I appreciate the ministry of Jackie Hill Perry on many different levels. This spoken word performance of hers caught my eye and ear, and challenged my heart.
From her site: “Comparing the struggle of American believers to our counterparts in other parts of world, Jackie envisions that any form of “American Persecution” isn’t one of stoning and crucifixion, but one that will challenge our freedoms. This piece encourages everyone to evaluate Gospel commitment and to Christ, no matter the cost.”
Religious freedom in not merely the legislative right, but also the cultural right to believe as we want, without shame. The right to live, work, and teach as God has created us, and indeed, is continuing to shape us to be. The right to worship and speak as we feel called, without retribution. The road is long from mere marginalization to full blown persecution, yet a number of Christians who live in non-Western countries and underground leaders do see America entering a stage they refer to as the “loss of privilege.” In this stage, the pressure mounts to conform to cultural ideologies that are hostile toward Christianity.
As cultural and social hostility rises, Jackie asks: “Will you be ready?”
I ask, “Will we be different?”
Scripture answers:
- “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you… (Mt 10:16-24).
I post the piece here, with her permission.
Endurance. 
Reblogged this on zuzusays.