We stand united

One of our vocations is to be united in Christ. It is our mission to share God’s prevailing love while having the presence of peace and unity. The word “united” is incorporated in our denomination’s name, United Methodists, and perhaps it is one of the main reasons behind it. Being united is defined as joining together, having common feelings, and standing as one.

It has been busy at the Capitol Hill this week, numerous occurrence and rallies took place. It is quite inspiring how people from different walks of life are moving, fighting, and making efforts for their voices to be heard. As a human being and a resident of this country, being able to fight and bravely stand against the injustices that are continuing to exist is an experience I will hold dearly in my heart. It is a worthwhile experience that I strongly believe will make significant difference. Though the challenges and issues our nation is facing today are tough, we, as children of God will stay united to subdue them.

On Monday night, I was able to witness Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), who led the Facebook Live discussion of the health-care debate, together with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and others, on the capitol steps. Each of them spoke about their opposition on the bill. Senator Booker ended the night with the words, “Right now, the biggest obstacle we face is not [Republican senators], but the silence of those who could do something about it. Silence is the enemy. Apathy is the enemy. Indifference is the enemy.” The main purpose of the Senators’ actions was for individuals to stand in union with those whose health care will be affected, those individuals who will suffer greatly. The words that were said were very powerful and the passion of the people who witnessed it were visible. These people who have different backgrounds came together in unity to support this extemporaneous moment and seeing it brought joy to me. (Cool thing that also happened that night: we were given free passes to go to the Senate Gallery which was spectacular! It became the highlight of our week.)

The twenty-three hour health care prayer vigil also took place this week. The United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society was scheduled from 1 am-3 am. We stayed united for those names that were mentioned as the readers unfold their stories. We prayed and sang hymns like how we have always lifted to God those people who are trivialized. Together with that, I also took part in a rally for the Environmental Public Agency budget cut where Scott Pruitt is the administrator. Mothers and their children, environmental groups, and individuals who are passionate about the environment joined together to exude the message about this injustice act.

My co-interns and I have been in Washington DC for about a month now and all I can say is, it amazes me how well we work with each other. Coming from different places with values and culture that may seem unfamiliar to each other did not become a hindrance for us to unify. I am grateful to God for that along with the many blessings he bestows upon us every day.

Being united means never being alone. No one must ever feel alone while standing up for their rights. Together in this abominable time, we will remain united. We have stayed united, we are staying united, and we will stay united as Christians, as a nation, and as human beings.

Julliane Osias is an ethnic young adult intern with Church and Society. You can find this post, and all of the EYA’s reflection on their blog here.