We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. -Mother Teresa
“Where are you in the world, Kelli?” “I can’t keep up with you!” “What is your job, what do you even do that you travel so much?”
I apologize for the confusion I’ve caused, I sincerely hope it hasn’t kept you up at night. (Sorry, Mom, I’ll call you later). 😛
Here’s a summary of just this past week, which still resides fresh in my mind. I’m ecstatic to share how God has been working and showing His faithfulness in my life and the world, despite what the media would have us believe.
On Sunday, March 19th, we screened the documentary ‘Faithkeepers’ for the New York Republicans Metropolitan Club. Did I hear you say boujee? Yeah, you right, you right. But it was honestly incredible to see a packed room of hustle-and-bustle, always on the grind men and women deeply concerned about the persecuted Christians, Yazidis, and Muslims in the Middle East. God brought many power players to that room, and I know there will be tangible work from that night to end the genocide occurring.
Monday evening was elegant and inspiring as the Censored Women’s Film Festival held a dinner for their ride or die’s at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel.
The United Nations wasn’t even ready to handle the packed room for The Censored Women’s Film Festival. We screened 30 minutes of ‘Honor Diaries’, and then several short films to qualify as a mini film festival.
The rockstar panel of women who spoke after the screenings left many in the room in tears. All were informed, invigorated, and deeply empowered to be a part of this sisterhood.
As soon as the last photo was snapped of us ladies, we jumped on a tour van taking us to Washington D.C. The anticipation for the following day was nearly killing me.
For a bit of backstory on this occurrence, I actually traveled to D.C. about 2 months ago and met with various organizations and Representative’s aids in order to organize and collaborate on a screening of the ‘Faithkeepers’ film on Capitol Hill. Wednesday, March 22nd at 2:30pm in Rayburn House, I pressed play on the laptop that began to tell the story of the ethnic cleansing occurring right now in the Middle East. 4 Congressman attended, 2 of which spoke on behalf of the film, and the room was full of movers and shakers in the D.C. realm.
It was incredible to be a part of that moment in history, and I look forward to how God uses this movie and movement for his glory.
My final event for the week was to screen ‘Faithkeepers’ to college student leaders prior to AIPAC attendance. I didn’t know quite what to expect Saturday morning when I walked into their meeting room at the Washington Plaza Hotel.
Approximately 20 sharply dressed young adults listened attentively as I described how I became involved with the project and the heart and purpose behind the film.
I watched ‘Faithkeepers’ for perhaps the 15th time in that room, this time as a peer and fellow concerned human rights activist. I was freshly reminded of the issue. How could we let these atrocities continue happening to Christians, Jews, Yazidis, Muslims, Baha’is and other minorities? Simply because they’re on the other side of the world? Well then, who will speak up for us if such persecution and terror were to be on our land? There would be no one left to speak up for us.
Afterwards, nearly every student came up to introduce themselves and tell me they wanted to screen the movie on their campus or church. One sweet girl told me her family lives in Chicago but moved from Syria. She began to cry as she told me how much this would mean for them to see that the West does actually care about those suffering in the Middle East.
The world paused as I gained a new perspective on what I’m doing. I’m not just setting up posters, passing out info cards, posting articles on Facebook and retweeting for a well-meaning organization. I’m doing the work now that in time will show the precious humans I’ve never met and likely never will that I DO CARE. I do see their struggle. I stand in solidarity with them. And I will continue fighting for them.
I’m reeling in amazement that I am a part of this human rights project. How did I find this life work that fits me better than I could’ve created for myself? I raise awareness and inspire action for human rights with Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and other religiously represented colleagues. My desire for interfaith relationships has deepened, and my heart for the marginalized has softened.
From top left clockwise: With Raheel Raza, founder of Muslims Facing Tomorrow, journalist, author, speaker, media consultant, activist and interfaith discussion leader.
Poster hanging at the United Nations for mini film festival on Tuesday. With Linda Church, an incredible speaker and activist.
With Paula, producer of ‘Honor Diaries’ and ‘Faithkeepers’, and incredible Dana, the glue that holds our team together!
Bottom photo: Dana and I at Censored Women’s Film Festival dinner at Lotte Palace on Monday evening.
Top row: With lovely Dana and Paula following a successful Censored Women’s mini Film Festival at the United Nations…needless to say we were hyped afterwards! Paula and I standing in front of ‘Faithkeepers’ poster on Capitol Hill. As you can see, we’re ecstatic and relieved by the success of the event.
Bottom: Me, Linda, and Paula. Bottom right shows the panel speaking after the screening. Nina Shea, Johnnie Moore, and Paula Kweskin killed it, and I recorded it for Facebook Live. 😛
It will never be easy to do this work in human rights as long as we live in a fallen, sinful world. But this week brought me to a deeper level of understanding that even if I see just one life changed, it makes it worth it.
stay lovely,
the tallgirl
