Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1534028
April/May 2025 | maconmagazine.com 111 In a city with houses of faith on nearly every corner, Rev. Dr. Erin Robinson Hall's column explores the interconnectedness of Macon's faith communities and the diverse ways Maconites nourish their spiritual health and the wellbeing of those around them, inspired by "On Being" podcast host Krista Tippet's idea that "religion is as cup; spirituality is as water." in a statement that they joined eff orts with other religious groups nationwide to ensure that "houses of worship remain free from warrantless government raids." Pastor Julie Long says that posting the signs was "an act of compassion and humility." The congregation off ers assistance and ESOL classes. "We didn't post the signs to make a statement as much as to ensure that the people who need these kinds of resources and a place to be welcomed into community know that they are protected here," said Rev. Long. Brave voices don't always shout. When Rev. Budde preached a sermon about unity during the national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, her voice was quiet but steady. There, in the presence of the President and dozens of powerful political leaders, she challenged, "I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now." Her sermon caused an international stir. I hear the challenge resonate all the way here in Macon. People are afraid. People are brave, too. Daniel Medina, director of Hispanic/ Latino Aff airs in the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, is a local pastor. His congregants face frightening circumstances. "Just imagine leaving a place of violence in your country and arriving at another of discredit, living in constant fear." Fear does not defi ne who they are; something greater shapes their resolve. "I have observed that each person of Hispanic origin has a fi ghting spirit, bravery, and resolution," said Medina. "This is a fundamental part of Hispanic culture." Sacred stories inspire courage for Medina's congregation. "I turn to the eternal truths of the Christian faith. Specifi cally, to Buy a copy of both How We Learn to be Brave and Macon Magazine at Barnes and Noble (above) and Bear's Books in Macon. the stories of immigrants in the Hebrew and Christian Bible." Rev. Medina fi nds hope in the stories of �ueen Esther, Naomi, and Ruth. "The God of Daniel and of Joseph in their exile has accompanied the persecuted and needy people on their journey." Stories teach us to be brave. Claire Cox, a Macon-based advocate for work protecting civil rights and co-founder of Georgia STOMP, says that she does not feel very brave, but she listens to her neighbors. "There are individuals who I care very much about, in much more danger and living in fear of losing those things, than I am." Keeping our eyes wide open may mean we attend to the fears of our neighbors. "I have friends who are LGBT�IA+ members of our community who are being told they don't even exist, and steps are being taken to totally erase them and their access to healthcare," Cox said. Faith practices matter in these moments. "I worship at a place that believes everyone is a beloved child of God, worthy of love and respect," Cox said, "I participate in an interfaith community which helps me understand people of diff erent cultures and religions, and to know they are not that diff erent from me." Connecting across cultures happens every day at Centro Comunitario Hispano (CCH) at St Paul's Episcopal Church. Brenda Lewis leads volunteers to support the Hispanic community. She coordinates English classes, sewing classes, GED classes, and support in the journey to become US citizens. Lewis works alongside local congregations to ensure families with children have the school uniforms and other school items they need. There is no script for how to meet the moments that require courage. We nimbly respond with open eyes and listening hearts. We name our needs and step towards health and wholeness. We seek mercy, and we follow the path made by brave women ahead of us. May we walk together into brave spaces. Extra quote, that I think is just the right thing: "One life on this earth is all we get, whether it is enough or not enough, and the obvious conclusion would seem to be at the very least we are fools if we do not live it as fully and bravely and beautifully as we can." - Theologian Frederick Buechner "Brave voices don't always shout." The author's daughter and her friend during the presentation. A National History Day Contest presentation