By Laura Muther [About the author]
My familiarity with this devotional’s biblical passage and its connection to advocacy began in college, as Matthew 5:13-16 was our theme for the Spirit-led social justice student organization that I helped lead, the Social Action Leadership Team (SALT). Being a part of SALT helped me to find where the light of truth was leading me and allowed me to start shining that light through running the World Relief Campaign. It helped me to find a community of advocacy-minded friends where I developed the skills I carry with me today.
For me, the light of Christ led me to become an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow. In my work as a fellow, I am preparing to help other California Lutherans advocate in the halls of power at their state legislators’ offices. As advocates, we do God’s work when we play a role in shining the light of truth upon the wrongs and injustices in our state, nation and global community. Although it is one of the things the Lutheran Office of Public Policy-California does, shining our light can be done in more ways than just a Lutheran Lobby Day at our state capitol.
Sometimes the flame of justice burning within us may not look like a light. It may look like a whistle blowing to alert neighbors of the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in their streets. It can look like bringing groceries to immigrant and migrant neighbors. It can look like attending a vigil to honor immigrant communities. When two or three are gathered in community to advocate on behalf of their neighbor, Christ is there.
This world so often feels full of darkness; may God help us find a way to turn on the light of truth in the world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Muther is the Hunger Advocacy fellow for the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California. Muther is an alumna of Valparaiso University, where she served as Chair of the Social Action Leadership Team (SALT), after serving as donor relations co-leader and faith and reflections coordinator. Following her time at Valparaiso University, Muther served a year with the Episcopal Service Corps in Seattle as a Vendor Program Intern with Real Change news, working with members of Seattle’s unhoused and low-income population. She is from the St. Louis area and enjoys photography and hiking.
