By Byron R. Diggs, CSPL Board Member
Living on the Southside of Chicago, I have been privy to see first-hand the disparities of our society evident in the lack of services and opportunities. My hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, reflects the same disparities. Unfortunately, I have come to understand that ours has become a world of separatism that leaves many people under-served and blatantly disregarded.
My interaction as a Board Member of the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership has given me the opportunity to try to be a part of the solution to the challenges facing the wrongs of social justice issues. CSPL’s vision to address these wrongs, with a Christ-centered appeal, attracted me to be a part of the solution.
When I reflect upon how the Corona pandemic has affected me, on the one hand, it makes me realize how vulnerable we are individually, while also triggering thoughts of how powerful we are collectively. One thing clear to me as I watch the experts is that there is no such thing as “borders” that divides us when it comes to addressing the virus. It has forced us to rely upon each other in order to find a solution. If we are truly searching for a solution, how can we isolate communities by not affording fairness in healthcare distribution? Every community should have the right to be properly served. One community of people should not be viewed as more important than another.
It is my opinion that concerted prayers to God are necessary in order for this virus to leave us. We must ask God to heal our land. It is my hope that as we navigate through this moment in time that we recognize the destructive forces of hatred and bigotry that have guided so many cultures of our world and yield to the powerful presence of God working in our lives to unify us. When true unity in purpose arises, then God’s plan of fairness will be revealed. When this pandemic concludes, it is my hope that the hearts of everyone will be forever changed and that the equitable use and distribution of God’s gifts to the earth, will be the norm. No human person is an island.