I have a lot of things to say yes to, but I have never felt more protective of my no. It would be easy to read the news and feel powerless, but my no is important, especially when added to yours and yours and yours. Numbers matter.

It’s possible that starting next week, the vulnerable and marginalized (as the lowest hanging fruit) will get kicked to the curb under the banner of “government efficiency.” I don’t know if that will happen, but my no is ready. One of our jobs as good people is to pay attention to what’s important to God. And if that is violated, we can say no in whatever ways we are able.

And hey, like I said, there are things I can say yes to. I’m not opposed to privatizing the postal service or getting rid of daylight savings time, but my hackles will go way up if unlawful things ensue. My no will offend a lot of people, but I hope they’ll take that up with the one who said these words.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Prov. 31:8-9

“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” Jer. 22:3

“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees,
to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people.” Isaiah 10:1-2a