> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.reyes-chow.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # A Prayer for Protesters and Disrupters - URL: https://www.reyes-chow.com/a-prayer-for-protesters-and-disrupters/ - Published: 2024-08-18T03:32:15.000Z - Updated: 2025-07-02T20:31:01.000Z - Description: Holding space for disappointment, anger, and weariness - Author: Bruce Reyes-Chow - Tags: palestine, protest, prayer, liturgy 💡 I hope you trust that you are on the right side of history. My prediction is that, in 10 years, there will be epic romanticism about those who stood up for Gaza and blatant revisionism about how those who condemned your actions participated in it all. It's all good; we have receipts. I have many thoughts about those who continue to protest for an end to the genocide in Gaza. First, it’s been a rough few weeks, I know. And second, I have overwhelming feelings of gratitude and respect for your perseverance in the face of accusations, condescension, and dismissal. I hope you trust that you are on the right side of history. My prediction is that, in 10 years, there will be epic romanticism about those who stood up for Gaza and blatant revisionism about how those who condemned your actions participated in it all. It's all good; we have receipts. I have many thoughts about how people have responded to the Gaza protests, but this week, as I have grappled with my disappointment, anger, and heartbreak, I have been thinking more about my participation in protests and civil disobedience over the past few decades. Those of us committed to disruptive protest and civil disobedience as a strategy for change — *not corporate-sponsored, city-sanctioned marches* — whether about Gaza, militarism, immigration, police brutality, gun violence, civil rights, etc. know the accusations that are often directed our way. They are usually of the “If you wouldn't inconvenience people, maybe they would listen” variety. Sometimes, people may not agree, but they understand the importance of protest. However, that commitment to the importance and impact of protest disappears quickly when they find themselves on the receiving end. It’s exhausting and maddening. Sometimes, being quiet, getting in line, and giving up seem like great choices. Yes, there are times to step back for our self-care, but sometimes we need a reminder that when we faithfully answer the call to protest and disrupt, that is a holy endeavor. ## Sign up for The Amalgamation by Bruce Reyes-Chow Focusing on social justice, pop culture, digital community, left-leaning faith and more, The Amalgamation is a joyful medley of musings, think pieces, and invitations to co-conspire for good. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. I wrote this prayer to help calm my soul, so I offer it to you if you need it. Let us pray . . . > Powerful God, who always chooses the side of > those whose lives are surrounded by violence > those whose voices are not being heard > and those whose human worth is dismissed > > May our motivations align with Yours > May our actions reflect Your will > May our sorrows be for good > And may our rejoicing be for liberation > > May our convictions not be shamed into silence > May our need to be understood not decenter those for whom we fight > May the ongoing silence of others not draw us into complacency > And may our struggles find solidarity with others > > May our anger not turn into retribution > May our disappointment not turn into dismissal > May our losses not dwell too long in despair > And may our guiding star of possibility be proven true > > May our ongoing activism be nourished by unimaginable hope > May our defiance and disobedience beckon us toward peace > May our co-conspirators and accomplices be a source of joy > And may our movement through the world always be guided by love > > May our righteous indignation hold true > May we stay true to the ancestors who formed us > May we stay true to the communities that matter to us > And may we be true to You, from where our calling comes > > You see us > You hear us > You hold all of us > And you hold it all with and for us > > Amen. Take care of yourselves, compadres. It’s a long, bumpy road to liberation, but know and believe you are not alone. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/f8/dbf829b6-514b-4fc5-9764-dc1c6c47b780/content/images/2025/02/75479865-08c0-4025-949a-4ddefb0ea2b7_2892x2091-jpeg.jpg) The first time I met the end of a police baton was during a protest against the first war in Iraq. This was the officer who wielded the weapon. To be clear, acts of civil disobedience are not about seeking acts of violence, but we know that there is always a possibility when power feels threatened.