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Quote of the Day Archive
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Excellence at Wheaton
"The surest way to determine whether one possesses the love of God is to see whether he or she loves his or her neighbor."
Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515 - 1582), Carmelite Nun
In Honor of Sanctity of Life Month
"All life is sacred. Since life is an affirmation of the Creator, I shall live on, even when I am gone..."
Mr. John Harricharan, Businessman, Lecturer, and Author
"Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality."
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.(1929-1968), Pastor, Author, and Civil Rights Leader
In Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?"
"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice."
"Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter unless it is about loving God and loving the people he has made?"
Pastor Francis Chan, Minister, Educator, and Author
In Celebration of Honor of Sanctity of Life Month
"A superiority and condescension in us result in the dehumanization of others. Jesus wasn't that way."
Ms. Marlena Proper Deida Graves, Educator, and Author
"When we choose to see people as God does, we are moved to love others in a way that honors our creator."
Focus on the Family, focusonthefamily.com
"In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute. "
Justice Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993), U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice
"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910 -1997), Nun and Missionary
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6, New International Version
In Celebration of Advent
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.'s care."
Isaiah 7:14, New International Version
"Christmas Day doesn't redeem our wounded world in an instant — as if the old order vanishes with the newborn's first cry. Instead, Jesus undergoes a human life and entrusts our lives to the Holy Spirit's care."
Pastor Isaac Villegas, Author, and Editor
"Advent seems as much a time to dwell in holy friendship as a time to wait on God."
Ms. Enuma Okoro, Columnist, and Speaker
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."
Luke 2:10, New International Version
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
"The very location and circumstance of Christ's birth was a symbol and sign of God's solidarity with the socially oppressed and outcast."
Dr. Drew G. I. Hart, Theology Professor, Church Anti-Racism Leader, and Social Change Practitioner
"At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God's own love and concern."
"To work for a just world where there is not servitude, oppression, or alienation is to work for the advent of the Messiah."
Father Gustavo Gutiérrez, Philosopher, Theologian, and Priest
"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."
Galatians 4:4-5, New International Version
"Jesus' advent ushers in the invitation for people of all cultures to become part of the family of God."
Dr. Michelle Ami Reyes, Author, Speaker, and Activist
"What does it mean to be Native, to be Navajo, and be Christian? What does it mean to follow Jesus? Not as an assimilated American, but as a Navajo person? That process for me was very eye-opening."
Mr. Mark R. Charles, Activist, Author, and Speaker
In Honor of Native American History Month
"Part of me feels like my mom should have been where I am a long time ago. Now here I am, pursuing the education and opportunities that weren't afforded to her, and weren't afforded to her mother or her grandmother."
Ms. Samanth Maltais, Law Student, and Activist
"Wisdom and peace come when you start living the life the creator intended for you."
Geronimo (1829-1909), Apache Leader and Medicine Man
"True power does not amass through the pain and suffering of others."
Ms. Joy Harjo, Musician, Playwright, Author, and Incumbent United States Poet Laureate
"All who have died are equal."
Comanche Tribe Proverb
"Celebrating what we hope for together is better than fighting over what we believe separately."
Mr. Steven Charleston, Retired American Episcopal Bishop, and Academic
"Our teachings teach us that every decision we make, we make for the seventh generation."
Ms. LoVina Louie, Community Leader, and Speaker
"The Gospel--which is the announcement of Creator's Good Road (aka the Kingdom of God)--transcends all nations, all ethnicities, all religions, and all worldly politics."
Mr. Terry M. Wildman, Founder of Rain Ministries
"With all things and in all things, we are relatives."
Sioux Tribe Proverb
"Our work is to call each other home, to call to one another's spirits and say, 'This is for you. This is what it means to be human, to love and be loved. Let's learn from one another as we go.'"
Ms. Kaitlin B. Curtice, Writer, and Speaker
"All people should have a right to dignity and identity is an important part of this ideal."
Chief Roberto Mukaro Borrero, Chief of the Guainía Taíno Tribal Community
"Do not wrong or hate your neighbor for it is not he that you wrong but yourself."
Pima Tribe Proverb
"None of us is above the other in this story of forever."
"God commands both individuals and the society in which they live to be generous and always take care of the poor. In such a community, shalom has a chance to thrive. In such a community, God will actually be glad to assign his name and dwell."
Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley, Theologian, Author, Activist, Farmer, and Wisdom Keeper
"The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better."
Ms. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, 14th President of the Philippines
In Honor of Filipino American History Month
"Everybody doesn't have to be a hero; everybody doesn't have to be famous. Each person who's Filipino American, to me, is very, very important as a story..."
Dr. "Uncle" Fred Pilar Cordova (1931 - 2013), Catholic Deacon, Activist, Educator, Author, and Radio Host
"Burn so bright you leave a deep darkness when you go out."
Ms. Ninotchka Rosca, Author, and Activist
"Remember, the more we commit to loving one another, the more we can bear fruit that lasts."
Dr. Narry F. Santos, Minister, and Educator
IIn Honor of Filipino American History Month
"Matibay ang walis, palibhasa'y magkabigkis.
Literal translation - A broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound.
Meaning - People gain strength by standing together."
Filipino Proverb
"I want justice to be so pervasive that it will be taken for granted, just as injustice is taken for granted today."
"All of us, from the first Adams to the last Filipino, native-born or alien, educated or illiterate—We are America!"
Mr. Carlos Sampayan Bulosan (1913 – 1956), Author, Poet, and Activist
"Filipinos, despite what they've been through, continue to create heroic moments in advancing their own future."
Ms. Lualhati Bautista, Novelist
"All I know is that I'm proud to be Filipino."
Mr. Nonito Gonzales Donaire Jr., Professional Boxer
In Honor of Filipino History Month
"Hermanos y hermanas, do not say you love me through orthodoxy if you do not love me through orthopraxy."
Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero, Founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition
In Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
"I know that people think of me in terms of Latin music and that's wonderful, that's my heritage, that's who I am, but there's so much more to me and my music."
Ms. Gloria Estefan, Singer, Actress, and Businesswoman
"If you have an opportunity to make things better and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth."
Mr. Roberto Clemente (1934 - 1972), Baseball Player
"Drawing closer to God and struggling for justice have become for me one and the same thing. Struggling for my liberation and the liberation of Hispanic women is a liberative praxis."
Dr. Ada María Isasi-Díaz (1943 - 2012), Educator
"I think we need to appreciate that we have another king and another kingdom and we can never be aligned because then we lose our prophetic edge."
Dr. M Daniel Carroll R., Theologian, Wheaton College Educator
"...I love the ethnicities God sovereignly chose for me to live out, all to give him glory."
Ms. Natalia Khon Rivera, Speaker, Coach, and Ministry Leader
"Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures."
Mr. Cesar Chavez (1927 - 1993), Activist
"Each of us will have to make the choices that allow us to be the largest versions of ourselves."
Ms. Julia Alvarez, Poet, Novelist, Essayist, and Educator
"When the church hears the cry of the oppressed it cannot but denounce the social structures that give rise to and perpetuate the misery from which the cry arises. "
St. Óscar Romero (1917-1980), Former Archbishop of San Salvador
"We are all individuals; we are all human beings; we are all connected together; and we all have the same rights, the same freedom."
Ms. Sylvia Mendez, Civil Rights Activist
"Your great strength is knowing who you are."
Mr. Oscar de la Renta, Fashion Designer
"Christians should be at the forefront of questioning anything that is depriving all people of the abundant life that God is intending for all people."
Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst, Theologian and Educator
"We can't heal on our own. And growth and maturity aren't solo acts."
Dr. Nathan Cartagena, Philosopher, and Wheaton College Educator
"I wish that a conscious sense of peace and a feeling of human solidarity would develop in all peoples..."
Ms. Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Activist, and Author
"There is nothing harder than the softness of indifference."
Mr. Juan Montalvo (1832 -1889), Author, and Essayist
"During this National Hispanic Heritage Month, I'm excited to once again find myself in an environment where I can bring my experiences as a Latina to my work and relationships."
Ms. Amanda Sol Peralta, Global Product Lead, Discovery Ads at Google
"The local church is called to demonstrate the reality of the Kingdom of God among the kingdoms of this world, not only by what it says but also by what it is and by what it does in response to human needs on every side."
Dr. C. René Padilla '60, Theologian, Missiologist, and Activist
"We have to believe, truly believe, that living out the gospel means continually changing ourselves within different cultural contexts to better love and serve the people."
Dr. Michelle Ami Reyes, Activist, Author, and Scholar
"There is a difference between social justice and biblical justice!"
Pastor Ché Ahn, Founder of Harvest International Ministry and Harvest Rock Church
"I fell in love with a Jesus who saw the poor and sick and hurting, a Jesus who had bigger plans for me than keeping me a virgin, a Jesus who loved and reveled in our Blackness."
Ms. Austin Channing Brown, Activist, Author, and Speaker
"Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children."
Chief Sitting Bull (1831-1890), Hunkpapa Lakota Leader
"For the Lord, your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes."
Deuteronomy 10:17, New International Version
"If you can't see your neighbor you can't know who you are. If you can't know your neighbor, you can't love who they are."
Minister Sarah Shin, Author, Speaker, and Trainer
"People will come from east and west and north, and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God."
