40 Day Journey with Our Neighbors in Solidarity
Week 5: First Nation Communities at Pine Ridge and Woyatan Lutheran
Written By: Nicholas Breining
The Apostle Paul (in 2 Timothy 1:8-9) invites a challenge to Timothy “Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.”
God of grace and mercy, we pray that you may continue to guide us within our lives so that we may hear you and follow you. In the moments that we fall into frustration and anger, sadness and grief, please help us to not react in hurtful ways upon our neighbors and ourselves. Find us and redirect us into your holy calling of loving our neighbors and you, our God. Empty us of selfish cravings and judgments that separate, divide, and sow seeds of hate towards one another. Plant within us the seeds of patience, repentance, and forgiveness for our neighbors and ourselves. In your Holy Name, Jesus Christ, hear our prayer.
In our State of South Dakota there is a diversity of people, life experiences, and perspectives which can yield powerful opportunities for healing, growth and a healthier community, or it can go in the other direction.
At the Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center, we strive to build good relationships with the Oglala Lakota community members and to give opportunities for outside visitors to hear their stories, witness their gifts, and learn together. We believe it is our holy calling to walk in accompaniment and step into the difficult work of reconciliation with our neighbors where we share a very painful past, where we, as white Christians, carry the reality of being the oppressor.
Where do you hear the Holy Spirit nudging you towards your holy calling?
If you see a neighbor that looks differently from you how do you react?
In what ways can you offer more mercy and grace towards your neighbor and yourself?
Like the Apostle Paul, are you willing to suffer for the Gospel? We encourage you to learn more about your neighbors in South Dakota that look differently and speak differently than you and to hear their stories. If it brings feelings of defensiveness, guilt, or shame remember that this is part of the suffering that is required in hearing the gospel of how it has been lived out in our recent past which caused great harm. As a healing balm, we are offered divine mercy and grace when we enter these spaces to learn and grow. Please be gentle and brave with yourselves.
Here is a place to start: https://www.rememberingthechildren.org/
