Prayers for the Equality Riders (commentary)

[Jamie McDaniel]

This thread is for all members to post your own prayers or commentary on the Weekly Prayers for the Equality Riders (http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2361) thread.

[u-dog]

Cool! Thanks Jamie.

[Steven E. Webster]

Friends,

I'm looking forward to (and praying for) the west bus of riders to arrive in Madison this evening for a fundraiser. It will be great to meet the riders and hear of their experience at Notre Dame.

Steven Webster

[BruceChris]

I used to own a bicycle shop there. Homophobia was almost not to be found. Back in the late 70's all of the good dance floors were in the gay bars, and on weekends, they were pretty much taken over by straight people. Your gaydar had to be pretty good to tell who was who. The mayor had been seen in The Cardinal. Sounds like a good place to catch your breath, and meet friendly people. :wave: :applause: :agree: :rainbow:

We should all pray for them.

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[BruceChris]

I would pray that the Equality riders may open the eyes, and make friends with many of the young that they meet, and open the eyes, and touch the hearts of those who would despise them. I pray that none come to any harm.
Amen

[spiritplgrm]

Praying: That you be safe....that you be firm...that you be respectful...that you ride with the truth in tact....that you do not lose hope...that the evidence of your efforts be shown to you...that love be your guiding light....that your strength is in what is right..that you ride with no doubt of your humanity and its dignity...that you fear no danger and prevail through faith and justice...and that you feel those of us who cannot be there with you...loving you all the way....Bless you....:pray:

[Emproph]

How devastating the rejection.
Fort those of you who are young, this was written back when MTV used to play music. For those of you who are younger, this used to be considered music.

Missing Persons
Words (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6CunFiE0Cs)

25 years old and these lyrics stick to me like the day they were glued.

Missing Persons
Words

Do you hear me?
Do you care?

Do you hear me?
Do you care?

My lips are moving and the sound's coming out.
The words are audible but I have my doubts
That you realize, what has been said.

You look at me as if you're in a daze.
It's like the feeling at the end of the page –
When you realize, you don't know what you just read!

What are words for – when no one listens anymore?
What are words for – when no one listens?
What are words for – when no one listens it's no use talkin' at all.

I might as well go up and talk to a wall.
'Cause all the words are having no effect at all.
It's a funny thing, am I all alone?

Something has to happen to change the direction.
What little filters through is giving you the wrong impression.
It's a sorry state, I say to myself

Pursue it any further and another thing you'll find – Not only are they deaf and dumb they could be going blind, and no one notices..I think I'll dye my hair blue...Not alone in pursuit of deaf ears.

[Emproph]

Nahum 1:7 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nahum%201:7&version=31)

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him

[kara speltz]

This week the West Bus will be back at Brigham Young and they're being even more resistant than last year.

The East Bus is headed for Baylor today in Waco, Tx and then Mississippi College. This is a time when they will need even more prayer given the schools and the areas they will be traveling in. Please be sure to set aside some time each day to keep them in your prayers. Kara

[kimmyd]

I've long wanted to join one of these rides...but hasve to admit, the idea of being arrested keeps me from doing it.

However, if none of us did it, strides forward would not happen.

Despite my phobias about doing it, I thank everyone who DOES have the courage to take these risks for what they believe in. My hat's off to you.

[kara speltz]

If ever our courageous riders needed lots and lots of prayers, it's today. The west bus will be at Brigham Young, and the east bus will be at Misssippi College. Five riders were held over night when they were arrested in Waco, TX. Please during the day take some time to keep our young people in prayer.

[Steven E. Webster]

Friends,

Just got word from one of the riders on the west bus that the riders on the east bus are feeling that their safety is threatened in Clinton, Mississippi.

Keep them in your prayers.

Below is some info I found by Googling:

Steven Webster
------------------

**Clinton, Mississippi: Echoes of Past Civil Rights Struggles
Police Officials Attempt to Deny the Right to Assemble***

On Tuesday, police officials in Clinton, Miss., informed the eastbound Equality Riders that members of their group would be cited if they "attempt to gather or travel in a group of four or more" near the campus of Mississippi College.

Equality Riders immediately contacted the ACLU of Mississippi, who intervened on the group's behalf. In a letter to Ruffin, ACLU-Mississippi Staff Attorney John Williams cited Supreme Court precedents establishing prior restraints on the right to assemble as "the most serious and least tolerable infringement on First Amendment Rights."

Williams continued, "it is unconstitutional and unlawful for your office to deny citizens the right to peacefully assemble on public property without the above mentioned safeguards and restraints. From a legal standpoint your licensing requirement is wrought with constitutional violations and restrictions on First Amendment grounds."

Clinton police officials immediately withdrew the unconstitutional restrictions.

