In October of 2018, I attended a political rally related to the appointment of Brett Cavanaugh to the Supreme Court. I have attended a lot of rallies in recent years for many causes. This one was different, for me.
About 25 of us stood on one corner holding various signs related to solidarity with women speaking out about sexual assault. Most of the 25 were women but 2 men also. Across the street, there were three men holding American flags and wearing hats that said, “Make America Great Again.”
The rally was held on a very busy corner just outside of Kennett Square, PA. Many cars went by. Most honked, did a thumbs up, or in some way indicated their agreement with our cause. A few cars went by, the driver gave us the finger, and yelled, “F___ you, Make America Great Again.” None of that was terribly surprising. However, what was surprising was that many of the people I was standing with responded to the profanity with similar profanities, gestures, and even tried to out-do the drivers. I knew I was clearly NOT called to be a part of that behavior – independent of positions on the cause.
I stood there for a few more minutes and was extremely uncomfortable. I KNEW I did not belong there. A feeling of helplessness overcame me. If I don’t belong here with those whose positions I agree with, where do I belong? Without much thought, I found myself crossing the street with ease and saying to the three men, “I am here to listen respectfully and would like the same in return.” That action had the quality of being called to vocal ministry in meeting. Crossing that street and saying those words was not planned. Their response to me initially was to curse and say, “We are not talking to you. Go home. You don’t belong here. Talking to you would be like talking to a brick wall.” I repeated, “I am here to listen respectfully and would like the same in return.” Two of the men continued to be very rude but one man started talking to me. He told me what I would expect: “Trump is the greatest president we have ever had” and “Kavanaugh has done nothing wrong.” It seemed like Fox News was on one corner and CNN on the other; people were repeating what the talking heads on both sides had said. There was little thinking and no listening going on.
After listening to that man talk, I went home. All the way home what went through me was the words, “Called to cross the street.” That phrase has come back many times. I have been exploring what those words might mean. Will you join me in that exploration?
What might it mean to be called to cross the street?