How do we get independence from whoever or whatever our oppressor is? We, as a church, need to seize this moment of transformation; we need to take up our faith and use it to lead our community and our country. No matter our age or our finances, our faith will lead us to be part of the answer.

In an interview with Karen Freeman-Wilson, we learn about her role as the current Chicago Urban League CEO, her early influences, positions she has held during her Christian service journey as she works to improve the lives of those whom the cards are stacked against before they’re even dealt. In recounting Freeman-Wilson’s journey and the Urban League purpose, we get to see service options that can support her efforts. We can lend an ear and a helping hand to better the lives of others.

Fathers are protectors, providers, promoters, priests, and prophets. As they pray and fulfill their calling, they become a blessing. Jesus encouraged us that when we pray say, “our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). We have a Father in heaven who loves us.

God says he purifies us as we confess our sins (1 John 1:5-2:2). Moreover, God declares he is not pleased with assemblies that do not honor him and practices that do not resemble his purpose for us (Amos 5:7). He wants us to advocate for the poor and those in need. Jesus advocated for us when we were guilty, and it is now our honor to do this for others.

In life, we are faced with a choice: to rule for God or to rule for ourselves. This is where sin enters. Sin creeps in and misrepresents the image of God. Sin has this uncanny ability to cause us to believe that we are not good enough and not loved. This distortion creates a broken world that results in the kind of travesties that we’re facing today.

It’s important for us not to become desensitized to sin. There are environments where it’s easier to become desensitized to sin. It often occurs when we’re alone and think no one is looking.

God will not drive out the enemy in a single year, but little by little, and he goes before us (Exodus 23). This is how God reveals himself and blesses us. With just a little bit of faith, we will see God working and it will inspire us to continue to be faithful (Matthew 17:20). The mustard seed is very small, but its plant is very big. Small things always become significant.

When we start to move outside of God’s timing, we not only put ourselves at risk, but we also put those closest to us at risk. In Hebrews 10:36, Paul says that after we have done the will of God, we have need of patience. God is running a marathon, not a sprint. God has a strategy, a purpose, and a plan.