Author and scholar on Voudou and Haitian Catholicism, Elizabeth McAlister wrote, “To arrive somewhere by oneself in the Haitian context is to signal unimportance, or worse, unconnectedness; it implies that ou pa gen moun, ‘you have no people.’” This Haitian concept resonates well with me because I grew up in the context of the Gullah Sea Islands of South Carolina and likewise, there, you are identified by your familial identity.

There is a clear understanding of the value of the interconnectedness of all who make up the community and so here in the context of Haitian culture, it is odd to see one arrive alone. It is a perplexing and peculiar phenomenon for someone to not belong to a greater body or to live singularly or apart from the community.

1 Peter 2:9-10 rejects the idea of having no people, for it says: “…You are a chosen people…a people belonging to God...” We must reject ou pa gen moun and we must be a global force resonating God’s love to all no matter where we are in the world. We must also demonstrate this communal love to those who seek out justice upon American shores. Enough with your crews and your cliques. Enough with your self-righteous titles and patting yourself on the back for being a conscious, liberal and social justice institution or individual! Enough! God is not pleased with your offerings. People is plural, “…you are a chosen people”, not the chosen one. Welcome the stranger in our midst and love as Jesus has taught us how to love others as ourselves.

Prayer

May the floodgates of love and justice roll down mightily creating a surge of community and togetherness that welcomes and embraces all.

Thought for the day

“I am because We are.”