Luke 13:29, New International Version
"Love is the most poignant mode of action in the world!"
Dr. Cornel West, Educator, Philosopher, Author, and Activist
"True friends correct each other when it is necessary. They realize that Gospel admonition is an act of love, nothing less."
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 15:5, New International Version
"We live in an incredibly polarized world. We are conditioned to believe that it's us against them; to identify who's with us or against us; Allies or enemies."
Reverend Eugene Cho, Pastor, Speaker, Activist, and Author
"All people are made in the image of God, no exceptions. And no one should feel a sense of trauma just by being."
Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, Preacher/Speaker, Author, Professor, and Pastor
"Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow."
Chief Joseph (1840-1904), Nez Perce Tribe
"...'let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the Lord."
Jeremiah 9:24, New International Version
"And if we are learning anything in America in the twenty-first century, it's that restoration and healing are desperately needed. We need to begin asking what that might look like."
Ms. Kaitlin B. Curtice, Poet, Author, and Public Speaker
"My deepest prayer is for the shalom of this nation. But rushing to 'peace' without repentance is a false peace."
Dr. Robert Chao Romero, Historian and Immigration Lawyer, and Author
"You have wisdom I do not have. I have wisdom you do not have. Could we not learn from each other?"
"Before all of our best arguments, let's first show love. That's what we're supposed to be known for, after all."
Reverend Eugene Cho, Pastor, Speaker, and Activist
"World peace and brotherhood are based on a common understanding of the contributions and cultures of all races and creeds."
Ms. Mary McLeod Bethune, Educator, Philanthropist, Humanitarian, Womanist, and Civil Rights Activist
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
Romans 12:15-18, New International Version
"The local church is called to demonstrate the reality of the Kingdom of God among the kingdoms of this world, not only by what it says, but also by what it is and by what it does in response to human needs on every side."
"We, as Christians, have a legacy to leave, and it's all about a love of Christ..."
Ms. Lauren Daigle, Recording Artist
"Inclusive, good-quality education is a foundation for dynamic and equitable societies."
Bishop Desmond Tutu, Anglican Cleric, Theologian, and Anti-Apartheid & Human Rights Activist
"People must not only hear about the Kingdom of God, but must see it in actual operation, on a small scale perhaps and in imperfect form, but a real demonstration nevertheless."
Ms. Pandita Ramabai (1858 - 1922), Educator, and Activist
"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live."
Acts 17:26, New International Version
"Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work."
Mr. William Arthur Ward (1921 – 1994), Writer
"...I learned that loving God is loving and forgiving others, pure and simple; that is all that is expected of us."
Sister Yolanda Tarango, Nun, Author, and Activist
"We're free, not for ourselves, but for everybody. "
Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian (1924 - 2020), Civil Rights Leader
"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Colossians 3:14, New International Version
"Of course, we need truthtellers and prophetic voices but we also desperately need bridge-builders and peacemakers."
Ms. Nikole Lim, Speaker, Educator, and International Director Co-Founder of Freely In Hope
"Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations."
Isaiah 51:4, New International Version
"You are more than dust and bones. You are spirit and power and image of God."
Ms. Shauna Niequist, Author, and Speaker
"As we walk with Jesus, he sends us to where he has already been at work -- among the poor, the suffering, the immigrant, and all who are cast aside."
"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."
James 2:8-9, New International Version
"If we understand the divinity of our existence, we will accept our diversity."
Ms. Lailah Gifty Akita, Author
"God created us for this: to live our lives in a way that makes him look more like the greatness and the beauty and the infinite worth that he really is. This is what it means to be created in the image of God."
Pastor John Piper, Founder of DesiringGod.org, and Educator
"We need each other to build the kingdom of God together and to be forces of good and healing in a broken world."
"If Jesus saved a seat for Judas at the table, and washed his feet, surely, by the grace of God, we can come to the table with fellow Christians we disagree with."
Pastor Rich Villodas, Speaker, and Author
"For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."
"Let your light shine today, and let your personality blossom, too. You don't have to be a people-pleaser, just a people-lover."
Ms. Beth Moore Evangelist, Author, and Bible Teacher
"The time for the American church's complicity in racism has long passed. It is time to cancel compromise. It is time to practice courageous Christianity."
Dr. Jemar Tisby, Historian, Writer, and Speaker
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had."
Acts 4:32, New International Version
"Friendship is an opportunity to act on God's behalf in the lives of the people that we're close to, reminding each other who God is."
"True Christian unity should lead to a just and righteous reality. Unity without the presence of justice is not Biblical unity."
Pastor Raymond Chang, President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative
"A lifestyle of Justice requires both personal repentance and renewal as well as collective restoration..."
Pastor Sandra Maria Van Opstal, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Chasing Justice
"But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always."
Hosea 12:6, New International Version
"Don't ever make the mistake of telling God that you have nothing to offer. That simply is not true. God does not create any junk."
Dr. Myles Munroe (1954 - 2014), Pastor, and Author
"Colorblindness mutes Christian voice and thought from speaking into ethnic brokenness. In holding onto colorblindness as the solution, we as Christians are trying to doggy-paddle when we actually need to learn how to swim."
"May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth."
Psalm 67:4, New International Version
"Only Jesus can carry the weight of my identity."
Pastor James Gailliard, North Carolina State Representative
"Love is the key to diversity."
Dr. Cherrye S. Vasquez, Educator, Author
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
Mr. Edmund Burke, Statesman, Economist, and Philosopher
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1, New International Version
"The problem with the world is that we draw the circle of our family too small."
Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997), Nun, and Missionary
"I long for a day when the justice of God will heal, renew, and restore the entire world."
Pastor Rich Villodas, Minister, and Author
"We may not all be equally guilty. But we are all equally responsible for building a decent and just society."
Ms. Ruby Bridges, Civil Right Activist
"Justice is the pursuit of the shalom that God intended for the world and humanity."
"Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."
1 Peter 2:17, New International Version
"Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice we make every day. As leaders, we have to put out the message that we embrace and not just tolerate diversity."
Ms. Nellie Borrero, Managing Director-Senior Global Inclusion & Diversity Lead
"To be a Christian - a follower of Jesus Christ - is to love wisdom, love justice, and love freedom."
"And the gospel must first be preached to all nations."
Mark 13:10, New International Version
In Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
"Fight against racism and polarization, learn from each other's struggles...ethnic groups need their own space but there are enough issues that we could all work on together."
Ms. Yuri Kochiyama (1921 – 2014), Civil Rights Activist
"Your uniqueness is your greatest strength, not how well you emulate others."
Mr. Simon S. Tam, Author, Musician, Activist, and Entrepreneur
"Cultural identities and cross-cultural engagement are not things that anyone can ignore anymore, least of all Christians."
"At the heart of hospitality is a disposition and practice of centering the other, especially the other that is constantly pushed towards the edges."
"I am a mother to two young children, but I also still think of myself as a daughter to many; to my mother, the women who helped raise me, and, also, to Micronesia itself."
Ms. Yolanda Joab-Mori, Founder of Island Pride
"As a Lao American, being Lao or Asian American means embracing one's cultural heritage and the mainstream's, while retaining one's personal values and beliefs."
Dr. Vinya Sysamouth, Executive Director, Center for Lao Studies
"The real humility and loveliness of a Christian must be Christ Himself. Our love toward others must be Christ. Our patience, our humility, our wisdom, our knowledge, and our insight must be Christ."
Witness Lee (1905 - 1997), Founder of Living Stream Ministry
"O le ala i le pule o le tautua" Translation: "The way to authority is through service."
Samoan Proverb
"So when I make a big decision about my life, it's not just my life. It's also about my community."
Reverend Lisa Ishihara, Chaplain
"Being a Pacific Islander is a great feeling for me. I am proud of who I am and the values that are instilled in me."
Mr. Kavika Tautolo, Southwest Airlines Ramp Supervisor
"Speak up and speak loudly. Against all racism. Imagine what can happen when we amplify each others' voices."
Dr. Laura Huang, Educator, and Author
"I feel very fortunate to have two sets of cultures to enjoy— American and Vietnamese. Rather than divide my identity in half, these two sets of experiences double my understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the world around me."
Dr. C.N. Le, Author, and Educator
"To love like Christ, we must choose to see each other, to rest our soul among another's and say I'll walk with you."
Ms. Alia Joy, Author, Speaker
"What does being Asian American mean to me? It means being part of a diverse collective of people with a complimentary, and sometimes conflicting, history abroad and in the United States."
Dr. Pawan H. Dhingra, Sociologist, and Educator
"...as a follower of Jesus, I cannot approach solidarity with a scarcity mentality. The love Jesus has shown me was not conditional, and that's the love I'm called to share with others."
Ms. Caroline Susie, Associate Director for Multiethnic Initiatives, and Cultural Intelligence Trainer
"I believe you cannot credibly follow Christ unless you pursue justice."
"We cannot afford to regard as normal the presence of injustice, inhumanity, and violence, including their verbal and cyber manifestations."
Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change
In Celebration of Women's History Month
"The women at the empty tomb of Jesus didn't keep the Gospel message inside of them because of their gender. Nor should we today. Do what God created you to do and preach that Word, ladies!"
