A Place of Acceptance - May 20
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 106:1-18; PM Psalm 106:19-48; Lev. 23:1-22; 2 Thess. 2:1-17; Matt. 7:1-12
Today’s Reflection
‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. –Matthew 7: 7-12
These words of Jesus, that we read today in Matthew 7, are words of reassurance. God provides for us (ask and it will be given you). God guides us (search and you will find). God welcomes us (knock and the door will be opened). And not only that, but God also considers our specific needs, as a parent gives sustenance and other good gifts to their children, so too does God delight in providing for us, guiding us, and welcoming us as his dear ones.
Yesterday, along with a couple of others from our Saint Stephen’s staff, I had the opportunity to tour the Magic City Acceptance Academy. This is a free, public charter school for sixth through twelfth grade students that is designed to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students who have not felt safe or supported in other schools—whether due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, racial or ethnic identity, learning differences, or some combination of these and other aspects of who they are. As we were guided through the school by Karen Musgrove, a Saint Stephen’s parishioner who is the executive director of Birmingham AIDS Outreach, the parent organization that founded and operates the school, we saw evidence around every corner of the loving care that is put into creating a safe, supportive space. We saw a place where students can attempt to set aside their fears and insecurities so that they may learn and grow into their full potential and begin to dream of what their futures may hold.
Classrooms have been designed to meet the needs of students with a variety of learning styles and special education needs. Teachers choose to work there because they believe in the mission of the school and perhaps, they, too, have faced bullying and opposition in previous workplaces or phases in their lives. Hallways are painted with bright colors and classrooms filled with colorful desks and chairs. Signs with uplifting messages, reminding students they are valued just as they are, are found along every stretch of hallway. Several local churches painted encouraging banners and posted, signed by their clergy and parishioners, and these are posted in common areas like the media center and the cafeteria. It was especially heartening, in the light of recent negative public discourse about the school, to see how people from around the United States (Oregon, North Dakota, New York, Florida, and more) and around the world (Prague, Dublin, London, and beyond) have sent affirming messages to the school, which have been printed out on colorful paper an added to the other positive messages posted around the campus.
So, when I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 today, about how God provides, guides, and welcomes us as loving parents give good gifts to their children, my mind went back to what I saw, heard, and felt as I walked around MCAA yesterday afternoon. God’s love is being freely given to each one of God’s children who comes to school there each day knowing that they will not be bullied or cast out. God’s love is being freely given to each one of God’s children who can walk into school with a mind that is less burdened by fear and anxiety and more able to focus on growing and developing into the people God has created each one of them to be. Thanks be to God.
Becky+
Questions for Reflection
Looking back on your life so far, what has been a place of refuge and acceptance for you? Who has God brought into your life at exactly the right moment, be they times of insecurity or challenge, who showed you what it looks like and feels like to be accepted and loved unconditionally? How have you shown that kind of acceptance and love to others when they needed it most?
Daily Challenge
You can read more about Magic City Acceptance Academy in this May 8 article in The New York Times or through their school website.