Book Review - When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together by Terence Lester
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55994897-when-we-stand
When We Stand, The Power of Seeking Justice Together is a must read for our community. We all understand the importance of seeking justice, taking a stand for the oppressed, the marginalized, the dehumanized. But often times we don’t know how to go about it. Terrence Lester, author and creator of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit in Atlanta gives practical, inspiring and encouraging words for us to move pass apathy and move into action, move into presence. There’s something special about being present. Lester writes, “Presence is about deep connections and relationships, oftentimes we underestimate the ministry of presence, which is largely how Jesus lived his life.”
Life can be overwhelming, we’ve experienced so much over the last couple of years and we are divided on so many issues. If you’re like me at all, there are moments where I need to just turn the news off, step away from social media, and remove myself. The temptation to isolate myself is ever present, the temptation to go it alone or just leave it alone is something I regularly fight. However, I’m reminded far more often of the Good News that outshines any bad news the world is presenting. The Good News of Jesus and His redeeming love for us all. As a result of receiving the Good News of Jesus we have a responsibility to share the news, to be light and love to the world around us. To be present for the community around us.
The beauty of this book and what attracted me to it is found in the title. The words, WE and Together. When WE stand, The Power of Seeking Justice TOGETHER. Lester invites us to stand together and seek justice. Lester refers to injustice as, “any systemic issue that threatens, robs, or blocks a person from reaching their God-given potential or prohibits them from experiencing equal and equitable treatment or access.” Imagine how different the world around us could be if we began to stand together, partner with others and use the various gifts God has given us.
Lester isn’t calling us to add more to an already busy filled to do list rather he is inviting us to take a look at what we are doing and maybe swapping things out for work that is helping make the world a better place. Something we have to overcome is as Lester puts it, “the false narrative of having nothing to offer.” We all have something to offer, believe that.
ADAM PALACIOS
Adam has been a member of Divine Life since the beginning. He is he owner/operator of Yellow Rose, a home remodeling company (support local!). A talented musician, music is his passion. He is a lover of smoked meats. He, his wife Julie, and their three children live in Oklahoma City.