December 13 – Envision

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. The Sovereign One will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before them and will make a path for their steps (from Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13).

Rev. Tara Barber, Minister for Ministerial Support and Accountability, MESA Team, UCC National

“I am actively working toward abolition which means that I am trying to create the necessary conditions to ensure the possibility of a world without prisons. I am building the path to freedom by journeying in it.” – Mariame Kaba

 

“Abolition is not some distant future but something we create in every moment when we say no to the traps of empire
and yes to the nourishing possibilities dreamed of and practiced by our ancestors and friends.
Every time we insist on accessible and affirming health care, safe and quality education, meaningful and secure employment, loving and healing relationships, and being our full and whole selves, we are doing abolition.
Abolition is about breaking down things that oppress and building up things that nourish.
Abolition is the practice of transformation in the here and now and the ever after.”
― Eric A. Stanley, Captive Genders: Trans Embodiment and the Prison Industrial Complex

 

It has to begin with some glimpse
some glimmer of hope –
that whatever is at the end of the path is better
than where we currently stand.
Imagining those ancient navigators following a star,
holding compassion for all who today navigate dangerous paths
for the hope of safety, freedom, and a new life.

Maybe this is the way we approach a new day,
envisioning a path through it, toward it,
glimpsing only the next step
or conversation.
How could love and peace speak
in this moment?
and the next
and the next –
abolition dreams
always holding before us
the vision of justice, righteousness, and freedom for all.

Prayer

Steadfast God, even as we long for your coming, we trust your faithfulness.
Guide us in the paths that we travel
so that we may no longer be bound by fear and hate, domination and supremacy,
but free to love and serve and create your realm here on earth for all.  Amen.

See also this Blessing for Those Who Have Far to Travel by Jan Richardson.

 

Artwork: “Envision” by Yohana Junker (discover more at: https://www.yohanajunker.com/)