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World AIDS Day and Rosa Parks' Civil Disobedience

by Ruth Hawley-Lowry 12-01-2009 | 8:00pm
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December 1 is World AIDS Day. December 1 is also the day that Rosa Parks refused to yield her seat on a bus in Montgomery. I've been thinking quite a bit about the confluence of those dates this past month. This pondering began when I listened on NPR as people detailed the events in Leipzig, Germany before the Berlin Wall fell. People gathered at Nikolai Church, welcomed by Pastor Christian Fuhrer. People invited others to Monday night prayers for peace. More and more people came as word got out. The pamphlets of invitation simply said, "All Are Welcome."

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Isn't that what any of us want to hear? "All Are Welcome." Not for what I can offer or buy or give, but simply, "All Are Welcome." Of course, during this time of Advent in the Christian calendar, we remember the baby Jesus and the shepherds (who certainly weren't on a high rung in their society) who were welcomed by the angels of God.

Those of us who pastored in the NYC area in the late 1980s remember the fear of AIDS. What about communion? "Pastor, how can we welcome everyone if they might give me AIDS?" Education replaced fear and medicine gave hope. And yet, even now, so many in Africa die of this disease every day when medication is widely available here.

Rosa Parks, in the midst of being firmly told that she was not welcome, echoed the insistence of Almighty God the Creator that ALL are welcomed by God, and should be by each other.

Twenty-four more days to Christmas. Who is waiting for you to act on "All Are Welcome"? Some of us live in areas where immigrants are eager to know if they are welcome. Most of us live in areas where people of color are still not welcome like people who have a lighter hue of skin. African children would really like to have their parents live longer -- and they can, with medication. "All Are Welcome."

Rev. Ruth Hawley-Lowry is a pastor in Michigan and serves as a hospice chaplain.

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by: Joe_Allen_Doty

12-02-2009 @ 3:57am

All of the Buses operated by the Tulsa Transit bus system have a little plaque by one of the front seats of the bus.

Now when Black people and African-Americans sit in the back of the bus, they go there when it's their own choice to do so.

There are two African-American bus drivers on the route in front of where I live. They are very friendly and even helpful because I am diabled and have to walk with a cane. When I have my 4-wheel folding shopping cart loaded with groceries, they lower the bus level so that it is easier for me to get on and off. The others do that, too.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

12-02-2009 @ 4:00am

I have participated in World AIDS Day in quite a few years. But, I did join in the Candle Light March and attended the worship service afterwards. I am Late getting to this website.

I did volunteer HIV/AIDS ministry for several years, too.

by: RuthHL

12-02-2009 @ 11:44am

Thank you for your wisdom--you are correct. The strains and stresses of what is "supposed to be" were clear to me as a pastor (and indeed, in family of origin) but are even more apparent now, as a hospice chaplain when people put the pressure of "my last Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter." As you expressed, "Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God" for ourselves and to our neighbors.

by: cleondann

12-02-2009 @ 11:51am

I think discovery of protease inhibitors in 1996 is a gr8 achievement in aids world. World aids day is a gr8 social day for all of us to remember all victims of HIV or aids world. We can spread and gain knowledge about aids world to cause awareness about this menace.

by: cleondann

12-02-2009 @ 1:51pm

I think discovery of protease inhibitors in 1996 is a gr8 achievement in aids world. World aids day is a gr8 social day for all of us to remember all victims of HIV or aids world. We can spread and gain knowledge about aids world to cause awareness about this menace.

by: RuthHL

12-02-2009 @ 1:44pm

Thank you for your wisdom--you are correct. The strains and stresses of what is "supposed to be" were clear to me as a pastor (and indeed, in family of origin) but are even more apparent now, as a hospice chaplain when people put the pressure of "my last Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter." As you expressed, "Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God" for ourselves and to our neighbors.

by: cleondann

12-02-2009 @ 1:51pm

I think discovery of protease inhibitors in 1996 is a gr8 achievement in aids world. World aids day is a gr8 social day for all of us to remember all victims of HIV or aids world. We can spread and gain knowledge about aids world to cause awareness about this menace.

by: RuthHL

12-02-2009 @ 1:44pm

Thank you for your wisdom--you are correct. The strains and stresses of what is "supposed to be" were clear to me as a pastor (and indeed, in family of origin) but are even more apparent now, as a hospice chaplain when people put the pressure of "my last Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter." As you expressed, "Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God" for ourselves and to our neighbors.

by: BlueDeacon

12-01-2009 @ 6:27pm

Actually, Rosa Parks' birthday is in February. Dec. 1 represents only the day she refused to give up her seat.

by: BlueDeacon

12-01-2009 @ 6:34pm

Actually, Rosa Parks' birthday is in February. Dec. 1 represents only the day she refused to give up her seat.

by: RuthHL

12-01-2009 @ 8:48pm

Blue Deacon: You are correct and I am grateful for your post. My apologies for the brain blip. I will ask for this to be changed.

by: letjusticerolldown

12-01-2009 @ 9:17pm

I'm not sure we even have to go so far to exercise "All Are Welcome." Many persons face conflict/tension/hurt around the gathering of their own 'flesh and blood.' I recently spoke with a divorced woman greatly pained about her inability to create a Thanksgiving of peace for all the family. Upon reflection I decided my expectation of holiday times might not so much be that they are times of a perfect welcoming of all--but that they mark the hours of our lives. As the bell tolls for a new time of advent--might we be aware of the Lord's redemptive activity in us and around us. Might we recognize how the winds of the Spirit have gently reshaped the landscape since the last time of preparation. Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God through our biological and spiritual families and forgive more freely those who have slammed doors. Might we welcome those we love with a full embrace.

