Be an Advocate for Good

“‘For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 ESV

In an interesting story aired by WCBD2 news out of South Carolina yesterday, it was reported that a group of runners was advocating for a good cause…to save their local track from being demolished. Runners and walkers gathered Tuesday night to voice opposition to the proposed demolition of a track at a North Charleston recreation center. The track at the Dany Jones Rec. Center is used by running clubs, joggers, power walkers, student athletes, and everyone in between. It’s scheduled to be demolished later this year, and despite plans for a massive update to city facilities, North Charleston has no plans to rebuild the track. Concerned runners said that it is the only public track in the area, so it brings the community together. They questioned why millions of dollars are going towards other projects — some of which are much-needed — but little attention is being paid to the loss that demolishing the track would cause the community. Advocates plan to speak at a City Council meeting Thursday, as well as to present a petition with over 900 signatures in favor of saving the track. News 2 reached out to the City of North Charleston for comment. We are awaiting a response.

And you know, when it comes to advocating or speaking up for a cause, person or group of people that need help, the Bible tells us the story of Esther, a young woman who recognized that God had purposely placed her where she was in "the kingdom" at a specific time for a specific purpose and so risked everything to advocate for her people. Esther used her God-given position and influence with the king to advocate for the Jews, putting her status as queen, and even her own life, on the line to speak up. And it worked: King Ahasuerus heard Esther’s pleas and her people were saved… proof that one determined voice can change the course of history.

So wherever your voice needs to be heard, whether to help a cause, a person, or a group of people, speak up my friend. The platform you have and the position you hold are not yours by accident. You are here “for such a time as this.” We all are. Be that one determined voice that risks everything to change the course of history.

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that we are not to stay silent when we see injustices in this world and people in need. Cause us to understand that we are where we are at this very time and in this very place for a specific reason. Compel us Lord to use our positions and platforms to advocate for others in need. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!