Identifying as a Christian and being counted amongst the poor in no way excludes a people from having a voice and say in what happens in our communities, and in the country. Just as being an atheist and rich should not equal more influence. Despite what it looks and feels like sometimes, we are still a democracy. Our voices lifted in prayer effects change even when some may not be aware of it., Still, make no mistake our voices carry in the voting booth. This means we should be informed voters who vote our values, issues and concerns . It is always a good time to #watchprayandACT. I humbly present my voice as a mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, and advocate because I have been called to do so. At the beginning of this episode I failed to cite Matthew 5:14-16 from the Bible. The version is The Message by Eugene Peterson. I chose this as my opening Scripture to boldly make it plain, my calling as a disciple of Christ is not from man, but God. He created me for these times just as he did any other in my life as those who truly know me may attest. Like Moses and every other servant of God I am imperfect, yet I am determined to move in this new territory himbly, yet boldly in Christ love. The people whom I meet every day are the same as you and I. Yes, some are amongst the 140 million who do not vote according to Dr. William J. Barber, and while some may not care, others have simply lost hope and faith in a system that has failed to see them. My prayer is that through Rev. Barber and others like First Lady Michelle Obama's or Stacey Abram's voter initiatives we see such a tremendous influx of NEW voters at the polls this year. Also, regardless of any outside interference introduced into the situation, that the people of our country who are not for the hatred and division constantly being sowed, the injustices, oppression and marginalization, will come forward and elect a just and fair leader for all the people, not a select few. For Scriptural reference on this subject see :Deuteronomy 1:9-18; Exodus 18:21, 25; Numbers 11:16-17. God's Peace and Love

Let's take a look at how we as Christians treat the strangers in our midst. This includes immigrants; the poor; elderly; prisoners; children; outcasts, and otherwise oppressed. Christians should never be afraid of growing, changing and improving for the glory of God. Front Porch Candor and I are a work in progress. We all are. 🕊️

We are currently living in times where the adversary has openly declared war on the people of God. Many unscrupulously utilize the same methods to silence, sew discord and hate that have been used for generations past. How can anyone stand in the face of concerted efforts to demean, discredit, disenfranchise, and dismiss individuals and groups in times like these? By leaning in to whom we were created to be as Christians that's how. We can unashamedly cling to the Creator, stand firm, and proudly proclaim victory over schemes to divide and conquer. When we wake up to the power of Christ within and begin to walk in it, no good thing shall be withheld from the sons and daughters of Christ. Our embrace of Faith in God over fear and our rejection of silly labels that the enemy uses to attack our self-esteem will turn the tide. Our children are watching. We can remain determined and steadfast in this one thing...we shall overcome.

How is the current division in our country affecting your community, and family? My daughters and I often speak about it alone, tonight we do it here on Front Porch Candor.. It is unedited (still learning), so yes we will misspeak at times. Case in point, we know that slavery as we know it in the worldly sense was/is not a choice. It was an act of brutality that has never been fully addressed in our country's history. There are those who could care less, others remain afraid of upsetting the proverbial status quo, and others who never really consider it. Being a spiritual slave to sin however is different. Secondly, sadly there is no cure for Aids, but thank God there are ways to successfully treat it. Next, when I reference the electric chair my mind reflected back on Just Mercy. I realize that only a few states continue to utilize this means of carrying out the death penalty. Still I am firmly against the death penalty in any form for several important reasons, but given our country's history and a still very flawed judicial system I cannot understand how it remains legal. Last but not least, to those who care...it's bacon-wrapped shrimp 😊. As I mentioned in this podcast, my family and I are following the leading of the Holy Spirit in reaching out in this manner. One of the most important benefits of having a voice is using it for good. Whatever this current season or any other has, we intend to be prepared. By the grace of God, and through Christ we intend to share and connect with others who have for too long not had a voice. For those wondering why? We too were silent when it was called for according to God's will, but now God is moving us forward in a new direction. We are eager to show that Christians will stand clothed in Christ's righteousness when darkness and chaos ensues. God's Peace and Love.

Introduction: Social Justice from a Christian Perspective... that's Front Porch Candor by Vanessa D. Johnson