Walk Out or Walk Up: Does It Have To Be A Choice?

Some people thought I was trying to subvert the voices of those who “walked out” yesterday due to a picture I posted on Facebook.  Just to be clear that was not my agenda. I agree, given the picture I posted I should have provided more of an explanation. I personally have no problem with those who walked out yesterday. My motive was to share a more complete answer to the issues that students and faculty face everyday. I was a youth pastor for over 20 years and I have experienced what happens when students reach out to the marginalized and love those the world throws away. I understood why those who walked out did so. I applaud them in standing up for what they believe in. However, if that is the extent of their action, not much will change. I remember when people were putting a red “X” in magic marker on their hand to bring awareness to human trafficking. Again, this is a great way to bring an often forbidden and controversial topic to the surface. However, most people’s action died when they washed away their Red “X” that night. Protest? Sure. Bring awareness? Absolutely! Even writing congress and trying to pass laws that may aid in helping with a problem is great!  But there is much more we can do in our communities, workplaces, and schools.

My oldest son is an introvert. We moved from Greer SC to Lexington, SC in 2016 due to God taking me to another place to serve as pastor. It was hardest on him because we moved in his 11^th grade year. Reflecting on the walk out yesterday he said he saw all these people walking out and none of them have ever reached out to him. My son bears some of the responsibility as well. He has not made himself available, he has not gotten involved in his new school, and he keeps to himself.  He shared the reason he did not make much of an effort is that he would be going to college in a few years and he would have to say goodbye again. It hurt too much the first time and he didn’t want to go through that again. This is not the route I would have chosen, but I am an extrovert and I think differently than him. Nevertheless, no one has really approached him to hang out. Even in what River Bluff High School calls “Crew” which is supposed to lend itself to making connections with fellow students.

My point in this post is to couple REAL action with your protest. Start in your community, workplace, and school. Reach out to those who are alone. Love everyone, even and especially those who may be hard to love.  Paul puts it best when he says, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” Romans 12:9-13.