Reverend Enid M. Alamanzar, Director of Global Access Partnerships at American Bible Society
"Women need other women. We can empower each other and find our voice to speak out. It's never too late to rewrite the story."
"We all deserve to have our stories told. And we all have much to gain by walking in other people's shoes."
Ms. Kerry Washington, Actress
"Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair."
Luke 7, New International Version
"I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least."
Ms. Dorothy Day, Journalist and Activist
"Our society needs women to be more numerous in decision-making positions and in entrepreneurial areas."
Ms. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Current President of Argentina
"To follow God is to love him with passion, and, similarly, to love our neighbor with the same care and total attention that we shower on ourselves."
Dr. Melba Padilla Maggay, Author, Theologian, and Activist
"While it may not have always been preached, scripture shows that God cares a lot about women. God sees you. God cares for you. God has a place for you."
Ms. Jo Saxton, Speaker, Author, and Podcaster
"Then Jesus said to her, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed at that moment."
Matthew 15:28, New International Version
"The Proverbs 31 woman is a star not because of what she does but how she does it—with valor. So do your thing."
Ms. Beth Moore, President of Living Proof Ministries
"I don't think being beautiful takes away from your credibility."
Ms. Soledad O'Brien, Journalist
"For no nation can ever make real and lasting progress in civilization unless its women are following close to its men, if not actually abreast with them."
Ms. Mabel Ping-Hua-Lee (1896 - 1966), Suffragist, and Minister
"We have to find a way to continue to lift other women up in our worlds and in our lives as much as possible."
Atty. Michelle Obama, Author, Activist, and Former First Lady of the United States
"Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, 'What do you seek?' or, 'Why are you talking with her?' "
John 4:27, New International Version
"Reflect that God requires nothing else of us except that we show our neighbors the love we have for God."
St. Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380), Mystic, Activist, and Author
"Jesus centered and celebrated brown women who were silenced and marginalized. Why then are we so satisfied with the absence of them from our gatherings, board rooms, video curriculum, masterclasses, c-suites, and pulpits?"
Pastor Sandra Maria Van Opstal, Author, and Preacher
"To choose Christ is to also choose his community."
In Celebration of African American History Month
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
1 John 4:7-8, New International Version
"When we understand the details of the other's story we realize that we have much more in common than we ever imagined."
Dr. John Perkins, Minister, Civil Rights Activist, and Author
"When we're talking about diversity, it's not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us."
Ms. Ava DuVernay, Filmmaker
"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together."
Archbishop Desmond Tutu (1931 - 2021), Theologian, and Activist
"Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you."
"You were born God's original. Try not to become someone's copy."
Dr. Marian Wright Edelman, President of the Children's Defense Fund
"We cannot seek diversity without unity and we cannot seek unity without equality."
Pastor Lamar Hardwick, Ph.D. Student, and Author
"One had better die fighting against injustice than to die like a dog or a rat in a trap."
Ms. Ida B. Wells (1862 - 1931), Investigative Journalist, Educator, and Activist
"Unkindness to anything means an injustice to that thing. If I am unkind to you I do you an injustice, or wrong you in some way."
Mr. George Washington Carver (1864 – 1943), Agricultural Scientist, and Inventor
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."
John 13:34-35, New International Version
"For wherever we come together, We will forever overcome."
Ms. Amanda Gorman, 2021 Inauguration Poet, and Activist
"Everything that you fought for was not for yourself, it was for those who came after you."
Mr. Chadwick Boseman (1976-2020), Actor, and Playwright
"People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together."
First Lady Michelle Obama, Author, Activist, and Former First Lady of the United States
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ, God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32, New International Version
"Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it."
Justice Thurgood Marshall (1908 - 1993), Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
"Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth."
Ms. Tamera Mowry Housley, Actress
"We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
President Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America
"Appreciate the sacred life you have, it is a gift from God."
"Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?"
Job 31:15, New International Version
"God of the women, God of the womb, help us to notice the life you grow inside of us while we wait for the life and light of Jesus to appear in our lives."
Pastor Erina Kim-Eubanks, Pastor, Activist, and Writer
"You are perfectly cast in your life. I can't imagine anyone but you in the role. Go play."
Mr. Lin Miranda, Actor, Songwriter, Singer, Playwright, Producer, and Film Director
"Life is sacred—for everyone, not just monks and mystics."
Ms. Rivvy Neshama, Writer, Editor, and Community Organizer
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."
Proverbs 31:8, New International Version
"I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind's problems."
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.(1929-1968), Civil Rights Leader, Pastor, and Author
In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
"The beauty of genuine brotherhood and peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold."
"Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
"We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right."
"If we can't see our neighbor, we can't know our neighbor. And if we don't know our neighbor, how can we love our neighbor?"
"Human life is created in God's image, and that makes it sacred."
Pastor Colin S. Smith
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."
Jeremiah 1:5, New International Version
Pastor Francis Chan, Pastor, Educator, and Author
"You are not a mistake. You are not an afterthought. You are an expression of the creative genius of God."
Ms. Priscilla Shirer, Speaker, Author, Actress
"In God's kingdom, all are family, all are equal, all are of worth and have dignity—male/female, young/old, black/white, Asian/Hispanic, rich/poor, citizen/immigrant, born/unborn."
Pastor Juan Sanchez, Senior Pastor, and Author
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
"We desire to be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas time, not in a cold manger of our heart, but in a heart full of love and humility, in a heart so pure, so immaculate, so warm with love for one another."
Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997), Nun and Missionary
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
"Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light."
Ms. Ruth Carter Stapleton (1929 – 1983), Evangelist
"God is here. This truth should fill our lives, and every Christmas should be for us a new and special meeting with God when we allow his light and grace to enter deep into our soul."
Father Josemaría Escrivá (1902 - 1975), Priest, and Founder of Opus Dei
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
"Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God's own love and concern."
"Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public."
Dr. Cornel West, Philosopher, Activist, and Author
"It is no longer good enough to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace, and live in peace."
Shenandoah Tribe Proverb
In Celebration of Native American Heritage Month
"Though history and circumstances have not always been in our peoples' favor, time has not erased us, we are still here, beautiful, strong, and resilient."
Ms. Bethany Yellowtail, Fashion Designer
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy..."
"Given the choice between power and help, I want power. I want the opportunity to represent myself."
Ms. Matika Wilbur, Photographer, Speaker, and Educator
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."
"When we use the law to justify injustice, we align ourselves with the principalities and powers that crucified Jesus."
"All acts of kindness are lights in the war for justice."
"Shalom is not for the many, while a few suffer; nor is it for the few while many suffer. It must be available for everyone."
Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley, Author, Activist, Farmer, Public Intellectual, and Wisdom Keeper
"Colonization dismembered our culture, our people, and our families. And our job is re-membering."
Ms. Theda Newbreast, Native Group Facilitator and Wellness Coach
"Pinay sisters, we can create the incredible change we imagine!"
Ms. Nikki Fortunato Bas, Oakland City Council President
In Celebration of Filipino American History Month
"Life is holy and it is for all of us...in the end we will all be brothers, not just blood brothers, as we are, but brothers in spirit."
Mr. F. Sionil José, Writer
"Anything that is heavy can be light if we put our resources together."
"Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people."
Revelations 14:6, New International Version
"My hope is that our unity and brotherhood will be permanent."
Mr. Philip Vera Cruz, Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee
"May the work to document our stories continue. May we remember that we need to share our narratives, take care of ourselves and each other, and keep our histories alive."
Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, Founder and Executive Director of FANHS
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
"So this we believe: a kingdom of justice and righteousness has begun, and it is making its way to people's lives and denting structures that continue to oppress and dehumanize."
Dr. Melba Padilla Maggay, Social Philanthropist and, Activist
"I've always fought for my country, in my own way, showing that Filipinos are a strong people and can do anything that they put their minds to."
Mr. Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao, Professional Boxer
"Ang pag-ibig ang dapat manahan sa puso ng bawat nilalang."
English Meaning: "Love should dwell in the heart of every creature."
"I think that whatever nationality you are, you should be treated equally, otherwise you don't have equality."
Mr. Philip Vera Cruz, Activist
"Mahirap gisingin ang nagtutulog-tulugan."
Meaning in English: "While it is easy to tell people something they do not know, it is much harder if they are willfully choosing not to see what is before them."
"Any Christianity that justifies the hatred, mistreatment, or abuse of another is not the way of Jesus. It is heresy. It is offensive to God."
Ms. Marlena Proper Deida Graves, Speaker, Educator, and Author
In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
"We are all made of the same clay, but not from the same mold."
Mexican Proverb
"It's important to not get caught up to think it's all going to be better someday, tomorrow; it's important to say it's going to be better today."
In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and Indigenous Peoples' Day
"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
1 Corinthians 1:10, New International Version
"Let's focus on the real difference, which is making a difference in the new generations. It is everyone's job."
Ms. Ilia Calderón Ms. Ilia Calderón Chamat, Journalist
"To love your neighbor is never safe. But it is always good. Let us remember that our voice is a precious gift and we must use it."
"We must be impatient for change.
Let us remember that our voice is a precious gift and we must use it."
Ms. Claudia Flores, Educator
"For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish. 29 The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever."
Psalm 37:27-29, New International Version
"My language was born among the trees, and tastes like earth; my grandparent's language is my home..."
