Fast for the Vote
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?-Isaiah 58:3-7
Fasting is both a time for repentance and resilience. The spiritual practice draws our attention to the specific practices or behaviors we need to turn away from while also fortifying us spiritually for the work ahead. It is a living practice of Sankofa. We learned from our ancestors Harriet, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Martin Luther King, Bayard Rustin and others that spiritual discipline can feed our need for spiritual clarity, focus, and determination while in the midst of movement work. They remind us that the outgrowth of our spiritual discipline is courageous action in the world. Like Daniel and the Hebrew Boys, our fast is a spiritual and political act.
Freedom fighters across the world also leave us with a relevant lesson. They let us know that fasting can be a revolutionary act. Fasting throughout history has served on numerous occasions as an act of political resistance. Freedom fighters have resisted domination not only as a mental exercise but as a practice that unites both mind and body for revolutionary work. Our ancestors in the movements for liberation tell us that fasting can and should be an act of revolutionary love.
There is no greater time to reflect on these complementary traditions of the fast and use the wisdom of our ancestors for the work ahead. The 2020 elections will be perhaps one of the most pivotal elections in recent years. As tensions run high and we seek to hold on to the hope of a positive move towards justice and love in this country, we feel a deep call to meet God in the wilderness of this moment and pray for God's angels to minister to us.
We ask that you join us in a "Fast for the Vote". This year we are encouraging all our revolutionary family to join us in a fast during the week of the upcoming general election. We ask that you not only refrain from food between 6am and 6pm during the week of the election, but that you also commit to these faithful acts of repentance and resilience during our fast week to answer God's call of fasting not just for humility's sake but for humanity's sake.
Repentance
Pray (without ceasing) for God's justice and love to move in a mighty way during this election. Repent and mourn our assault on human dignity and marginalized communities. Pray that the November election and all elections better position us to join God in desire for justice and well-being for all.
Prayerfully commit to learning about voter suppression efforts in this country. Learn about the communities largely impacted by this evil practice and turn away repent of our communal sin of being complicit in the silencing of the voices of God's children.
Prayerfully reflect on the witness of our many ancestors Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and others who fought, bled, died for our right to have our voices heard. Be inspired and challenged by their work.
Resilience
Provide courageous witness by:
Voting and encouraging others to vote and vote early.
Offering to help someone get to the polls
Partner with a local organization to get in the way of voter suppression efforts and commit to learning and educating others on their voting rights
Consider being an election defender and sign up for the national training (https://www.mobilize.us/thefrontline/event/321224/?force_banner=true&share_context=event_details&share_medium=copy_link)
We also ask that you join us on election day evening on Nov. 3 at 7pm for a session of prayer as we tarry with God for the vote.
In Jesus and Justice,