In this season of Black History Month, people of African and Caribbean heritage tell their stories as part of a greater story of faith and life in these islands. Reflecting on this, I am reminded of Isaiah 58:1-2. As I pause in wonder at the prophet Isaiah’s encouragement to ‘shout out and do not hold back’ (v1), I am challenged by God’s nudge to share some of my thoughts with you.
The declaration of ‘shouting’ and not holding back is a deep part of being at the heart of prophetic witness. It is a costly one - that often conjures images of people shouting in streets about Jesus that can make us feel uncomfortable. There may be various thoughts about the whys, wherefores and who the shouting is directed at, and whether it is the best way to get heard.
We have a discomfort that can quickly move into agitation in wanting to tell the person shouting to shut up because they disturb our peace. Yet sometimes a quiet approach is not the only approach even if that might be our preferred option. Something has to shake us out of our slumber and comfort!
Sometimes to shout is to get people’s attention to danger or to call out to far off. I am reading a book called ‘I won’t shut up’ by Ally Henny, a Black African American Millennial woman. This book, which I recommend, provides an ‘unvarnished perspective on racism that calls black women to find their voice.’ It also contains many insightful self-reflections, observations and theological reflection around family, community, nation and, not least, the Church, which may at times leave the reader with feelings of discomfort. It’s a book for all people, regardless of race or ethnicity. It is also relevant for those who are ethnically and politically – black, white and everything in between. Henny indicates that not shutting up is necessary to engage us and open our ears, just like the street preacher moment in Isaiah and other callers of justice, not least those of racial justice.
We often associate the trumpet sound with pomp and pageantry, but this trumpet call of not shutting up asks us to raise our voices like trumpets played by the late great ‘Satchmo’ – Louis Armstrong. The urgency, however, goes against the song ‘We have all the time in the World!’. The fierce urgency of now, whether it is about the ecological climate crisis that disproportionately affects those of Africa, Caribbean Island Nations and parts of Asia, or racial justice, speaks loudly of the consequences and cost of not speaking out.
These things ‘Just won’t shut up!’. We are called to turn from sin as part of our baptismal promises, and all sin including racial injustice whether individual or systemic, is part of this. Racism does not get a pass however comfortable we feel with it – maybe we need holy discomfort. If we really seek or want to know the blessings of our nation, then we need to enter into a deeper and more honest examination and conversation in which to frame our repentance. This may well lead to healing and a pathway to restored and repaired relationships. Until then some of us will not shut up until the reign of God is present in the urgency of our now! Jesus Christ was one who did not shut up.
Dean Pusey (Curate, Holy Trinity, Aldershot) - 2023
Reference: Henny, A., 2023, I won't Shut Up, pub. By Baker Books.