We have engaged in over 300 hours of building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty!
Though the goal seems large, we are already over 15% of the way to our target. If each of us engages in just two hours this month, we will exceed our goal!
Let's continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus!
DEVOTION
When was the last time you purchased a new pair of jeans? Or purchased any discretionary item of clothing for that matter? In last week’s Matthew 25 Engagement Challenge presentation by Habitat for Humanity, the Director of Sponsorships shared the story of a family that, after buying an affordable home through Habitat, finally had enough discretionary income to buy a new pair of jeans.
One in four households in Metro Denver are housing cost burdened – they pay more than 30% of monthly income in housing. They struggle to feed their families and pay their bills. They move often to find housing they can afford, and their children are again required to change schools. New jeans are not a simple reality for families who are burdened by the high cost of housing in Denver and surrounding areas.
In Matthew 25:38 the righteous person asked, “when was it that we saw you…naked and gave you clothing?” Perhaps the answer is, “when you helped me find affordable housing.”
Words have the capacity to have multiple meanings. Naked: 1) without jeans to wear 2) an unveiling of the truth, the naked truth. The naked truth of discriminatory housing practices that historically, and to this day, continue to keep people of color from purchasing housing and generating the wealth that real estate equity provides.
If you are not aware of the history of redlining, of discriminatory real estate practices, or of the prohibitively high cost of housing the Metro Denver area, I encourage you to spend some of your Engagement Challenge time learning.
You can start here or here.
And then take action to make affordable housing a reality for all our neighbors. You can start here: or here.
I wonder…
Have you ever been naked? Literally or figuratively.
What truth has been unveiled for you in the last year – now a naked truth?
What is the last item you purchased with your discretionary income? How long ago was that?
How long have you lived in your home? What stability has that afforded you or your family?
Pray
God of abundance,
Open my eyes to the systems and structures that keep people naked. You have provided more than enough for all your children. Help us to work for the equitable distribution of your plentiful resources. Amen.
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Kendal Mullins is a Ruling Elder and staff member at Wellshire Presbyterian Church. She currently serves on the Matthew 25 and Visioning Construction Teams.