In the March 23 entry of her 2024 Lenten devotional, Through Thick and Thin, published by Brethren Press, Beth Sollenberger writes about two black families who were members of her church and community. They were active, cherished members, sharing everyday life with their church family.
Beth explains that this, “lulled me into thinking I was not a part of any racism problem. I’ve been blind to the big picture of black parents needing to have ‘the talk’ with their children, of housing limitations, banking discrepancies, police brutality, and the general unfairness our society offers people of color. All of these are ways that I have benefited as a white woman. It will take a system change, a cultural shift, and a ton of adjusting to make progress. There is hard work ahead.”
If you perhaps see yourself in Beth’s words, if you perhaps see some diversity in our own congregation and are lulled into thinking that everything is okay, and then realize that you perhaps have been blind to the bigger picture of systemic racism in our society and want to begin to understand, then we recommend the books in our social justice library as a good place to start.
In it are books for adults, youth, and children. There are biographies of people of color who were and are leaders in the movement for justice for all, stories about activism for all ages, books of nonfiction that explain what life is like for those who are minorities.
One book in the library is by Dr. Drew Hart, a member of the First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, professor at Messiah University, and leader of the Thriving Together project of which our church is a part. The title asks Who Will Be a Witness? At a time when many feel disillusioned and distressed, Dr. Hart calls the church to action, offering a way forward that is deeply rooted in the life and witness of Jesus. This is just one example of what you will find in our library which is located in the Memorial Lobby in the middle alcove. Take a minute to check it out and start, or continue, your journey toward understanding.
“When Jesus called to the blind man from Jericho, the man wanted to be healed of blindness: to see all the colors and fine lines and maybe new paths instead of old ruts. His faith made it possible. I wonder what possibilities await.”
Submitted by Gina Strouse
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