Through Broken Walls

In the quiet of dawn, as light first touches the broken walls of Jerusalem, we find a story that echoes through time, reaching out to us. This story isn't just about ancient ruins; it's about the walls within and around us that stand in need of restoration and healing. It's here, in the heartache and hope of Nehemiah, that we discover a reflection of our own longing for reconciliation and justice.

You're starting on a journey towards racial healing and justice that begins with understanding the deep-seated roots of our struggles and the hope that propels us forward. Our path together intertwines the past with the present, where the biblical account of Nehemiah's dedication to rebuilding Jerusalem parallels our collective quest to repair the divides that fragment our communities today. This devotional invites you to bring your story into this narrative, to find where your experiences intersect with those of Nehemiah and countless others striving for a world marked by solidarity, struggle, and hope.

Imagine standing amidst the ruins of what was once a thriving community, feeling the weight of brokenness and division. This was Nehemiah's reality, a call that stirred his heart not to despair but to action. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith when confronted with overwhelming challenges and is an invitation for us today, urging us to consider, "What are the 'walls' in my community that need rebuilding?"

Nehemiah's response to Jerusalem's plight mirrors the call for each of us to confront the racial brokenness within our communities and our hearts. It's a call to see the trouble we're in, acknowledging the pain and frustration that come from witnessing and experiencing systemic racism. Yet, amidst this reality, there's a powerful undercurrent of hope — a belief that through God’s unfailing love, change is possible, that healing can happen, and that we can be part of a movement toward racial solidarity and justice.

As you immerse yourself in today's scriptures, let Nehemiah’s courage not only inform you but also inspire you to reflect on your role as an architect of change within your own context. Contemplate the divisions within your life that are calling out for reconciliation. Are there areas where stagnancy has taken hold?

This process begins with a pause to assess where we stand individually and collectively. It's a divine directive to peel back the layers, explore our personal stories and roots, and understand how they shape our perceptions and actions. Through this introspection, we acknowledge the complexities of racial injustice, the pain it can inflict, and the healing it requires.

Prayer

God, open my eyes to the places in my community, my family, and even in my own heart, that you want to reconcile. Help me to notice your invitation into the work of rebuilding the broken-down walls in my life.