***Mississippi College Administrator Likens Equality Ride Visit to 9/11***

Officials at Mississippi College, the second oldest Baptist college in the nation, have made it clear that the Equality Riders' loving perspective on LGBT students is not welcome on campus.

In negotiations prior to the visit, one administrator likened the Riders to terrorists, vowing that the campus would deal with the Equality Riders "just like America dealt with 9/11."

Today, March 22, the Riders plan a peaceful vigil on a public sidewalk adjacent to the campus at 10 am. During the vigil, Equality Riders will make themselves available to students who are interested in speaking with them. The vigil will take place on College Street, between Capitol and Jefferson.

"While fear plays a strong role on this campus and in this town, the truth of our message is stronger: God loves all of His children, regardless of their sexual orientation," says Stephen Krebs, one of the organizers of the Equality Ride visit to Mississippi College.

[BubbaBear]

I have sent this to the Co Directors of the East Bus. My prayers are with you all.

Montreat College, A painful memory.


When I first heard that Montreat might be on this years tour It brought up old wounds that never really healed. Even tho it was a long time ago the pain lingers. Thirty-six years later it still hurts. And I wonder my life might have been had they not told me I was not welcome. I never returned to college anywhere.

Growing up I was sexually abused. And when I admitted I was gay my parents put me in a mental hospital where I was abused and raped again.

Montreat is a beautiful place. I loved it. For once I was away from all those who had hurt me. I became involved in campus activities and had some real friends. I had never really had friends before. I believed I had a real future. I couldn't have been happier.

And then my world came apart.Near the end of the semester I was told I was not welcome to return the next semester and I was not to come on campus ever again. I was interrogated about my activities on campus. I had never done anything with anyone on campus. I merely had some off campus gay friends from another nearby college. But I did admit I was gay. And that was all it took. Not only was I not wanted but they gave me no counseling or help to deal with what was to me a scary and frightening time.

Even Billy Grahams wife Ruth, daughter Gigi and son in law Stephan Tchividjian appealed on my behalf but they wouldn't budge. It was a painful time and returning home as a failure was even more painful. Montreat violated my privacy by telling a teacher friend who was an alumni and had referred me to Montreat why I was kicked out.

Ten years ago I was traveling thru North Carolina after visiting my mother when she had cancer surgery. I took a side trip to Montreat. I drove around the campus with tears in my eyes, It was the first time in 25 years I had been back. It was late but the church was still open. I went in and remembered the many services I had attended. How I had sung in the choir. It was late and hardly anyone was around. I took a walk by the lake. I was crying as I remembered the pain. Since then I have wanted to write and tell them how they hurt me. Somehow I keep putting it off.

Today I am 53 year old gay man. I have been with my partner Mike for 25 years. I am physically disabled. I have been very active in gay rights over the years. Mike and I were the first gay couple to have our 20th anniversary printed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. I know God loves me and blesses our marriage.

I wish you well. Have you heard from them? Will they allow you on campus. Montreat can be confusing. It is a town, a college, a church and the conference grounds for the Presbyterian Church USA. However just this year Montreat Presbyterian broke away from the Presbyterians USA and joined another group. As I understand it was over the gay issue. Also it can be confusing to know what is college property and what is public town property.

If there is anything I can do feel free to contact me. You may share this letter with anyone you feel appropriate. You may reach me at my email address.
John Todd
BubbaBear3@aol.com

[Emproph]

2m0FUSqT76E&mode
These schools are the bastions of the fundamentalist movement in America, these 32 schools that we’re going to, and that’s not even a dent in all of the – there are over 200 that have these types of policies. Over 200 that are graduating the future leaders of the fundamentalist movement.

Some of these students have never seen an openly gay person before – even the closeted gay students on these campuses – have never seen an openly gay person before.

[kara speltz]

Our East bus is still in Clinton, MS today. Please continue to keep them in prayer because they are facing serious harassment by the Clinton police. I was amazed at the courage they showed in deciding to return to Clinton today.

Perhaps this prayer today would be appropriate:

God, bless me with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and
superficial relationships, so that You will live deep in my heart.

God, bless me with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people and the earth so that I will work for justice, equity and peace.

God bless me with tears to shed for those who suffer so that I will reach out my hand to comfort them and change their pain into joy.

God bless me with the foolishness to think that I can make a difference in the world, so that I will do the things which others say cannot be done.

A Franciscan Prayer

[Emproph]

I find that the music tends to amplify emotion. It has the power to communicate and elicit an intensity of emotion that seems to convey the power of prayer. Response to music is instinctive, sometimes I feel that songs were built as vehicles to transport prayer.

