First Baptist Church of Herndon

A Different Disease

Linda Soller | Jun 08, 2020

We have been struggling relatively briefly with a pandemic, but much longer with a different disease. What disease you ask? First, here is a definition of the word disease. “A disease is aparticular quality, habit, or disposition regarded as adversely affecting a person or group of people.” Now, what do you think I am talking about? 

As a “Baby Boomer” I have lived through my share of civil unrest. I don’t claim that as a badge of honor, more as a badge of disbelief. I find it so difficult to believe that protests for the basic human rights of any group of people have to take place in this day and age. Why does this keep happening? Why can’t those in a position to make a difference see the pain and anger our system continues to inflict on people? How do we, in our democratic and fundamentally Christian society, allow it to get to this boiling point again? I’m not condoning violence and destruction. I won’t pretend I understand what so many of our citizens go through on a daily basis. I try to empathize, but that’s a far cry from living their frustrations, hunger, hopelessness, and fear. I can only imagine the life they live. What I can do is own up to my part in allowing that way of life to continue. When I stay quiet, or do nothing, I’m contributing to the continuation of the status quo. Jesus would not stand still or remain quiet. His love and mercy are for all people. I believe He challenges us to put our words and actions behind our claim to faith.

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington D.C. did what we all need to do. She spoke out against politicians using the church to promote their cause, even when their cause is not Christian at all. They threaten violence, they incite discordance with careless words, and there is no sign of prayer, or honest effort to calm the chaos. Where is the Christianity in that?  I love the diversity of FBC of Herndon’s congregation because it is as it should be. We feel it in the love and respect we have for one another. We must share that love even more in these difficult times. We must speak up. We must vote. We must serve our community and the world. But most of all we must love one another. We can do this. We can make it better! If you doubt your strength just read Philippians 4:13. 

Faith is an action word! :o) Linda