As we come to the halfway point of the year, we look back at the events that have occurred in utter shock and awe. It was just a few months ago that Australia was ravaged by fires, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping down from their royal duties, Kobe and Gigi Bryant, along with seven other passengers died in a helicopter crash, and that was only part of January. There have been numerous other events this year that feel like a lifetime ago. Now we are in the midst of the “unprecedented” global pandemic, and the Black Lives Matter social movement.

COVID-19 has transformed the way in which the world operates. These changes have led to people feeling isolated, and we have seen a rise in depression and anxiety. We were created to be in community with one another, yet with these restrictions, community seems so distant. As a Youth Group, we have worked to create our own little virtual community. Our weekly Zoom calls are a place where we can share our thoughts, feelings, and be supported though our struggles. A slice of normalcy in our ever-changing world. If you are struggling, I would highly recommend joining one of the Life Groups that Amberlea is offering. Even if you are not struggling, you may be the person that someone needs in their life. Call that friend you have not spoken to in a while, send a quick text to your family member, and invite them into your community. This small action could make a huge difference in that person’s life.

As I speak about communities, I would be remiss to not mention the communities that are struggling, and not just with the fight against COVID-19… but the fight for equality. The Black and Racialized communities, LGBT2Q+ (I hope you all had a great Pride Month!), and other stigmatized communities are working against a broken system that has failed them time and time again. Maybe it is because of the pandemic that people are unable to distract themselves from the injustice that these communities face on a daily basis, but now society is finally calling for a change. Now is the time that we as Christians, and as human beings, can no longer live in our insular lives. It is time for change, and it starts with each one of us. God has commanded us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, but for too long we have stood idly by as we allow our neighbors to be discriminated and persecuted.

So, where do we start? We need to educate ourselves on the history of suffering. We need to become aware of our privilege, and use that privilege to make change. Support the Black Lives Matter movement. For those that are wrestling with the “Black Lives Matter” versus “All Lives Matter” debate, in Luke 15: 1-7, Jesus tells us the answer. In the parable of the 100 sheep, did the shepherd stay with the 99 sheep? No, he went after the one that was lost. Did that mean the other sheep did not matter? No, what this means is the other 99 sheep were not the ones in danger.

It is time for a change. Let us be part of the solution.

We are stronger together.

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Tyler Scrivens is the Youth Director at Amberlea Church. He recently graduated from Knox College (UofT) with his Master’s in Pastoral Studies. Tyler is a Chaplain at Lakeridge Health.