Mr. Humberto Ak'abal (1952-2019) Author, and Poet
"By putting my Latin and other identities front and center, I get to faithfully represent myself and add to the slowly shifting perceptions of my communities."
"Part of the miracle of Jesus is making one new being out of differences... It is the broken body of Jesus that has made this one new humanity."
Dr. Pete Menjares, Educator
"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart."
"Your individuality is important, but so is belonging. Recognize the parts of your culture that have shaped your past, and the parts you want to carry with you into the future."
Ms. Sol Peralta (1983-2021), Fashion Designer
"The hope of the Gospel leads us to hope for justice and abundant life for all people."
"Scripture is not to be read simply to locate ourselves in the story of God, but to make ourselves lovingly aware of others..."
"The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever."
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court Associate Justice
"For Jesus, there are no countries to be conquered, no ideologies to be imposed, no people to be dominated. There are only children, women, and men to be loved."
Father Henri Nouwen, Former Priest, Educator, Writer, and Theologian
"Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."
"The only way to undo racism is to consistently identify and describe it—and then dismantle it."
Professor Ibram X. Kendi, Author, Educator, Activist, and Historian
"O le tele o sulu e maua au figota" Translation: "Through collaboration, the most difficult challenges can be overcome."
"This is what the Lord Almighty said: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another."
Zechariah 7:9, New International Version
"If your faith does not lead you to love your neighbor, it's not faith in Jesus."
Ms. Amanda Held Opelt, Writer, Musician, and Speaker
"There's always a cost to doing justice. And there's always a cost to following Jesus."
Pastor Eugene Cho, Speaker, Activist, and Author
"The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:3, New International Version
"It's about time we normalize not seeing BIPOC people as merely resources themselves."
Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, Preacher, Autor, Educator, and Pastor
"A change in the heart must lead to social change. But social change can't wait for a change of heart."
Pastor Rich Vidollas, Lead Pastor and Author
"Justice is not just for those who can afford it..."
Ms. Theda Newbreast, Founding Board Member and Master Native Wellness Institute Trainer and Facilitator
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Hebrews 13:2, New International Version
"But if Christ is the root of our identity and our worth is unshaken in him, then we are free both to love people..."
Dr. Daniel Hill, Pastor, and Author
"...what do I want to provide for the world? And what I continue to come back to is…I want to be a healing presence."
Ms. Christine Yi Suh, Writer, Spiritual Director, and Pastor
"The refusal to act in the midst of injustice is itself an act of injustice. Indifference to oppression perpetuates oppression."
Mr. Jemar Tisby, Historian, Writer, and Speaker
"It is heartbreaking when the table of God is not set for all the people of God."
"Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins."
1 Peter 4:8, New International Version
"This is what the Lord Almighty said: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other."
Zechariah 7:9-10, New International Version
"The genesis of oppression is dehumanization. When humans try to be God over other humans, they become inhumane."
Mr. Daniel Montañez, Founder & Director of Mygration Christian Conference
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
1 Corinthians 12:27, New International Version
"Colorblindness denies cultural beauty that God placed in each of our ethnic identities."
Ms. Sarah Shin, Author, Speaker, Trainer, and Minister
"The answer to injustice is not to silence the critic but to end the injustice."
Mr. Paul L. Robeson, Singer, Actor, Athlete, and Activist
"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."
Romans 12:16, New International Version
"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright, and just is he."
Deuteronomy 32:4, New International Version
"...true perfection consists in the love of God and our neighbor, and the better we keep both these commandments, the more perfect we shall be."
"Community is, first of all, a quality of the heart. It grows from the spiritual knowledge that we are alive not for ourselves but for one another."
Rev. Dr. Henri Nouwen, Priest, Author, Educator
Dr. Lilla Watson, Aboriginal Elder, Activist, and Co-Founder of The BlackCard Pty Ltd
"For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many."
1 Corinthians 12:13-14, New International Version
"Fear doesn't like strangers, people who don't look like us or act like us. Fear is terrified of the unknown. Fear makes us think we have nothing to say. It causes us to avert our eyes and check our hearts at the door..."
Dr. Karen A. Longman, Professor, and Author
"Injustice thrives on the myth that the present order is somehow the result of pure intentions and a guiltless history."
Rev. Dr. Justo L. González, Historian, and Theologian
"We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another, we seek harm to none and harmony for all."
"Diversity here and now is a foreshadowing of our eternal home, modeling the beauty of all ethnicities in the family of God that is still yet coming together."
Mr. Roy Mong, Coach, and Writer
"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:14, New International Version
"The church needs the Carpenter from Nazareth to deconstruct the house that racism built and remake it into a house for all nations."
Mr. Jemar Tisby, Author, and Speaker
"We repair because God is always repairing. And we decolonize because it always a return to the kindness of Mystery."
Ms. Kaitlin B. Curtice, Author and Speaker, Potawatomi Nation Citizen
"He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him..."
Daniel 7:14, New International Version
"It really is a curious evangelism strategy to despise the people you are trying to convert to Jesus."
"You can't quite forget when someone tells you to go back to where you come from, to leave the place you are standing as if you are not worthy to be standing there."
Ms. Prasanta Verma, Writer, and Poet
"Total change to our living system is needed to save all life..."
"My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism."
James 2:1, New International Version
"When I liberate myself, I liberate others. If you don't speak out ain't nobody going to speak out for you."
Ms. Fannie Lou Hamer (1917 - 1977), Civil Rights Activist
Pastor Francis Chan, Author, and Speaker
"They tried to bury us. They didn't know we were seeds."
"Renewal in Christ is an identity with a purpose: to exercise spiritual authority equally, as male and female..."
Dr. Mimi Haddad, President and CEO of CBE International
"We seek to do justice to the suffering without perpetuating the hatred aroused.…"
"The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed."
- Psalm 103:6, New International Version
"We are not invisible to God, though we may be to the rest of the community, the education system, or the political system. God sees you and you give God particular joy.…"
Ms. Nikki Toyama-Stetzo, Executive Director at Christians for Social Action, and Author
"You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.…"
Mr. William Wilberforce (1759-1833), Politician, Philanthropist, and Abolitionist
"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.…"
"The denunciation of injustice implies the rejection of the use of Christianity to legitimize the established order.…"
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.…"
"Our only chance at dismantling racial injustice is being more curious about its origins than we are worried about our comfort.…"
"We need to pursue justice not just because the world is broken, but because we're broken too. Pursuing justice helps us put our own lives in order.…"
"This is what the Lord says: Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.…"
In Celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
"...when we say that racism is a sin, it cannot be simply about what one person does to another. Racism is a malformation that afflicts all and a disfiguration that violates all.…"
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Leung, United Church of Christ
"Oceania is humanity rising from the depths of brine and regions of fire deeper still, Oceania is us. We are the sea, we are the ocean…"
Prof. 'Epeli Hau'ofa (1939-2009), Educator, Writer, and Anthropologist
"Being a Pacific Islander means preserving our culture while evolving with society. Being Pacific Islander means being me."
Ms. Terrina Gogue, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Intern, Washington, D.C.
"Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you."
Zechariah 2:11, New International Version
"Fighting for my islands has always been rooted in my heritage and in who I am..."
Ms. Yolanda Joab-Mori, Founder of Island Pride, Chuuk
"Lament recognizes the struggles of life and cries out for justice against existing injustices."
Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, Educator, and Author
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves..."
Philippians 2:3, New International Version
Pastor Raymond Chang, Co-Founder of the Asian American Christian Collaborative
"When you own the fierceness within you, you fly."
Ms. Vaimasenu'u Zita Martel, Fautasi Skipper, and Honorary Consul of France
"God loves us too much to allow us to persist in our prejudices and ethnic idolatries. He is constantly challenging his people to see the depth and breadth of his love."
Dr. Gregory Lee, Wheaton College Associate Professor of Theology and Urban Studies
"There is nothing wrong with our culture or with the expectations of our people."
Dr. Melba Padilla Maggay, Author, Social Anthropologist, and Activist
"My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm."
"Fellowship means, among other things, that we are ready to receive of Christ from others..."
Evangelist Watchman Nee (1903-1972), Church Leader and Educator
"E hele me ka pu'olo"
Translation: "Always take an offering with you. Make every person, place, or condition better than you left it always. Wherever you go, always take something with you."
Hawai'ian Proverb
"Stronger than her will to die was her will to endure, especially when she thought she was being tested."
Ms. Cathy Park Hong, Poet, Writer, and Professor
"People will try to deny your worthiness. That only works if you believe them."
Col.(ret) Renita D. Alexander, CPC
"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day."
"I think realizing that you're not alone, that you are standing with millions of your sisters around the world is vital."
Ms. Malala Yousafzai, Author, and Activist
"There is nothing worse than doing nothing and saying nothing when your voice is needed."
Ms. Soledad O'Brien, Broadcast Journalist, and Executive Producer
"Any religion that doesn't encourage us to work together to end the needless suffering all around us is godless."
Ms. Susan L. Taylor, Editor, Writer, and Journalist
"He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."
Proverbs 2:7-9, New International Version
"Everyone deserves to feel safe and have access to justice when they experience violence."
