YTI Post #5: July 18, 2010
Today, I was able to be a part of something really important. On July 2, Joshua Noblitt and his partner were having a picnic at Piedmont Park here in Atlanta. They were approached by a group of young guys who asked them if they were gay, and then beat and robbed them with a gun. Rev. Joshua Noblitt is the social justice minister at St. Mark United Methodist Church.
Wanting to move from a place of anger and fear to a place of love, Rev. Noblitt planned a community picnic today at the spot where he and his partner were attacked. Everyone was invited to come. Learning of this, the leaders of YTI made it possible for all of us to attend. Being able to be a part of this event meant a lot to me. It made me happy to see the other YTI scholars supporting it too.
Today reminded me of how much hate is still out there for LGBT people. I thought a lot about Matthew Shepherd. Melissa Etheridge’s song about him played in my head. I also thought about all the unnamed LGBT people that have experienced the hate of people just because of who they are. I pray that someday soon our world changes. Maybe I can find a way to make a difference. Please click on the link to the video of the song “Scarecrow,” that’s about Matthew Shepherd. Then say a prayer for anyone who has experienced such violence, and that God will change the hearts of people who have such hate for LGBT people.
“Scarecrow” video available by clicking here.
Love and Peace,
Rachel Durbin-Nowicki
P.S. Join Holy Covenanter Rachel Harvey for a Solidarity Picnic on Sunday, July 25, at 3pm.
