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Mariann's Big Words: Bravery in the face of hate and bigotry

Writer's picture: Madi BrownMadi Brown


On Martin Luther King Jr. day, I teach my first graders about Dr. King’s influence with a book by Doreen Rappaport called Martin’s Big Words. By now, you have likely heard the remarkably brave, and big, words of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde in her sermon at a prayer service on Tuesday at Washington’s National Cathedral. In case you haven’t, here is a clip.


Mariann Edgar Budde serves as a Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Overnight, her courageous act has placed her in the limelight, yet again, and put words to the feelings of so many during this uncertain time. She is known for her courageous act of speaking out against Donald Trump once before in 2020 when he posed for a photo in front of St. John's Episcopal Church. During the protests following the murder of George Floyd, Mariann was a vocal advocate for the movement and openly disapproved of Trump's photo op. She is also an author, and her most recent book, How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, is temporarily out of stock on Amazon.


It is difficult to put into words how much courage it took for Mariann to look into the faces of the new leaders of our country and speak for the marginalized and put a voice to the fear so many of us are experiencing during this time. 


I was reminded recently of a quote by Fred Rogers, someone I believe would have made a great Quaker. 

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

In times as unprecedented as these, I am finding it helpful to look for the helpers. To look for those who are standing up and being a voice for the voiceless. The allies, if you will, using their big words.


I’m going to be reading Mariann’s book on my Kindle. 

Keep looking for the helpers. 

Use your big words!


You belong. 

You are loved.

You are not alone.


Queries:

How can we respond to the unraveling events of 2025 as people who know and understand the true life and teachings of Jesus Christ?

How can we equip ourselves to live a life of hope, love, and light in a time of such uncertainty, injustice, and hate?



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