Representative Deb Haaland, 54th U.S. Secretary of the Department of Interior
"To my Asian American Pacific Islander fam, I see you & I see our pain... You, our elders, all of us - we are worthy of lives that are not riddled with fear & trauma. We are worthy of our lives."
Ms. Jane Kim, Educator, and Advocate
"I hope the fathers and mothers of little girls will look at them and say 'Yes, women can."
Ms. Dilma Rousseff, 36th President of Brazil, Economist, and Politician
"The problem with our education system is... that inequities continue to exist."
Atty. Patsy Takemoto Mink (1927-2002), Politician, and Activist
"...And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
Esther 4:14, New International Version
"God created women as warriors from the beginning!"
Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, Preacher, Speaker, Author, and Educator
"In order to fight for true equality for all women, we must take into account the movement."
Ms. Emma Watson, Actress, Model, and Activist
"A man does what he can; a woman does what a man cannot."
Ms. Isabel Angélica Allende Llona, Author
"May we - women - realize that we are fire. We must remember, more often, to feel its warmth."
"Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman."
"And then she said nine words that I've never forgotten: 'Doing nothing is no longer an option for me.'"
Ms. Austin Channing Brown, Author, Speaker, and Civil Rights Activist
"I cannot be a person that I am not… I was raised in a family of very strong women, and I bring that because that's how I was raised."
Dr. Yajaira Sierra Sastre, Nanotechnology Scientist, and Aspiring Astronaut
"But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!"
Amos 5:24, New International Version
"I belong to this race, and when it is down I belong to a down race; when it is up I belong to a risen race."
Ms. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper(1825-1911), Activist, Poet, Educator, and Speaker
In Celebration of Black History Month
"In times of crisis the wise build bridges; the foolish build barriers."
Mr. Chadwick Boseman(1976-2020), Actor
"We cannot afford to be separate. We have to see that all of us are in the same boat."
Ms. Dorothy Height (1912 - 2010), Civil Rights and Womens' Rights Activist
"No human culture is inaccessible to someone who makes the effort to understand, to learn, to inhabit another world."
Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Literary Critic, Professor, Historian, and Filmmaker
"Our freedom is sweet. It will be sweeter when we are all free."
Ms. bell hooks, Author, Professor, and Activist
"Nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change."
President Barak Obama, 44th President of the United States of America
In Celebration of Black History Month and President's Day
"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."
Proverbs 21:15, New International Version
"Every person is made by God, in his image, and therefore is equal in value and worth."
Ms. Trillia Newbell, Author, Entrepreneur, Editor
"I would permit no man, no matter what his color might be, to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him."
Mr. Booker T. Washington (1856 - 1915), Presidential Advisor, Author, and Orator
"Our whole Black heritage is that of struggle, pride, and dignity..."
Ms. Cicely Tyson (1924 - January 28, 2021), Actress, and Humanitarian
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."
"What is the good news of the Gospel? That we can be born again by love into a new family – the family of God."
"To stand out from the crowd requires you to take a stand and stand up for what you believe in."
Ms. Gift Gugu Mona, Poet, Philosopher, and Songwriter
"The soul that is within me no man can degrade. I am not the one that is being degraded on account of this treatment, but those who are inflicting it upon me."
Mr. Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), Social Reformer, Abolitionist, Orator, Writer, and Statesman
"There is always light. If only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it."
"From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands."
Mr. John Harricharan, Businessman, Lecturer, and Author& human rights Activist
"...I want to remind my fellow Catholics of our commitment to protect & defend all life from womb to tomb, & the full flourishing of life in between."
Jeannie Gaffigan, Writer, Executive Producer, Director& human rights Activist
"Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
"Your ordinary acts of love and hope point to the extraordinary promise that every human life is of inestimable value."
"Humans are breathtaking creatures embodying a touch of the Creator Himself and reflected in the wonder of human life."
Ms. Carrie Gordon Earll, Focus on the Family V.P. of Government and Public Policy
"True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice."
"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."
"Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love."
Ms. Priscilla Shrier, Speaker, Author, Actress
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"
Luke 2:10-11, New International Version
"Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord."
Psalm 117:1-2, New International Version
"Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you."
Dr. Steve Maraboli, Radio Commentator, Motivational Speaker, and Author
"At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God's own love and concern."
"Let us walk softly on the Earth with all living beings great and small remembering as we go, that one God kind and wise created all."
Native American Proverb
"Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right."
Psalm 106:3, New Internation Version
"What I have is not to serve myself and my ego, but it's to serve to strengthen communities..."
Ms. Rulan Tangen, Choreographer, Dancer, Actress, and Director
In Honor of Native American Heritage Month
"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect."
Chief "Seattle" Si'ahl (1786 – 1866), Suquamish and Duwamish Chief
"...then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
Ms. Kaitlin B. Curtice, Author and Speaker
"God gives us each a song."
Ute Tribe Proverb
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
"I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself."
Chief Isna-la-wica Red Cloud Maȟpíya Lúta
In Honor of Veteran's Day and Native American Heritage Month
"It is about defending what we love. It is about being humble. It is about being respectful of all life. And then also, it is about courage. And courage is not muscle and strength. It is about standing up for what is right, and that is the warrior way."
Ms. Jamescita Peshlakai, Diné, Navajo Nation U.S. Army Veteran
Chief Joseph, Leader a band of the Nez Perce Tribe
"Colonization dismembered our culture, our people, and our families. Our job is remembering."
"We must genuinely appreciate all cultures as being capable of reflecting biblical faith."
Dr. Richard Twiss (1954–2013), Author, Activist, and Founder and President of Wiconi International
"...We will all make it through, despite politics and wars, despite failures and misunderstandings. There is only love."
"Shalom is communal, holistic, and tangible. There is no private or partial shalom. The whole community must have shalom or no one has shalom."
"We want to let others know that we are still alive as a nation, that we have not been killed off. Regardless of the hard times, we have gone through, we still have our ways, our knowledge, our wisdom, and our elders."
Ms. Cecelia Fire Thunder, Nurse, Community Health Planner, and Tribal Leader of the Oglala Sioux
"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."
Deuteronomy 10:17-19, New International Version
"It is my hope that the love, respect, and commitment we feel for our historic community runs deeper than anything that can divide us. Little Manila will always be in our hearts."
Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon (1972-2018), Activist, Educator, and Author
"...Our stories are really in our people. It's not so much in what the achievements are... as much as what is the story itself."
Mr. Frederic A. Cordova (1931 - 2013), Activist, Educator, Author, and Radio Host
Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, Founder and Executive Director of Filipino American National Historical Society
"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."
"Remember: The more we commit to loving one another, the more we can bear fruit that lasts."
Pastor Narry F. Santos, Minister, and Educator
Literal translation: "A broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound."
Meaning: "People gain strength by standing together."
"We cannot free ourselves unless we move forward united in a single desire."
Mr. Emilio Aguinaldo (1869 - 1964), Former President of the Philippines
"Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice."
Ms. Corazón Aquino (1933-2009), Former President of the Philippines
"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
Romans 12:4-5, New International Version
"The building of a just society means overcoming every obstacle to the creation of authentic peace."
Father Gustavo Gutiérrez
In Honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month
"We need to confess our love and to live it first as families, and also as the family of God."
Ms. Adalia Gutiérrez Lee, Area Director for Iberoamerica and the Caribbean
"Justice is not proud. Justice is humble. It is always in service to our fellow man or fellow woman whether they agree or disagree with us."
"We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle, or zoos. We are people and we want to be respected, not to be victims of intolerance and racism."
In Honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day and National Hispanic Heritage Month
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."
John 13:35, New International Version
"Let us be healed from racialization and its expectations on us and be people who disrupt the illusion of race."
Ms. Noemi Vega Quiñones, Theologian, Writer, Educator, and Ministry Director
"Let us plant dates even though those who plant them will never eat them. We must live by the love of what we will never see."
Dr. Rubem Azevedo Alves (1933 – 2014) Theologian, Philosopher, Educator, Writer, and Psychoanalyst
"How we treat each other is an indication of the love or poverty of love, lovelessness, within. They shall know we are Christians by our love, not our politics."
"I want our young Latinos and Latinas to write their hearts out and express their hearts out and let us all listen to each other."
Mr. Juan Felipe Herrera, 21st United States Poet Laureate
"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
1 John 4:12, New International Version
"It feels amazing that my blood is from a wonderful mix of two cultures, but it can still have its downside due to society's views. Still, overall, I am a proud 15-year-old Afro-Latina."
Ms. Kaiya Anderson Rodriguez, Student
"It is often said that true worship must come from the heart. That is true as far as it goes—but these passages teach us that worship is very much a matter of our hands and feet too. The arena that molds us into a people fit for worship is the public square."
Dr. M. Daniel Carroll R., Theologian, and Wheaton College Educator
"... diversity is not a matter of different expressions of the same truth, but rather points to differences that touch the very core of who we are and what we believe."
Dr. Ada María Isasi-Díaz (1943 - 2012), Theologian, and Educator
"Justice is God's love incarnated in our relationships, in our systems, and in our institutions."
"Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly."
Leviticus 19:15, New International Version
In Honor of the Legacy of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg (August 10, 1993 – September 18, 2020)
"What if God had made me Latina for a reason? Could it be for his glory and his purposes in the world?"