I’m not feeling very prayerful lately, and I feel uncomfortable talking about prayer so openly. I’ve wanted to pray, and participate in this thread more, because I know how important this is, and I think that this has lead me to feel pressured into praying instead of feeling led to.

So in the vein of this song, and since my heart’s just not in it these days, I offer this post as a gesture to remind those emotional deserts among us to remember that when our hearts are in it, to perhaps pray for those who CAN pray.

The beautiful music always cuts right through it though. The kind that glamorizes whatever you’re doing. Such profound beauty and granditude. It's the prayer with prayer to spare.

♪ And the one poor child that saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them (https://www.soulforce.org/2007riders) ♪

♪ So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again ♪

And every time the witness of the Equality Riders is communicated and understood, worlds begin again.
~~~
God speed to those of you who can pray. May you find and maintain your inspiration.

-Patrick

~~

Goo Goo Dolls – Better Days
ITM2AKRT9cI
And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

Cuz I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

And it's someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And that’s faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child that saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them (https://www.soulforce.org/2007riders)

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

[kara speltz]

I find that the music tends to amplify emotion. It has the power to communicate and elicit an intensity of emotion that seems to convey the power of prayer. Response to music is instinctive, sometimes I feel that songs were built as vehicles to transport prayer.

I’m not feeling very prayerful lately, and I feel uncomfortable talking about prayer so openly. I’ve wanted to pray, and participate in this thread more, because I know how important this is, and I think that this has lead me to feel pressured into praying instead of feeling led to.

So in the vein of this song, and since my heart’s just not in it these days, I offer this post as a gesture to remind those emotional deserts among us to remember that when our hearts are in it, to perhaps pray for those who CAN pray.

The beautiful music always cuts right through it though. The kind that glamorizes whatever you’re doing. Such profound beauty and granditude. It's the prayer with prayer to spare.





And every time the witness of the Equality Riders is communicated and understood, worlds begin again.
~~~
God speed to those of you who can pray. May you find and maintain your inspiration.

-Patrick


And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

Cuz I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

And it's someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And that’s faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child that saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them (https://www.soulforce.org/2007riders)

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

Dear Patrick: Thank you so much for posting that. I have heard this song before, but never paid much attention to the lyrics. St. Francis said, when we sing we pray twice. Kara

[Emproph]

God speed to those of you who can pray. May you find and maintain your inspiration.
May you find your Mountain of inspiration.

[Daniel]

Nonviolent resistance
Ripples through time
Healing the soul
Fear and trembling
Eyes cannot cry
Waiting for heaven
To strike dead
What love created
Peace Be Still

Now.

[webpoet1]

I pray for the Equality Riders, especially the ones who are very young.
I pray that they will have the courage they need to deal with the scary
times, and especially to deal with things when there are no
immediate results. That they will be able to have the vision to
see the long term results: that they are giving hope
to many, some of whom may be too scared to approach them
on campus: but who nevertheness, know they are there.
Maybe there will be a young girl who decides to accept herself
as lesbian because of the Riders' visit.
Or a Mom who decides to accept her kid.
We never know what the consequences of our actions will be:
and even what seems to be negative, can be a gift, and have
lessons for us.
So keep on keeping on, even during, and especially during,
the hard times.



Laurie Pollack
Soulforce Philadelphia

[Montanna]

Hi Brian, I'm writing to thank you for the postcard from your visit in Rexburg while you were on the Equality Ride. I can't tell you how proud I am of all of you. I didn't know how else to reach you. I hope this is an ok place to post this. The picture on the postcard of you and Jullian talking with students from BYU-Idaho is now on my wall. When anyone asks me who you are, I will be telling them all about it. This is just one more way you have helped all of us. Your willingness to dialogue with people brings great rewards to all who engage in the conversation as well as those listening and watching. Those conversations will ripple through our society and will change it. May God bless you and keep you safe. Thanks again for all you have done and will do. Take Care, Montanna

[kara speltz]

Hi Brian, I'm writing to thank you for the postcard from your visit in Rexburg while you were on the Equality Ride. I can't tell you how proud I am of all of you. I didn't know how else to reach you. I hope this is an ok place to post this. The picture on the postcard of you and Jullian talking with students from BYU-Idaho is now on my wall. When anyone asks me who you are, I will be telling them all about it. This is just one more way you have helped all of us. Your willingness to dialogue with people brings great rewards to all who engage in the conversation as well as those listening and watching. Those conversations will ripple through our society and will change it. May God bless you and keep you safe. Thanks again for all you have done and will do. Take Care, Montanna

Dear Montana: I copied your note on the forum and sent it to Brian. I don't think the kids on the busses have had any time to check these forums giving their busy schedules, so I sent it directly to him. kara

[Montanna]

:D Thank you for sending it to him. Montanna