Standing in the Fall

As I gazed outside my window this morning, my attention was captivated by the daily turning of the leaves. Autumn truly testifies that change is relentless. Yet these cooling shifts are evident not only in our natural environment but also within our local communities and across our nation’s moral climate.

As we gaze across our national, state, and local landscapes, we see deliberate changes that are causing unnecessary suffering. Whether it's due to the prolonged government shutdown or changes to SNAP, far more households are going to be in critical need of food in the coming days. This reveals the wickedness of this moment when public dollars can be found for stadium deals, grand renovations to the White House, and policies that swell billionaire fortunes, yet our government withholds readily available relief from families who are hungry. The USDA has said it will not tap contingency reserves, and states have warned that November benefits will be delayed or halted if the shutdown continues. New eligibility changes will also cut off many immigrants and other vulnerable neighbors.

This is not an abstract idea. It is empty carts and unpaid totals at the register. It is growing anxiety about survival, safety, and well-being. It is increased desperation among elders for support in the midst of diminishing care. It is parents skipping meals so their children can eat. It is our neighbors in Greater Cleveland going to bed hungry in a region rich with resources.

Yet… as so much seems to be falling apart, let us remember that there is still hope! We, the CBA, continue to stand and move forward together, embodying the steadfast love, truth, righteousness, and peace of Jesus Christ. We must refuse to abandon our neighbors and one another to the pending storms. Therefore, let’s keep standing by leaning on God and each other, understanding that we are never standing alone because we stand shoulder to shoulder and soul to soul with those who are like-minded, like-missioned, and like-motioned.

Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power… to put on the full armor of God… to stand firm… and to pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” Therefore, we stand with the poor and for the hungry, with immigrants and for those needing advocacy, with elders and for compassionate care, with workers and for just wages, and with our children for safe, flourishing families. We stand in worship, we stand in prayer, and we stand in courageous service.

We stand together, knowing that the simplest acts are often the most impactful, so let us remember to:

• VOTE early, or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Polls are open 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Make a plan, bring a friend, and help a neighbor get to the poll.

• Encourage three people to vote. Offer a ride, child care, or a reminder text.

• Support food security now. Give to local pantries and mutual aid.

• Contact our elected officials and urge them to fight on behalf of the vulnerable and suffering.

• Pray together. Collaboratively read and live Micah 6:8.

• Audit our spending. Choose just local businesses. Align our personal and organizational budgets with our values.

• Accompany immigrant neighbors. Learn local legal aid options. Support them at their check-ins and hearings.

• Check on our elders and families. Share coats, heaters, and rides to appointments.

Beloved, as autumn advances, we will not fall down, fall apart, or fall away. We will stand in the fall. We will stand in God’s armor, in Christ’s love, and in the Holy Spirit’s power. We will stand together so that our neighbors are fed, our families are safe, and our communities experience justice and peace!

Remember, we will always be much more effective and stronger together.