Ms. Kristy Garza Robinson, Co-Founder of 58, and Author
"Neighbor is not he whom I find in my path, but rather he in whose path I place myself, he whom I approach and actively seek."
"It's about everybody coming together. If you start fighting for justice, then people of all ethnicities will become involved"
"Scripture is not to be read simply to locate ourselves in the story of God, but to make ourselves lovingly aware of others, locating *them* in the unique pains and challenges of life."
"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."
"The church of Jesus Christ is called today to embody God's mission by being the community of the Servant King, even in current centers of power."
"The Church must be one because a fragmented church is not much help to a fragmented world."
Dr. Justo L. González, Historian and Theologian, and Author
"Children, who made your skin white? Was it not God? Who made mine black? Was it not the same God?... And did not the same Saviour die to save the one as well as the other?"
Ms. Sojourner Truth (1797 - 1883), Abolitionist and Women's Rights Activist
"True unity is tested and revealed at the levels of deepest disagreements. If you aren't able to get to the places you most disagree, you might be living into a false unity."
Pastor Raymond Chang, President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative and Wheaton College Ministry Associate For Discipleship
"Our way of being and doing as children of God is shifting into a redefined understanding of the imago Dei (the image of God), of fellowship, and of serving the community."
Ms. Julianna Marraccino, Seminary Student, and C3I Intern
"...God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."
"Let us love each person… with the same love that God loves each one of us – a tender and personal love."
"The Kingdom of God is inclusive, and Jesus said that men would come from the east, and west and north, and south to eat at the table of the Lord."
"The only difference between a hero and the villain is that the villain chooses to use that power in a way that is selfish and hurts other people."
Mr. Chadwick Boseman, Actor (November 29, 1976 - August 28, 2020)
In Honor of his Legacy
"The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love."
"Wherever there is injustice, the church needs to be salt and light."
Ms. Jo Saxton, Co-host of Lead Stories Podcast, Speaker, and Author
"Justice is you and I co-laboring with God's shalom building project in the world."
"...Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all."
Mark 10:43-44, New International Version
"If you don't know who you are, you risk burnout, shortcuts, and the possibility that your good intentions will harm others."
"Perfection consists not in consolations, but in the increase of love."
Saint Teresa of Ávila, Carmelite Nun (1515 - 1582)
"We can't call justice what is not righteous or righteous that which is not just."
Pastor Charlie Dates, Senior Pastor at Chicago's Progressive Baptist Church
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love."
"Loving our neighbors as ourselves requires truly seeing and getting to know their stories."
"If the God-made hands make a show of love, let the God-made heart make a reality of love."
"How sweet it is to let God purge our souls of ego and bitterness, and to have a little taste of heaven here on earth."
Ms. Marilyn Nelson, Award-winning Poet, Author, and Educator
"Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together."
Ephesians 4:2-3, New International Version
"May the inherent dignity and inalienable rights of every woman, man, boy, and girl be honored."
Ms. Myrlie Evers-Williams (1933 - 1995), Civil Rights Activist
"We minister out of who God has made us to be and the people that we come from. It's important to remember that and then to have freedom to live and do ministry out of that."
Reverend Lisa Ishihara, Chaplain and Activist
"Mercy is not soft or fluffy, a comfortable alternative to justice. In our cruel world, mercy is justice's companion, its revolutionary cobelligerent. Put bluntly, being merciful can get you killed."
"We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond."
Ms. Gwendolyn Brooks (1917 - 2000), Poet, Author, and Educator
"Love is hard work. It is the hardest work I know of, work from which you are never entitled to take a vacation."
Mr. Ravi Zacharias (March 26, 1946 - May 19, 2020), Christian Apologist, Speaker, and Author
"To conclude: you must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another, and be kind and humble with one another."
"Empathy stitches us together when a thousand loud things act as seam-rippers, shredding the fabric of our connectedness... "
Ms. Shauna Niequist, Speaker, Author, and Blogger
"Oh, may the way we live graciously represent the beauty of Jesus and what it means to walk in truth."
Ms. Damaris Carbaugh, Singer, and Speaker
"Do what you can do and do it well, but always ask your question: Is it serving people?"
"When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something."
Congressman John Lewis (1940 - 2020), Civil Rights Leader
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Ephesians 4:2, New International Version
"Part of our faith is to be truth-tellers and to urge our leaders to prioritize equity."
"Those of us who have benefited from systemic racism must be a part of dismantling it."
Ms. Shauna Niequist, Speaker, Author, Blogger
"Being complicit only requires a muted response in the face of injustice or uncritical support of the status quo."
Ms. Dolores Huerta, American Labor Leader, and Activist
"Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves."
Pastor Francis Chan, Educator, and Author
"Invite people into your life who don't look or act like you. You might find they challenge your assumptions and make you grow."
Ms. Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO & President of Ariel Investments
"And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?"
Luke 18:7-8, New International Version
"As a Christian, I believe that all of our social identities can be part of our development and sanctification process."
"The world doesn't learn about God by watching Christian movies. The world learns about God by watching Christians."
Mr. Phil Vischer, Animator, Author, and Speaker
Ms. Natalia Kohn Rivera, Author, and Special Projects Coordinator for InterVarsity's LaFe Ministry
1 Corinthians 16:13 -14, New International Version
" To 'do justice' means to render to each what each is due."
Pastor Eugene Cho, Speaker, Author, and Humanitarian
"Issues related to diversity such as racial injustice are everyone's problem, and thus everyone ought to be part of the solution."
Dr. Karen A. Longman, Educator and Author
"Love your way through the darkness."
"You always treat a community or a group of people with a beginner's eye; not with an expert's eye but a beginner's eye looking at these not as cases but as people."
"We will be known for our opinions, but we will be remembered for our love."
Mr. Bob Goff, Founder of Love Does, and Author
"Be intentional in how [you are] listening and hearing the story of people of color from people of color. A diversity of people of color–not just the people of color we are familiar with."
Ms. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, Speaker, and Author
"...From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible emphasizes that God is committed to social justice and that he expects his people to be too."
Dr. Daniel Carroll Rodas, Wheaton College Blanchard Professor of Old Testament
"Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the Lord."
"Ang sakit sa kalingkinan ay ramdan ng buong katawan." --Translation-- "The pain in the little finger is felt by the whole body."
In Celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
"Love is a fruit in season at all times and within reach of every hand."
"Our love toward others must be Christ. Our patience, our humility, our wisdom, our knowledge, and our insight must be Christ."
Mr. Witness Lee, Preacher, Educator, and Author
Ms. Terrina Gogue, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Intern
"The church is reimagining what love made visible looks like, and...putting a finger on some of the most challenging things going on in our society."
Ms. Nikki Toyama-Stetzo, Author, Executive of Director at ESA/The Sider Center
"So'o le fau i le fau"-- Translation-- "Unity is strength."
"We have come up with countless strategies to reach the lost when God promises that unity is the method that will work."
"...Christian kindness involves sacrifice. What we need is courage, kindness, and intentionality to love people who don't look like us."
Ms. Sarah Shin, Associate National Director of Evangelism for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed."
In Remembrance of Holy Week
"May ears be open to suffering caused by a love of power which destroys."
Archbishop Winston Halapua, Former Anglican Archbishop of Polynesia
"The Christian institution has the greatest opportunity to model engagement and also model love."
"We all love justice … until there's a cost. But here's the tension and truth: There's always a cost to doing justice. And there's always a cost to following Jesus."
"My life is a story about who God is and what He does in a human heart."
Ms. Shauna Niequist, Author
"We must reject not only the stereotypes that others hold of us but also the stereotypes that we hold of ourselves."
Congresswoman Shirley Chilsom (1924 - 2005), First African American Congresswoman
"She was a brilliant teacher who brought stories from her professional experience into the classroom. I was so proud that she was a Black woman, like me."
Ms. Austin Channing Brown, Author, Speaker, and Activist
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
Ms. Annelies Marie "Anne" Frank (1929 - 1945), Diarist
"To me, it's all about understanding that inherently, women and men are of equal worth have equal amounts to contribute, and we absolutely need to make sure that we are getting those contributions from women."
Ms. Ellen Ochoa, Inventor, NASA Astronaut, and Vice-Chair of the National Science Board
"I think the real understanding comes when we recognize our humanity in each other."
Ms. Phylicia Rashād, Actress, Singer, Director
"A lot of kids growing up today aren't told that you can be whatever you want to be. There may be obstacles, but there are no limits."
Dr. Mark Dean, Computer Engineer, and Inventor
"You have the right to be involved. You have something important to contribute, and you have to take the risk to contribute it."
Dr. Mae C. Jemison, Engineer, Physician, former NASA Astronaut
"Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need of one another."
"Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible."
Dr. Maya Angelou, Activist, and Poet
"The family of God experiences the love of God together, and then does the work of God together here on earth."
"...That's the most important this about social justice today. It needs to be aligned with the Word of God."
Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, Chief Executive Officer of The King Center, and Civil Rights Activist
"I need a love that is fierce in its resilience and sacrifice. I need a love that chooses justice."
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 - 1968), Pastor, Author, and Civil Rights Leader
In Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
"Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."
Genesis 2:7, New International Version
Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Saint (1910 - 1997)
"I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life . . ."
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people...'"
"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means 'God with us')."
Matthew 1:23, New International Version
"I said to myself, 'God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.'"
