"ADVOCATING FOR THE WELL-BEING OF OTHERS"

by Susan Krehbiel,

Director of Congregational Advocacy

Abundant Life -- this year's advocacy theme -- reminds us of the image of Jesus Christ drawn in scripture as the Good Shepherd, the one who came so that we, his sheep, may have life abundantly (John 10:10).  While much of the news at the end of the 435th session of the Maryland General Assembly has focused on the power-holders, I want to take this opportunity to thank those who were willing to speak truth with love to such power so that others in Maryland might have abundant life.

Thank you to the 40 plus members and pastors from Presbytery of Baltimore and United Church of Christ congregations who dared to travel icy roads during one of our coldest winters to advocate for youth facing incarceration, for clean energy, for the right of workers to earn sick leave, and other matters that weighed upon your hearts.

Thank you to those who made over 50 scarves for "advocates" to wear while meeting with legislators at the state capitol in Annapolis on Advocates Day.  The scarves have since been donated to a homeless shelter.  The physical warmth from these scarves was a reminder of our solidarity with the brothers and sisters who made them, as well as, with those who would later wear them.

Thank you to all those who took time to write, call or rally for the well-being of others and for their future.  Your ability to see the needs of others and to carry them as your own is a powerful witness.

Advocating for the well-being of others; this is perhaps what distinguishes you most from the majority of advocates in Annapolis.  Not personal religious creeds or even willingness to be the "moral voice."  You are different from the thousands of paid lobbyists that advocate to protect their clients' financial interests and the hundreds of residents who line up to testify about how a particular law helps or hurts their own way of life. 

Advocacy for others isn't always easy, because it also means challenging yourself.  It may mean setting aside considerations about what is easiest or best for you, in order to do what is best for others.  We didn't get everything we had hoped, but lawmakers did sit up and take notice.  Changing laws, like changing of attitudes and behaviors, can be slow, especially for those who are waiting for that change to happen. So how did we do?  Click here to find out! 

Every year before we make our legislative visits, we gather for a time of prayer. This year our prayer included these declarations from the leader:  "Hope for tomorrow needs our voices to do the work today!  Justice for tomorrow needs our voices to do the work today!"  
 

May it be so.