Such beautiful words. Such a simple concept. “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” The world can be so overwhelming. The never-ending struggles in the Middle East. Violence against women worldwide. School shootings across America. Dismissive attitudes of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. There is so much wrong in the world that the easy answer would be to throw my hands up in the air and give up without even trying to make the world a better place. I can’t eradicate misogyny, or racism, or homophobia, or any type of hatred in my lifetime, so why should I even bother.
But that attitude is selfish and not worthy for a daughter of God. Just because I can’t change the entire world overnight doesn’t mean I can’t change my part of the world in my lifetime.
As human beings, especially as Christians, we have a responsibility to change the culture around us. We have a responsibility to call out misogyny, homophobia, racism, xenophobia, classism, and other forms of oppression or hatred. We have a responsibility to treat all human beings as equal, as Image Bearers of God, as human beings worthy of love and compassion.
I believe in a more egalitarian society, one in which we celebrate our differences, but live among each other with peace and understanding. As a Christian feminist with a passion for gender equality, I feel called to work in my corner of the world–whether that be South Carolina, France, Ohio, or even just the Internet–to improve the lives of women. I know I’m not perfect, and I know I’ll stumble along the way. I know I can’t do everything and be everywhere all at once, but I can contribute to a global community of feminists who are all trying to make their corner of the world just a little brighter. I can’t make the world a better place on my own, but I can with God by my side.
Tell me. How is God working through you?