ICan'tWatch

PerformedbyAidenNathanielDiazand MartaPumroyatHESED2023

I. Can’t. Watch.

News reports of children in cages because they fled their homes for safety. Welcomed and used part to the games of chess by American leaders. Dropped off in the cold night in unknown neighborhoods.

I Can’t Watch

Intersectional church splits pointing fingers at one another - using the church in Africa as pawns for why they are in the right Stripping them of their voice until they said, “don’t speak for me "

I. Can’t. Watch.

I kept looking forward when the man kicked and threatened the disabled merchant in the holy lands. Meeting the gaze of my classmates that absorbed the trauma of the oppressed.

I Can’t Watch

The aggressive pushing in Jerusalem that says, “You don’t belong here” at Jesus’ tomb Jesus only died for me, not you!

I. Can’t. Watch.

Gazing forward because I have seen it all before. What was his crime? Being annoying? Being “aggressive?” Making a living? Standing outside of a corner store?

When “I Can’t Watch ” turns into “I Can’t Breathe ”

When does the pain of these communities stop becoming names turned into trending hashtags? When do we say enough is enough? When it is someone from our own congregations? Someone one from our own families? Our friends? Our children?

But here’s what I. Can. Watch.

I can watch movements of harmony spurred by the Holy Spirit between people. Crossing the aisle - not just of our politics but in our church pews. Daring to sit in a seat that hasn’t been the same seat for 40 years.

I can watch the people in this room - who started this event ten years ago - starting a story that is still being written Seeing their hope realized into a movement of people saying my faith makes me put my love in action

I can watch children and adults - young and old being fed - physically, emotionally, spiritually. No longer bare bones but able to thrive and function and full of life.

I can watch people refusing to gossip and spread lies and help build life in another person. To stop chasing THE glory of God in the eyes of the other but to search for God in the person right in front of their face.

I can watch the recognition of people's skills and talents that they bring to the table So our lives are fuller like God imagined it so Encouraging another instead of saying you’re too young, you’re too old, you’re too weak, you’re a student, you’re a staff member, you’re a faculty member, you’re too black, brown, short, tall, loud, quiet Nobody is too anything Maybe their skill is exactly enough

Now, that I Can Watch.