Wow, y’all, I have never felt the words of the prayer of confession, “I have not heard the cry of the needy,” as strongly as I did this morning.
We attended (virtually) St. James UMC, in KCMO this morning. Our district encouraged us all to do this as we closed Black History month. I don’t know that went into it with any expectations, just wanting to experience worship.
As worship started they began with 3 songs… “What’s Goin’ On” by Marvin Gaye, “Lord, Don’t Move My Mountain” by Inez Andrews, and “Ooh Child” by the Five Stairsteps.
During the first one, my heart started hurting and I said to my husband, “I don’t think I’ve ever REALLY listened to these words before.” By the second, when she sang, “Lord, don’t move my mountain, give me strength to climb it”, I burst into tears as I realized that so many of our ears have been closed to the pain and suffering of Black people even as we listened to and sang along with them on the radio!
“I have not heard the cry the of the needy.” Forgive me, Lord.
Rev. Cleaver said it’s not enough to weep… how did he know I was weeping? … But when we are done weeping we have to act.
Lord, help me to act. Help me to continue to speak out, to step out of my comfort zone. Help to help my brothers and sisters of color, to see through their eyes and do my part to restore them. Amen.
Here’s the link if you would like to join them in worship. The next service begins at 11am but it will be available later to watch anytime. https://sjumckc.org/worship-online/
Simply Sherri 
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