standing-boldly

Thank you for the daily bread share Brother Joe.

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
Thanks for your share, Brother Joe. It reminds me of Pastor Niemöller's words of contrition and his plea to all of us to help those who are victims of others.

This relates a lot to the prominent German Pastor Martin Niemöller and his words of contrition and regret while many around him were taken away and tortured by the nazis, then eventually murdered or gassed in the chambers...

Eventually, his guilt overcame him and he lived the rest of his life doing all he could to help the targets and victims of the Holocaust.

"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
—Martin Niemöller

After World War II, Niemöller openly spoke about his own early complicity in Nazism and his eventual change of heart. His powerful words about guilt and responsibility still resonate today.

And the passage you shared resonates along those lines:
"In a small Illinois town, domestic violence comprises 40 percent of all crimes in the community. According to a local pastor, this issue is often hidden in our faith communities because it’s uncomfortable to talk about. So instead of shying away from the problem, local ministers chose to exercise faith and courageously address the issue by taking classes to recognize the signs of violence and supporting nonprofit organizations working on the issue. Acknowledging the power of faith and action, a local minister said, 'Our prayers and compassion, coupled with some tangible support, can make an important difference.' ”

"When Esther, Queen of Persia, was hesitant to speak out against a law that authorized the genocide of her people, she was warned by her uncle that if she remained silent, she and her family wouldn't escape but would perish (Esther 4:13–14). Knowing it was time to be bold and take a stand, Mordecai queried, 'Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?' (v. 14). Whether we are called to speak out against injustice or to forgive someone who’s caused us distress, the Bible assures us that in challenging circumstances, God will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5–6). When we look to Him for help in moments where we feel intimidated, He'll give us 'power, love, and self-discipline' to see our assignment through to the end (2 Timothy 1:7)."