Jesus Had a Cross, We Can Have a Lawn Chair
Written by: Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. ”
We are so good at making life difficult. Actions do not always need to be complex to be effective. Sometimes, something as easy as unfolding a lawn chair can make a world of difference. Members of local Churches in North Minneapolis were tired of the violence and death on their streets. Rather than a violent “eye for an eye,”these African American Church members started a ministry of presence. A ministry of presence in a lawn chair.
These church members sit on street corners in the most dangerous spots in the city. Many church members can name victims who were shot &/or killed on the locations where they place their lawn chairs. The September 8, 2021 article in the Washington Post shared that “The campaign began after three children were shot in Minneapolis over a period of a few weeks this spring: 6-year-old Aniya Allen, 9-year-old Trinity Ottoson-Smith and 10-year-old Ladavionne Garrett Jr. Aniya and Trinity died; Ladavionne was critically injured.”Sometimes, life inserts such agony people of God cannot ignore it. When we are overwhelmed by life, we can give up, or we can respond with trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Church leaders said, “Our group asked the Minneapolis Police Department to identify the most dangerous spots in our neighborhood, the 4th Precinct, and then we went there, pulled out our chairs and sat down.”Children, youth, and adults in the neighborhood began talking to the lawn chair activists. Relationships developed, and trust was built. “The city’s overall violent-crime statistics have improved across the summer.” “Rape and aggravated assault also declined year-over-year in June and July.” Peace and justice in relationships formed and recognizing that each of these neighborhoods is worthy of attention by the lawn chair faithful.
Transformation does not always need to be complex or expensive. Parking oneself in a lawn chair is simple and doesn’t cost a time. Yet, the results, in this case, are profound. With the Spirit’s guidance and wisdom, we have the tools to make the world a better place. We can heal the brokenness of this world by picking up our cross or our lawn chair and letting the least of us know that all are worthy of respect, safety, and love. Christ found a cross, these faithful people found lawn chairs, find your way to make a lasting difference.
