but our hearts can also be happy because we know that George's death is causing people to TALK about racial issues. Lots of good discussions and changes will take place because of his death. Shortly after coming back home to Michigan, Harper asked us to order her a Black Lives Matter sign. Her tender heart was touched and she wanted to do something. She spent her own money to buy the sign that we proudly display on our front lawn....and this mama's heart is bursting with pride and HOPE! Aimee Terry
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REv. Dean N. PrentissI am blessed to be the Pastor at Wesley Park UMC. Find Daily Lectionary Readings Here. Archives
February 2021
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