1st Protest Speaker Highlight - Rev. Janet Tiebert's 'How Shall We Live in Times Like These?'

 This sermon was shared with the protestors gathered at the first 50501 protest in downtown Indianapolis on 12.5.2025

How do we live in times like these? It is the question we are asking, is it not? The Prophet Micah asked the same question over 2 and a half thousand years ago in turbulent times. In the Jewish tradition, Micah asked his God “What do you require of us?” God’s reply was, “What does the Lord require of you? To Love Justice, Practice Mercy and walk Humbly with your God.” (Micah 6: 8)

Love Justice. Practice Mercy. Walk Humbly.

How do we live in times like these? Micah hears what every human who has listened with open ears and open heart and open mind has heard. 

 Two readings from sacred texts: 

“Whether you love God Or you love a human being, If you love enough, You come into the Presence of Love itself For God is Love.” 

    -Muslim poet Rumi

“Dear friends, let us love each other, Because love is from God, and everyone Who loves is born from God and knows God. The person who does not love does not Know God, because God is Love.” 

    -The New Testament 1 John 4: 7-8

Why do I share these words on Love in times like these? I have two reasons: We have had more than enough hate, divisiveness, disrespect and cruelty. And Love is the only thing that can or will overcome hate. Love is the most powerful force of energy in all of creation. 

Yes, but you ask again, “How do we live in times like these?” 

I don’t know how you are feeling, but I can guess because I know how I have been feeling: 

Angry, 

Outraged, 

Indignant, 

Fearful, 

confused and continually anxious, 

Defeated, 

Demoralized,

Beaten down, 

Disheartened, 

Hopeless, 

Helpless,

Energized, 

Ready to fight, 

Strong and empowered, 

And maybe all of these in turns. 

All of these are normal reactions and feelings to injustice. When people are hurting and being hurt, abused, disparaged, excluded denied dignity, we respond with all these feelings because we Love. We respond with Love. Fear, confusion, hopelessness and helplessness are sown by haters and tyrants. But they will not keep us down or dim our hope because we have Love. You have Love. 

Look around. You are not alone. We are not alone. 

Together we lift one another up and carry on. You have compassion, and so we all have compassion. You have hope, and so we all have hope. We have each other and the powerful force of the energy of Love. And this is what empowers us. We have voices, and our voices, our activism, our compassion and our Love were given to each of us, to each of you, for such a time as this. 

We are united as one, and each of you is unique, irreplaceable, beloved and you are needed. You are needed Now.

Civil Rights Activist Howard Thurman said, “Do not be silent; there is no limit to the power that may be released through you. Through each of you and through all of you. You matter, now. How do we live in times like these?

In the name of Love. 

Keep on organizing, keep on advocating, 

Keep on resisting, keep on pushing for justice, keep on practicing mercy. 

Keep on caring, 

Keep on supporting and lifting up, keep on using your voice and taking up space, keep on singing, keep on dancing, keep on laughing, keep on finding beauty and truth and joy. And most of all, keep on loving. 

Feminist and Social Justice Activist L. R. Knost said, “Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break, And all Things can be mended. Not with time as they say, But with intention. So, go. Love intentionally, extravagantly Unconditionally. The Broken world waits In darkness for the light that is you.”