People are being erased.

Records are being wiped clean.

History is being rewritten.

And it’s frightening just how easy it seems to be.

According to the AP, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered military websites to erase images in order to “remove content that highlights diversity efforts in its ranks.” Pictures of service members including women, people of color, and LGBTQI are being deleted. The purge even included – so ridiculous it would be funny if it weren’t tragic – references to the aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb in World War II, the Enola Gay.

Is it any surprise that increasing numbers of people are afraid or feel under attack?

It is time to be intentional about showing support. 

Many churches are good at this.  In recent weeks, I have been appreciating church signs that proclaim their welcome to all of God’s people. It’s a message they want the whole world to see. 

The people most affected by these hateful attacks may never step foot in a church, but I hope they will notice the signs and symbols that remind them that they are cherished by a loving God.

Today I attended a church that provided pins and buttons with the encouragement to display them proudly to help spread the Good News of love, inclusion, and respect. 

Think of this as an ongoing campaign of support for those who are being threatened simply for being who they are. What signs have you seen? How can we share messages of solidarity and encouragement?  Here are some examples…