If we can't extend and receive from those so close--can we pretend to love those distant?

by: BlueDeacon

12-01-2009 @ 6:27pm

Actually, Rosa Parks' birthday is in February. Dec. 1 represents only the day she refused to give up her seat.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

12-02-2009 @ 3:57am

All of the Buses operated by the Tulsa Transit bus system have a little plaque by one of the front seats of the bus.

Now when Black people and African-Americans sit in the back of the bus, they go there when it's their own choice to do so.

There are two African-American bus drivers on the route in front of where I live. They are very friendly and even helpful because I am diabled and have to walk with a cane. When I have my 4-wheel folding shopping cart loaded with groceries, they lower the bus level so that it is easier for me to get on and off. The others do that, too.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

12-02-2009 @ 4:00am

I have participated in World AIDS Day in quite a few years. But, I did join in the Candle Light March and attended the worship service afterwards. I am Late getting to this website.

I did volunteer HIV/AIDS ministry for several years, too.

by: BlueDeacon

12-01-2009 @ 6:34pm

Actually, Rosa Parks' birthday is in February. Dec. 1 represents only the day she refused to give up her seat.

by: RuthHL

12-01-2009 @ 8:48pm

Blue Deacon: You are correct and I am grateful for your post. My apologies for the brain blip. I will ask for this to be changed.

by: RuthHL

12-02-2009 @ 11:44am

Thank you for your wisdom--you are correct. The strains and stresses of what is "supposed to be" were clear to me as a pastor (and indeed, in family of origin) but are even more apparent now, as a hospice chaplain when people put the pressure of "my last Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter." As you expressed, "Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God" for ourselves and to our neighbors.

by: cleondann

12-02-2009 @ 11:51am

I think discovery of protease inhibitors in 1996 is a gr8 achievement in aids world. World aids day is a gr8 social day for all of us to remember all victims of HIV or aids world. We can spread and gain knowledge about aids world to cause awareness about this menace.

by: letjusticerolldown

12-01-2009 @ 9:17pm

I'm not sure we even have to go so far to exercise "All Are Welcome." Many persons face conflict/tension/hurt around the gathering of their own 'flesh and blood.' I recently spoke with a divorced woman greatly pained about her inability to create a Thanksgiving of peace for all the family. Upon reflection I decided my expectation of holiday times might not so much be that they are times of a perfect welcoming of all--but that they mark the hours of our lives. As the bell tolls for a new time of advent--might we be aware of the Lord's redemptive activity in us and around us. Might we recognize how the winds of the Spirit have gently reshaped the landscape since the last time of preparation. Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God through our biological and spiritual families and forgive more freely those who have slammed doors. Might we welcome those we love with a full embrace.

If we can't extend and receive from those so close--can we pretend to love those distant?

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by: BlueDeacon

12-01-2009 @ 6:27pm

Actually, Rosa Parks' birthday is in February. Dec. 1 represents only the day she refused to give up her seat.

by: BlueDeacon

12-01-2009 @ 6:27pm

Actually, Rosa Parks' birthday is in February. Dec. 1 represents only the day she refused to give up her seat.

by: BlueDeacon

12-01-2009 @ 6:34pm

Actually, Rosa Parks' birthday is in February. Dec. 1 represents only the day she refused to give up her seat.

by: BlueDeacon

12-01-2009 @ 6:34pm

Actually, Rosa Parks' birthday is in February. Dec. 1 represents only the day she refused to give up her seat.

by: RuthHL

12-01-2009 @ 8:48pm

Blue Deacon: You are correct and I am grateful for your post. My apologies for the brain blip. I will ask for this to be changed.

by: RuthHL

12-01-2009 @ 8:48pm

Blue Deacon: You are correct and I am grateful for your post. My apologies for the brain blip. I will ask for this to be changed.

by: letjusticerolldown

12-01-2009 @ 9:17pm

I'm not sure we even have to go so far to exercise "All Are Welcome." Many persons face conflict/tension/hurt around the gathering of their own 'flesh and blood.' I recently spoke with a divorced woman greatly pained about her inability to create a Thanksgiving of peace for all the family. Upon reflection I decided my expectation of holiday times might not so much be that they are times of a perfect welcoming of all--but that they mark the hours of our lives. As the bell tolls for a new time of advent--might we be aware of the Lord's redemptive activity in us and around us. Might we recognize how the winds of the Spirit have gently reshaped the landscape since the last time of preparation. Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God through our biological and spiritual families and forgive more freely those who have slammed doors. Might we welcome those we love with a full embrace.

