Galatians 6:9-10
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.
INHALE
Lord, when I am weary
EXHALE
In You I find rest
Stories of Resistance, Re-existence and Liberation
Shireen Awwad Hilal
Questions
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Shireen Awwad Hilal, Director of Bethlehem Bible College Community & Outreach, shares powerful stories of life, loss, and resilience in Palestine. Critiquing the pressure placed on oppressed people to offer “hope,” she suggests hope itself has become colonized — used as a tool to comfort at the expense of addressing suffering and injustice.
Graciously sharing her experience of losing family members in the bombing of Gaza’s Church of Saint Porphyrius, Shireen recalls the tension between her desire to be silent and the obligation she felt to speak out about the genocide and her peoples’ suffering. Her witness is resistance.
“We battle inequality and injustice by narrating our stories and standing firm in our Christian faith. We embody compassion by serving the needy and the marginalized in our community. We re-exist by holding onto hope, memories, heritage, culture, and community, drawing strength from the Bible that shapes our identity and gives meaning to our existence.”
Shireen reflects on the role of the Shepherd Society in serving the marginalized, preserving heritage and culture, and living out prophetic faith inspired by the Bible. Through these stories, she challenges us to consider justice, solidarity, and the power of perseverance in doing good — even amid unimaginable hardship.
1. What challenged you in this message? What resonated?
2. Shireen observes “the problem with hope at this time is that hope has become colonized.” How does this reflect your own relationship with hope, particularly in the context of Palestine — Israel?
3. With all that is going on in the world, and in your own life, have you felt yourself grow weary in the pursuit of justice? What contributes to your feelings of weariness?
4. When you are wearying, where do you find rest? Whose living testimony inspires you to work for good?
5. What practices might a faith community or family whose lives testify “to a faith rooted in justice, resilience, and reconciliation” have in place? What might the fruits of their harvest look like?
Identify the things in your life that weary, drain, or deplete you.
Identify those that restore, refresh and inspire you.
Identify 2 strategies that you can put in place to ensure you have the strength and energy to faithfully pursue justice and reconciliation in both the short and long-term.
Lord,
Let us not grow weary in doing what is right.
When we tire, breathe in us a renewed spirit. When we feel alone, remind us of your presence. When it all feels too much, ground us in your love.
Lord, whenever we have an opportunity, help us to work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.
Amen
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We can’t promise we’ll respond to them, but we’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or concerns on our series.
