From Kendra Savusa, a Palestinian-American artist (above) in the US South. This is a re-post from social media (12.18.2024). Follow and support her work here.

I used to think part being a good Christian woman meant holding my tongue all the time, something I’ve never been good at—and in some cases, that is still the wisest thing to do. But this past year, every time I’ve wanted to remain silent, I’ve felt an overwhelming push from God to speak.

So here I am, day 437, still speaking.

To my fellow Christians who have chosen silence, who have clung to what they’ve always been taught, who have stood with the powerful instead of the oppressed—I’m asking you to reconsider.

This week at my church, we reflected on Jesus washing His disciples’ feet—the ultimate act of humility and service. What would it look like for us, as His followers, to lower ourselves in the same way, to serve those we’ve been taught to fear or dismiss?

I pray that 2025 is the year you “find a Palestinian” (in the words of my friend, Amy) and allow yourself to be humbled enough to learn from them.

Maybe you’d learn how Christian Palestinians in your community are entering their second numbing Christmas season, trying to be cheerful for their children while watching the children in Gaza be dug out of the rubble, starved, and burned alive.

Maybe you’d see our longing for peace, our aching hope of one day returning home.

Maybe you’d come to understand how deeply hospitality and generosity are woven into our DNA—so much so that you might feel adopted into our families.

Maybe you’d learn about Khaled Nabhan, a grandfather who last year mourned the loss of his granddaughter, after she was killed by the IDF—and how this year, we mourn his loss as he met the same fate just this week.

Maybe, you’d stop seeing us as enemies, as people bent on destroying the Israel you’ve been conditioned to defend.

Maybe you’d be brave enough to face the truth and ask yourself if you will hold your government, church leaders, and loved ones accountable.

Maybe that’s too hard for you.

Or maybe, you’d be willing to lower yourself and “wash the foot of a Palestinian” by simply listening to their heart and learning about their life.

Maybe God would be glorified.

Maybe your heart would reflect His.