If we can't extend and receive from those so close--can we pretend to love those distant?

by: letjusticerolldown

12-01-2009 @ 9:17pm

I'm not sure we even have to go so far to exercise "All Are Welcome." Many persons face conflict/tension/hurt around the gathering of their own 'flesh and blood.' I recently spoke with a divorced woman greatly pained about her inability to create a Thanksgiving of peace for all the family. Upon reflection I decided my expectation of holiday times might not so much be that they are times of a perfect welcoming of all--but that they mark the hours of our lives. As the bell tolls for a new time of advent--might we be aware of the Lord's redemptive activity in us and around us. Might we recognize how the winds of the Spirit have gently reshaped the landscape since the last time of preparation. Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God through our biological and spiritual families and forgive more freely those who have slammed doors. Might we welcome those we love with a full embrace.

If we can't extend and receive from those so close--can we pretend to love those distant?

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

12-02-2009 @ 3:57am

All of the Buses operated by the Tulsa Transit bus system have a little plaque by one of the front seats of the bus.

Now when Black people and African-Americans sit in the back of the bus, they go there when it's their own choice to do so.

There are two African-American bus drivers on the route in front of where I live. They are very friendly and even helpful because I am diabled and have to walk with a cane. When I have my 4-wheel folding shopping cart loaded with groceries, they lower the bus level so that it is easier for me to get on and off. The others do that, too.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

12-02-2009 @ 3:57am

All of the Buses operated by the Tulsa Transit bus system have a little plaque by one of the front seats of the bus.

Now when Black people and African-Americans sit in the back of the bus, they go there when it's their own choice to do so.

There are two African-American bus drivers on the route in front of where I live. They are very friendly and even helpful because I am diabled and have to walk with a cane. When I have my 4-wheel folding shopping cart loaded with groceries, they lower the bus level so that it is easier for me to get on and off. The others do that, too.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

12-02-2009 @ 4:00am

I have participated in World AIDS Day in quite a few years. But, I did join in the Candle Light March and attended the worship service afterwards. I am Late getting to this website.

I did volunteer HIV/AIDS ministry for several years, too.

by: Joe_Allen_Doty

12-02-2009 @ 4:00am

I have participated in World AIDS Day in quite a few years. But, I did join in the Candle Light March and attended the worship service afterwards. I am Late getting to this website.

I did volunteer HIV/AIDS ministry for several years, too.

by: RuthHL

12-02-2009 @ 11:44am

Thank you for your wisdom--you are correct. The strains and stresses of what is "supposed to be" were clear to me as a pastor (and indeed, in family of origin) but are even more apparent now, as a hospice chaplain when people put the pressure of "my last Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter." As you expressed, "Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God" for ourselves and to our neighbors.

by: RuthHL

12-02-2009 @ 11:44am

Thank you for your wisdom--you are correct. The strains and stresses of what is "supposed to be" were clear to me as a pastor (and indeed, in family of origin) but are even more apparent now, as a hospice chaplain when people put the pressure of "my last Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter." As you expressed, "Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God" for ourselves and to our neighbors.

by: cleondann

12-02-2009 @ 11:51am

I think discovery of protease inhibitors in 1996 is a gr8 achievement in aids world. World aids day is a gr8 social day for all of us to remember all victims of HIV or aids world. We can spread and gain knowledge about aids world to cause awareness about this menace.

by: cleondann

12-02-2009 @ 11:51am

I think discovery of protease inhibitors in 1996 is a gr8 achievement in aids world. World aids day is a gr8 social day for all of us to remember all victims of HIV or aids world. We can spread and gain knowledge about aids world to cause awareness about this menace.

by: RuthHL

12-02-2009 @ 1:44pm

Thank you for your wisdom--you are correct. The strains and stresses of what is "supposed to be" were clear to me as a pastor (and indeed, in family of origin) but are even more apparent now, as a hospice chaplain when people put the pressure of "my last Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter." As you expressed, "Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God" for ourselves and to our neighbors.

by: RuthHL

12-02-2009 @ 1:44pm

Thank you for your wisdom--you are correct. The strains and stresses of what is "supposed to be" were clear to me as a pastor (and indeed, in family of origin) but are even more apparent now, as a hospice chaplain when people put the pressure of "my last Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter." As you expressed, "Might we experience a bit more the hospitality of God" for ourselves and to our neighbors.

by: cleondann

12-02-2009 @ 1:51pm

I think discovery of protease inhibitors in 1996 is a gr8 achievement in aids world. World aids day is a gr8 social day for all of us to remember all victims of HIV or aids world. We can spread and gain knowledge about aids world to cause awareness about this menace.

by: cleondann

12-02-2009 @ 1:51pm

I think discovery of protease inhibitors in 1996 is a gr8 achievement in aids world. World aids day is a gr8 social day for all of us to remember all victims of HIV or aids world. We can spread and gain knowledge about aids world to cause awareness about this menace.