Slow, local, messy. Small, hidden, unnoticed. Patient, gentle, kind. 

These are the words I tend to use to describe the work of God’s Spirit in our lives and in the world. The work of healing and repair and rectifying injustice. The work of transforming social systems and structures. The work of changing lives.

I talked about the harm of privilege and the possibilities for healing this weekend in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. And I wondered—is it really enough? When I told the 82-year-old that all he needed to do was take one small step. When I heard from more than one participant that this was the first time they had thought about race. When I thought about my own small steps.

Is it ever enough?

Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. Like a woman searching for a lost coin. Like a grain of yeast. 

I saw men and women last weekend who were earnestly asking questions. I heard them brainstorm about having a banquet that was open to their entire community and visiting a local museum about the history of African Americans in their city and learning about the demographics of their city.

What happened this weekend was small, hidden, and likely to go unnoticed.

And what happened this weekend gave me a glimpse of the way God works—through ordinary people opening themselves up to the gentle, patient power of love.

More from Amy Julia:

• White Picket Fences resources
• A 3-Day Civil Rights Tour Itinerary for Families
• S5 E4 | What’s So Controversial About Critical Race Theory? with David Bailey

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