It Ain’t Easy: A Call for Awareness & Solidarity; Not Pity & Platitudes

Ministry 3 Minutes

Greetings to you from this warrior mom, wife and minister of our Lord Jesus Christ! Today, the prophet and advocate in me is alive, well, and bursting to get out. So, here she is! To some extent or other, we’ve all had to struggle with locating and securing employment. In our society, it’s a struggle to obtain anything from housing to childcare to employment… If you happen to be “different“ that challenge is tenfold.

At some point and in someplace or other I have addressed issues such as sexism, racism, disability-ism, and more. Today, what is on my heart is to address the injustice those with visual impairments face when seeking employment. One day, employers and others in power and Without power will be able to look past surface differences and prejudices they have assuming they understand the abilities of others and the world will be a stronger, more just, well-rounded, truly inclusive and glorious place. When we look at each other, may we come to automatically ask ourselves “what unique ability and gift does this person have to contribute to my life or the lives of others?” It’s time we did more than give lip service to the reality that God has created all of us in gods own glorious image to bring God’s Kingdom to earth. Amen

Habakkuk 1:2-3 text with praying hands.

From My Heart

I’ve had enough! 😞😫🤦‍♀️ I know I’m not the only one.

Yes, I have two B.A. degrees! Yes, I have a

M.A. (M.Div.) degree! Yes! I have experience working with diverse populations of children, women and men! Yes I am resourceful, creative, compassionate, determined and resilient! Yes, I am a skilled teacher, presenter, public speaker and will successfully pass any background screening you require. Yes, I have been trained in CPR/first aid. Yes! Yes! Yes! I meet and likely exceed most of your requirements and recommendations.

No, I DONT drive!.

“Oh, we’re sorry, although you sound like the perfect candidate, … this position, which does not require you to transport patients or anything else really requires that you have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record, so not hired!”

My sisters and brothers who have visual impairments, are deaf or hard of hearing, have speech challenges, perhaps struggle with learning disabilities or criminal records, know that I am with you and stand in solidarity with you. You are strong, courageous and beautiful and Waze many are in capable of seeing, yet be assured that God always sees.

Employers and boards/Committees may not even realize this is prejudice and discrimination, but in large part it is. When we fail to look beyond our own context and outside of our own boxes, we are acting according to fear, prejudice and comfort zones. God is the God of the marginalized and the demonized and the rejected. with God by our side, #WeShallOvercome #YouAreNotAlone

#StoryOfMyLife #TheirLoss #NothingButPrejudice #GodWillMakeAway #JustSaying #Trut #FoodForThought #FightSong #SeeItSaturday

I’m not sure if there’s practice is UNORTHODOX, but I’m going to leave the hashtags in as they were in the FB and IG post I did earlier.

Come, Holy Spirit, come! As we with various abilities, gifts and graces bring them to the table, grant those in power and authority with your wisdom and vision for a kingdom which embraces all your children! May your peace, assurance and love accompany those of us fighting the fight to be excepted and loved for who we are and whose we are.with your wisdom and vision for a kingdom which embraces all your children! May your peace, assurance and love accompany those of us fighting the fight to be excepted and loved for who we are and who’s we are. Lord, you are making all things new even as we speak and you have rejected the oldest structures of oppression and domination. I pray to be part of the rebuilding of a more just society. We are tired and need your strength to hold us up and send us fourth.

Thank you, Lord, for your affirmations and your assurances. Thank you for being with us and loving us. Thank you for the will to continue to fight for ourselves and for all those who are marginalized and forgotten and left out. This world belongs to you, and so there is hope for justice to prevail. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’name, Amen!

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Published by Christy Clark

I am, as you are, part of God’s great story. Writing is my way of putting voice to the chapters of my story. I wrote my first little story in Braille in elementary and have loved writing poetry, articles, short stories and even newsletters ever since. I have always had the feeling I should write a book, but no idea has quite solidified yet. Should I write an autobiography, creative nonfiction, the first Systematic Theology Text by a Black female Methodist? What?? Time to try my hand at blogging! So, as you know by now, my name is Christy! I am a mother to Shaun, who is 11. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have a Terrior Puppy! All of us are life-long Californians! Vocationallly, I am Minister Of Children, Youth & Young Families with Saint Mar, Los Angeles. Concurrently, I am working toward ordination in the United Methodist Church as an Ordained Deacon, called to word, service, justice and compassion ministries. As our children, youth and families grow in faith and receive the vital nurture they need to thrive, they will take their stories out into the street and be the bridge to Christ for a broken world who so strongly needs hope, love and healing. My Master’s In Divinity (M.Div.) from Fuller Theological Seminary (2015) and B.A. in Collaborative Health, Human Services and Public Policy/Social Work reflect my conviction that the Child Welfare System and policies of our nation must be overhauled and our children must be protected and defended and the church has a key role in making sure this work is done. Much of my childhood was spent in foster care, and so I am dedicated to being the light especially for at-risk youth and young adult populations, but also for all of those whom God sends my way. In 1985 at the age of three, I lost my vision and I’m to this day partially sighted, so I also have a special need to serve as a light for those with physical disabilities who the world often pities and/or shuns. We give lip service to justice for all, including children, the disabled, people o( all sexual orientations and races, but this is not the reality in many cases. So, the fight is going strong for social, political economic and all other forms of justice in the world. For this, my first blogging attempt, I will journey through Lent with you. Starting Wednesday, which is Ash Wednesday, and leading up to Easter, which falls on April 21 this year, I will post daily on my journey to the cross with Christ and you all. I post pretty regularly on Facebook and Instagram anyway and figure it is time to try my hand at blogging. This is also a spiritual discipline and a way to hold myself accountable to daily reflection on journeying with Christ. My goal is to provide you with solidarity, resources, which will help you along your journey and have a lot of fun in the process. I hope to hear from you as to what you think, what would be more helpful for you, and any prayer requests you may have. May God bless you today and always. Shalom! Thank

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2 thoughts on “It Ain’t Easy: A Call for Awareness & Solidarity; Not Pity & Platitudes”

  1. Oh, how often have I felt, had these thoughts for you knowing how very qualified you are, how wisely intelligent you are, how very hard you have worked. What can be done, dear God? When will you open the doors of satisfying employment for Christy? I ask. The prayer you included is mine also for you. “How long?”. You voice my inner most thoughts for and about you. I haven’t a platitude to offer as I feel too deeply your frustration. May hope appear. Much love and support, Halie

    Sent from my iPhone

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    1. Thank you! Th

      Peace, love and joy, Christy Ann Clark

      “When what you’re doing this week is repeated next week, it starts building credit in a kids life.” – Reggie Joiner & Kristen Ivy –

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