Living still in an inequitable world, those who have less position of power are often not heard. Those who do have power, control what should be heard and it becomes alleged truth. In my Asian American culture, the prevalent scale of power is normally men dominating over women. In the past, this may have been tolerated but not today. When my mother was only in her early teens in China in 1920s, she wanted to go to school but her parents married her off to my father whom she never met until her wedding day. She complained about this for the rest of her life.
Today our nation is torn apart over principles supporting in what we are becoming. For some men with power, they are afraid of losing it. For many women who should have always had an opportunity to contribute to the conversation, they have the right to this power. My mother certainly wished she had it. When I read the stories of Jesus, he was not afraid of being with women. He ate with them, listened to them, let them touch his cloak, taught them, and revealed his resurrection to them. If Jesus is our friend, mentor and Savior, should we do any less?
Today I am more than ever aware of the women in my life and in my circle of friends. Our 3 granddaughters show me that they have God-given talents. Our daughter-in-ministry reassures me that there’s a future for American Baptists. Our daughter-in-law’s creative gifts reflect God’s ongoing creation. My wife’s many abilities in painting, design, music, and convictions show me that a shared partnership in marriage brings out the best in each other. And I ask all women-in-ministry and women-in-my-life to continue to hold me accountable to see what I am unable to see for I am only one among many of God’s people.
After enduring these past tumultuous weeks of discord in our nation’s Capitol, we’re not sure what may happen next. We are asked to vote and we should all do that to fulfill our civic duty. But for me, as long as there are still inequities of power whether it is in our governments or in our churches or in our households, I will work to bring equity to all dimensions of life. I do believe in Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and I will stand up for all women who have been assaulted and harassed to listen to them. And I invite all boys and men to do too.