Ecclesiastes 3:17, New International Version
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"
Isaiah 30:18, New International Version
"The world will tell you how to live if you let it. Don't let it. Take up your space. Raise your voice. Sing your song."
"Let's do what we can, and let's do it with love, integrity, and with justice in mind. In a way that reflects God's glory."
Pastor Eugene Cho, Speaker, and Humanitarian
"From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing... I will bring them honor..."
Jeremiah 30:19, New International Version
"Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence."
Ms. Christine Mourning Dove Quintasket (1888-1936), First published Native American Female Novelist
"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength."
Sitting Bull (1831-1890), Hunkpapa Lakota Leader
"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave."
Dakota Tribe proverb
"You can have all the knowledge in the world, but it's wisdom that makes change..."
Ms. Gloria Grant, Navaho Tribe Member, Educator
Lone Man (Isna-la-wica), Teton Sioux
"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you."
Psalm 89:14, New International Version
"...We are indigenous. We are proud of our heritage. We are more than a statistic."
Ms. Elyssa (Sierra) Concha, Educator
"When you talk about Native America, you talk about 565 tribes..."
Mr. Chris Eyre, Cheyenne, and Arapaho American Filmmaker
"Sharing and giving are the ways of God."
Sauk Tribe Proverb
"Don't be color blind, be color brave. Embrace diversity as a competitive advantage."
"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."
"If we're open to the ambiguity that exists when we first enter another community, it will often open up a very intimate conversation quickly."
President Doug Shipman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Woodruff Arts Center
"You have an ethnic heritage created for good by God whether it's English, Irish, Italian, Sweedish, German or a whole mix of those."
Ms. Sarah Shin, Author, Speaker, Trainer, Minister, and Artist
"He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry... the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous."
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
President Nelson Mandela (1918 - 2013), 11th President of the African National Congress
"The Spirit is a boundary-breaking God. What I love about the Holy Spirit is He does not discriminate. God is not a citizen of any nation, but He loves every single nation."
Pastors Gabriel and Jeanette Salguero
"...People want to be known. People want to be loved. People want to be seen."
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
"We have many tough problems, and we need everybody's help to solve the problems."
Dr. Mario J. Molina, Chemist
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month
"He has shown you, Oh mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Micah 6:8, New International Version
"Life is not about how many times you fall down. It's about how many times you get back up."
Mr. Jaime Escalante (1930 - 2010), Educator
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets."
"We don't need to prove our worth to God though we are granted the chance to serve him and to grow as his disciples."
Dr. Christine Colón, Wheaton College Professor, and Author
"Be proud of your Latino culture and do the best work you can do, and you will always succeed."
Mr. Lionel Sosa, Advertising and Marketing Executive
"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus...."
"One can say that the church exists for mission and that a church that is only inward-looking is not truly the church."
Mr. Samuel Escobar, Theologian, and Educator
"I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences."
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
"God expects us to witness not only by talking about God's love, but actually demonstrating God's love through good works."
"Love looks through spectacles that make copper look like gold, poverty like riches, and tears, pearls."
Peruvian Proverb
"Diversity really means becoming complete as human beings – all of us. We learn from each other. If you're missing on that stage, we learn less. We all need to be on that stage."
"The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on."
Ms. Julia Alvarez, Poet, Novelist, and Essayist
"Reading the bible through non-innocent eyes means facing the difficult parts of scripture with a clarity that God works in broken human history."
Dr. Juan F. Martínez, Theologian, and Educator
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
"If we're to develop a world view which is informed by revelation we have to take seriously the whole of the earth because it's God's world."
Dr. Orlando E. Costas (1941 - 1987), Pastor, Theologian, Author, and Educator
"Humility is not a matter of self-effacement and self-negation but of being open always to new ways of being responsible."
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."
Dr. John Perkins, Minister, Educator, Author, and Activist
"The invitation to discern and cooperate with what God is already doing individually and corporately calls us to respond."
Dr. Rebecca Hernandez, Author, and Educator
"Humanity was made in the image of God. While our western individualism will focus our attention on... the individual, we need to see the image of God expressed as a corporate reflection."
Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, Author, and Educator
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
"It's not always easy to stay connected, to give each other our undivided attention...It takes a commitment of time and effort."
Ms. Marlys Johnson, Speaker, and Writer
"Lament is power because before people will follow you, they must know you love them."
"The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them."
Ms. Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862 - 1931), Journalist, Educator, and Civil Rights Leader
"...all brings glory to God in its own special way, and that's true of human beings and cultures as well."
Dr. Terry LeBlanc, Theologian, Activist, and Educator
"Jesus was not effective as a leader because he was colorblind. It was because he was ethnicity aware...He knew the history of his people and those around."
Sandra Shin, Associate National Director of Evangelism for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
"We cannot consume our way to community...Instead, we need engagement, ongoing engagement with other communities, and on their home turfs."
Mr. Doug Shipman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Woodruff Arts Center
"I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles."
President Nelson Mandela (1918 - 2013), South African President, Nobel Prize Winner, and Anti-Apartheid Activist
"When we do the hard, intimate work of friendship, we bring a little more of the divine into daily life."
"Learn to recognize God's sovereignty. Learn to rejoice in God's pleasure. This was Abraham's first lesson, namely that God, not himself, was the Source."
Pastor Watchman Nee (1903 - 1972), Church Leader and Educator
"Love the Lord your God, and love one another. Love one another as He loves. Love with strength and purpose and passion and no matter what comes against you."
Ms. Francine Rivers, Author
Rev. Dr. Justo Gonzales, Historian, and Theologian
"A life totally committed to God has nothing to fear, nothing to lose, nothing to regret."
Ms. Pandita Ramabai (1858 - 1922), Educator and Activist
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
John 15:12 & 13, New International Version
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."
Mr. Booker T. Washington (1856 - 1915), Educator, Author, Orator, and Presidential Advisor
"I am conscious that the way I pray is by being in the presence of God's people, especially the suffering and dispossessed."
"When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves."
Mr. William Arthur Ward, Writer
"If there is grief, may we find unexpected joy. If there is joy, may we find abundant love. If there is love, may we find ourselves united with the good things of God."
Ms. Nikole Lim, International Director for Freely In Hope
"We are made for loving. If we don't love, we will be like plants without water."
Bishop Desmond Tutu, Cleric, Theologian, and Activist
"It's easy to say, 'I just want to be a servant,' but that's what I'm striving to be... I want to share His love and His mercy with others and encourage them to draw closer to the Lord."
"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:6 & 7, New International Version
"The concept of downsizing so that others might upgrade is biblical, beautiful...and nearly unheard of. We either close the gap or don't take the words of the Bible literally."
"The heart of hospitality is about creating space for someone to feel seen and heard and loved."
Ms. Jaime Escalante, Educator
"True, bonafide, authentic happiness is about unleashing your God-given talents to positively influence this world."
Ms. Stacey Flowers, Speaker, Business Strategist, and Author
"Ua Kuluma Ke Kanaka I Ke Aloha" Translation: "It is natural for people to behave in a loving way."
Hawaiian Proverb
"All that is needed to discover the will of God and to do it is the pure desire to see, to hear, to understand, and to obey. God does the rest."
Father Thomas Hopko (1939 - 2015), Priest and Theologian
"You don't have to wait until you're older to really make an impact on someone else's life."
"If we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional...we must develop a world perspective."
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.(1929-1968), Pastor, Author, and Civil Rights Leader
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
"As recipients of God's greeting, we become imitators of God by extending welcome to our neighbors and brothers and sisters."
Mr. James K.A. Smith, Philosopher, Author, and Educator
"We're having these conversations because we're interested in loving our neighbors. And love is not passive. It's embodied in human presence and connection."
Dr. Myles Munroe (1954 - 2014), Pastor and Author
"If you want to feel rich, just count all the gifts you have that money can't buy."
"How much more grand is the work of our Heavenly Father as He pulls together all the varied strands of life to reveal His grand design?"
Mr. Ravi Zacharias, Christian Apologist, and Author
"Isn't it amazing that we are all made in God's image, and yet there is so much diversity among his people?"
Bishop Desmond Tutu, Cleric, Theologian, and Nobel Peace Prize-winning Activist
"Together we can live out and communicate the beauty, wonder, and reverence our Creator intended for each person in the human family."
Ms. Carrie Gordon Earll, Focus on the Family Vice President of Government and Public Policy
"I believe my task is to be faithful in the moment as part of God's grand scheme of building His Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven."
Dr. Glen K. Kinoshita, Biola University, Director of Imago Dei Initiatives
"I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear."
Ms. Rosa Parks (1913 - 2005), Civil Rights Activist
"Man's law changes with his understanding of man. Only the laws of the Spirit remain always the same."
Native American Crow Tribe Proverb
"When there is a sense that this is God, there's peace..."
Dr. Pete Menjares, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of Vanguard University of Southern California
"A harvest of contentment springs from the soil of gratitude."
Ms. Amy Carroll, Author, and Speaker
President Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), Former South African President and Anti-Apartheid Activist
"Do not let the endless succession of small things crowd great ideals out of sight and out of mind."
Ms. Charlotte Mason (1842 - 1923), Educator
"Beauty grows in you to the extent that love grows."
