Have you ever thought about being a Holy troublemaker? Maybe you are one but haven’t put a label to it. I didn’t create the term, but I like it. I learned about it from a children’s book, Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints by Daneen Akers. She describes them as people of faith who have worked for love, compassion, and justice in their corners of the world and eras, even when it might mean rocking the religious boat. While their lives look different, what each troublemaker and saint have in common is that they use their faith to work for the good of everyone. The book includes stories of (Mister) Fred Rogers, Rachel Held Evans, Harriet Tubman, and many more that I just learned about their stories.
When do we step outside of our comfort zone to live out our faith in justice and love? So often we can be overwhelmed with stories of injustices or inequities. Many times, the lines are blurred or labeled as political issues. We get tired of hearing it. We don’t want to listen to what makes us uncomfortable or makes us dig deeper to understand. We justify our silence with “it’s always been this way and it’s fine”. It’s easier to stay in our lane and not have to dwell on issues that make us uncomfortable. We don’t want to be labeled as troublemakers. Sometimes the issues seem insurmountable. Where to begin is daunting so we don’t. I get it all. I’ve felt it all.
But as followers of Jesus, he is the ultimate Holy troublemaker. His teachings and actions were radical in his time. He challenged established religious authorities, overturned tables in the temple, used stories to emphasize all-encompassing forgiveness, and associated with societal outcasts. By advocating for love, forgiveness, and justice, Jesus disrupted the status quo and confronted his era's religious and political powers. His message of inclusivity and compassion often clashed with prevailing norms, leading to conflicts with the religious establishment.
We just completed a Wednesday morning Bible study series on Martin Luther and our ELCA Lutheran beliefs. I would call him a Holy troublemaker. He questioned the church on traditions that separated the teachings of Jesus from the common people. Nothing should separate us from the love and grace of God even if it is rooted in traditional church beliefs.
Holy troublemaking doesn’t always need to be loud. It can be a conversation challenging a viewpoint or not staying silent when a derogatory comment is made about a person or a community. Sometimes it’s a march together, or creating art, or organizing to change a law. Sometimes it’s as simple as supporting a community or individual facing injustice or hardship. Maybe it’s not judging circumstances or communities we don’t fully understand or taking the time to dig deeper to learn. Maybe it’s asking hard questions or not jumping on a particular viewpoint’s bandwagon without research or empathy.
I love Lord of Life because we aren’t afraid to ask hard questions, or for our kids to ask difficult questions or challenge ourselves to grow and learn. We may not have all the answers but we follow the example of Jesus as a Holy troublemaker who is leading in love, compassion, forgiveness, inclusion, and justice. Where can you be a Holy troublemaker? How can we be Holy troublemakers together?
Living and learning in faith with you,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation