From Gaza to Galesburg
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict isn't just a distant headline; it is a tale of communities longing for peace amidst deep historical scars. Every image, every news byte, brings forth stories of individuals much like us—people seeking safety, harmony, and a chance to thrive.
In our corner of the world, Galesburg has been experiencing its own set of challenges. Our recent contentious city council elections, controversy with elected officials, and the community discord surrounding flag displays underscore the evolving dynamics of our community. These events are miles and contexts apart from Israel-Palestine, but division and hate are threats to all of us and as we can learn from the Middle East, they only get worse when unaddressed.
It is easy to forget that Galesburg began as an abolitionist community surrounding a work college. Our founders chose not to found a city along a river where commerce already flourished, but to seek out success on the prairie. The trains brought people from many different places and our colleges have encouraged diversity of cultures, ideologies and an appreciation for history.
If we are to remain true to our roots, Galesburg and its churches need to remain a haven for people of different means, cultures, races and creeds to come together to learn from one another, to grow with one another and to find ways to appreciate one another. We have a choice as to how we define ourselves. On the one hand we could define ourselves according to blue or red; Christian, Jewish or Muslim; by skin color or place of origin. Or we can define ourselves by love and compassion.
Throughout the gospels we find examples of Jesus and the disciples encountering people different from themselves, even dangerous to them. Recently, I preached on the woman at the well where gender and ethnicity should have created an insurmountable divide, but Jesus takes an uncomfortable chance and extends compassion and understanding.
What would our community look like if we defined ourselves, our churches and our community with compassion and love? Perhaps it would mirror Galesburg’s genesis as poor and rich, black and white came together to become one community.
As sentiments of antisemitism and Islamophobia grow across our world, nation, and region, I pray that First Presbyterian Church and the community of Galesburg remains true to itself. By championing mutual respect and understanding, we not only strengthen our community but also set a precedent for others to follow.
From Gaza to Galesburg, every heart beats with the same fundamental desire for love, peace, and connectedness.