Saint Augustine of Hippo (354 AD – 430 AD), Theologian and Philosopher
"O le ala i le pule o le tautua" Translation: "The way to authority is through service."
In celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
"In Hawai'i, we greet friends, loved ones, and strangers with "aloha," which means with love. Aloha is the keyword to the universal spirit of real hospitality..."
Mr. Duke Kahanamoku (1890 – 1968), Olympic Medalist, and the "Father of Modern Surfing"
"In spite of our penury and deprivation, we did not ever lose faith in God. If anything, God was the force that kept us going, fighting, and hoping for better times."
Ms. Mary Kom, Five-time World Amateur Boxing Champion
"...I am still very naive in many ways, and ignorant as well, yet God has nonetheless used my feeble witness to bless His people."
Dr. Dora Yu (1873–1931), Evangelist and Physician
"I just see myself as a human being trying to play my part. I am happy to share what I know and to work with people and be part of a movement..."
Mr. Yo Yo Ma, Cellist
"Kahuna Nui Hale Kealohalani Makua"
Translation: "Love all you see, including yourself."
"Man's works do not even come close to the works of the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit does not work, all the efforts of man will come to naught."
Mr. John Sung (1901-1944), Evangelist
"It's imperative to remind the church of the importance of valuing, uplifting, and honoring the oppressed, as Jesus did."
"We believe that peace should grow from the bottom up..."
Mr. Daoud Nassar, Founder of Tent of Nations
"Let us be color blind no more. Let us see our neighbor and teach our children to see their neighbors."
"When we have a new heart, we become new people, and then we have a new society, then we have a new nation."
Dr. Y.C. James Yen (1893-1990), Founder of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
"The Cross outlines what it means to be in power: that is, it is always under the cross. We have to be prepared to serve out of weakness."
"The point of your life is to point to Him. Whatever you are doing, God wants to be glorified, because this whole thing is His."
"It appears that love enables us to take courageous actions, but my proposal is that we remember that love also enables us to engage in courageous conversations."
Dr. Ahmi Lee '03, Preacher, Educator, and Author
Pastor Watchman Nee (1903-1972), Church Leader and Educator
"I have come to understand that leadership is more about other people's experience of my presence and the impact that my presence has even when I'm not there."
Ms. Nikki Toyama-Szeto, Non-Profit Organization Leader and Educator
"If you look at our world, we're becoming so much more diverse in every sense of the word. It's not just about culture or identity. It's also about the different ways we communicate."
Mr. Gene Luen Yang, Author, Illustrator, and Lecturer
"When you put a seed in the ground, it doesn't stop growing after eight hours. It keeps going every minute that it's in the earth. We, too, need to keep growing every moment of every day that we are on this earth."
Ms. Ruth Asawa (1926 – 2013), Sculptor
"The purpose of prayer and of God's call in your life isn't to make you number one in the world's eyes but to make Him number one in your life."
Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Christian Apologist, and Author
"Part of our Christian faith and a relationship with Christ is to be known, to be seen, to be loved, to be forgiven, to be fully accepted."
"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."
President Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), South Africa's First Black President, Nobel Prize Winner, and Activist
"It takes quite a spine to turn the other cheek. It takes phenomenal fortitude to love your enemy. It takes firm resolve to pray for those who persecute you."
Mr. Rob Bell, Author, and Speaker (with reference to Matthew 5)
"Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth."
Congresswoman Shirley Chilsom (1924-2005), Congresswoman
"Long-lasting victory can never be separated from a long-lasting stand on the foundation of the cross."
"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead'..."
Matthew 28:6-7, New International Version
In Remembrance of Holy Week (Passion Week)
"So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard."
"...Jesus said to them, 'Why are you bothering this woman?... When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.'"
Matthew 26:15-16, New International Version
"When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 'As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.'"
Matthew 26:10 & 12, New International Version
"At the cross, we find healing, we find peace, we find Jesus, we find all that we ever need."
Ms. Jacquelyn "Jaci" Velasquez, Singer and Actress
"The God who created, names and numbers the stars in the heavens also numbers the hairs of my head... What matters to me matters to Him, and that changes my life."
Ms. Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015), Author, Speaker, and Missionary
"God's definition of what matters is pretty straightforward. He measures our lives by how we love."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back."
Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014), Author, Orator, and Activist
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Proverbs 9:10, English Standard Version
"Life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent of how I react to it."
Mr. Charles "Chuck" Swindoll, Pastor, Educator, and Radio Host
"Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still."
Chinese Proverb
"Contrary to cultural messages, our value isn't determined by our ethnicity, race, or gender; nor by our age, ability, or location."
Ms. Carrie Gordon Earll, Vice President of Government & Public Policy at Focus on the Family
"I think it is incumbent on all human beings to oppose injustice in every form."
Mr. Hugh Masekela (4 April 1939 – 2018), Father of South African Jazz
In honor of Hugh Masekela's 80th Birthday
"Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart."
Ancient Indian Proverb
"It is through weakness and vulnerability that most of us learn empathy and compassion and discover our soul."
"God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, 'I love you.'"
Reverend Dr. Billy Graham (1918-2018), Evangelist, and Author
"The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you're very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble."
Ms. Serena Williams, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist (Tennis)
In honor of Women's History Month (March)
"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."
Madame Marie Curie (1867-1934), Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist and Chemist
"To me, success means effectiveness in the world, that I am able to carry my ideas and values into the world - that I am able to change it in positive ways."
Dr. Maxine Hong Kingston, Author, and Educator
"Don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own."
"Each day is different, and you get up, put one foot in front of the other, and go, and love; just love."
First Lady Nancy Reagan (1921-2016), Actress and Former First Lady of the United States
"Nothing is more impressive than a woman who is secure in the unique way God made her."
Ms. Rhonda Kulczyk, Author
"I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things."
Mother Teresa (1910 -1997), Nun and Missionary
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; She can laugh at the days to come."
"I've put up with too much, too long, and now I'm just too intelligent, too powerful, too beautiful, too sure of who I am finally to deserve anything less."
Ms. Sandra Cisneros, Author
"...'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me."
Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014), Author, Orator, Hollywood's First Female Black Director
"We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced."
Malala Yousafzai, Activist and Nobel Prize Laureate
"A woman is like a teabag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), Former First Lady of the United States
"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."
Congresswoman Shirley Chilsom (1924-2005), First African American Congresswoman
In honor of Black History Month (February)
President Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), South Africa's First Black President, Nobel Prize Winner and Anti-Apartheid Activist
"And I give all the glory to God. It's kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him and the blessings fall down on me."
Ms. Gabrielle Douglas, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
"Oppressive language does more than represent violence; it is violence; does more than represent the limits of knowledge; it limits knowledge."
Ms. Toni Morrison, Nobel, and Pulitzer Prize-winning Author and Former Professor Emeritus of Princeton University
"God gives nothing to those who keep their arms crossed."
"As long as I'm alive, I will continue to try to understand more because the work of the heart is never done."
Mr. Muhammad Ali (192-2016), Heavyweight Champion Boxer and Activist
"Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us."
Ms. Susan L. Taylor, Former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine
"Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination."
Dr. Mae Jemison, Physician, Scientist, and First African American Female Astronaut
"... I, too, am America."
Mr. Langston Hughes ( 1902-1967) Author and Activist
"Miracles happen all the time.
We're here, aren't we?"
Ms. Marilyn Nelson, Educator, Poet, Author
"In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute."
Justice Thurgood Marshall, First African American U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice
"The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself—the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us—that's where it's at."
Mr. Jesse Owens (1913- 1980), Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist
"For I am my mother's daughter, and the drums of Africa still beat in my heart."
Ms. Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955), Educator, Former Presidential Advisor, Activist
"If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude."
Mr. Colin Powell, First African American U.S. Secretary of State
"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."
Ms. Maya Angelou, Poet, and Activist
"I am where I am because of the bridges that I crossed. Sojourner Truth was a bridge. Harriet Tubman was a bridge. Ida B. Wells was a bridge. Madame C. J. Walker was a bridge. Fannie Lou Hamer was a bridge."
Ms. Oprah Winfrey, American Media Executive, and Philanthropist
"...I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life ..."
Deuteronomy 30:19, English Standard Version
In honor of Sanctity of Life Month (January)
"In short, human life is sacred and respect for human life should be at the center of all we do."
Ms. Carrie Gordon Earll The 'Sanctity of Life' Ethic, Focus on the Family
"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."
Psalm 139:16, English Standard Version
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
"The time is always right to do what is right."
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."
"Prayer and action are needed to uphold the sanctity of human life. I believe it will not be possible to accomplish our work, the work of saving lives, without being a soul of prayer."
President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), 40th President of the United States of America
"We are called to be voices and advocates for all life, and especially for those who cannot speak for themselves."
"So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them."
Genesis 1:26-27, New International Version
"It is God who gives life. Let us respect and love human life, especially vulnerable life in a mother's womb."
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you. . ."
Jeremiah 1:5 New King James Version
"Who are we to make such a decision? To allow another living being - any living being - to die, when ours is the power to prevent it?"
Mr. Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), John Byrne, The Fantastic Four: The Trial of Galactus
"We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams."
President Jimmy Carter
39th President of the United States of America, Nobel Peace Prize winner