SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE:There are many ways to make a difference

"What does the Lord require of you? Do Justice, Love Kindness, and Walk Humbly with Your God." — Micah 6:8

My faith is grounded in the message of the prophet Micah. It is cemented by the words and actions of Jesus as he uplifts the poor in the Beatitudes, as he repeatedly reaches out to the alienated and ostracized of society, and as he reminds us that the kingdom of God is for all. So, to me, being a Christian means following in the footsteps of Jesus, and hence following in the footsteps of prophets like Isaiah and Micah: working to alleviate injustice in the world.

This is not pie-in-the-sky theology. It can be manifested in our lives in very real and tangible ways. Our faith takes action when we begin to acknowledge the poor, ostracized and alienated in society and take the steps necessary to stand in solidarity. Perhaps one of the hardest realizations is that injustice is running rampant, and it is easy to think that we have no way of fighting it. However, we can make a difference.

One of my favorite bumper stickers reads, "Think Globally, Act Locally." The two biggest issues that affect all of us are cost of living/housing and health care. This is not just about low-income families; it affects us all. One of the easiest ways to act is to use our dollar as our vote, but that does not mean simply throwing money at problems. Instead, spend your money on things and at places that represent what you believe.

I work with Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, and Progressive Christians Uniting to help raise awareness concerning people who work in Orange County in a variety of settings, ranging from hospitals, hotels, cafeterias and grocery stores to corporate laundry workers whose voices are not being heard. There are many opportunities to make a difference — sometimes it means joining a picket line, writing a letter to the editor or standing up to people if they demean the working poor. It just takes open ears, open eyes, open hearts and the courage to act!