By Meghan Olsen Biebighauser
Later this week my family and I will be taking a beach vacation near my hometown on Long Island, New York. I’m so excited to introduce my kids to the sounds, smells, and sights of the ocean beaches that I grew up swimming in. I was an adventurous swimmer, always going in just a little bit deeper than my parents allowed, usually well beyond where the waves break so that it was hard for them to see me as I learned how to swim my way out of a rip current.
“I’ve never been particularly nervous about sharks in the ocean, so maybe my feelings are changing because my kids will be with me.”
As I was telling my colleagues about this upcoming beach trip, Brenda Blackhawk was quick to point out that there have been an unusual number of shark sightings on the East Coast, particularly around Long Island beaches. Yikes.
I’m a bit of an overreactor, so now, two days later, I definitely have several apps on my phone that are monitoring shark sightings, and tracking shark migration. (I’ve got my eye on you, Charlotte and Monomoy!)
I’ve never been particularly nervous about sharks in the ocean. Maybe my feelings are changing because my kids will be with me, or because as an adult I feel much more aware of just how vulnerable we are when we’re out there in the ocean far from shore. But sharks are on my mind these days as we pack our swimsuits and goggles.
BEING VULNERABLE AS sharks circle is actually a metaphor I spend a fair amount of time thinking and talking about as an organizer working on the issue of predatory lending. It’s common to hear predatory lenders referred to as “loan sharks,” as they prey on financially vulnerable members of our community. These human-sharks ensnare working folks in a debt trap that drains them of resources by charging more than $200% in annual interest.
I have the privilege of working alongside leaders from our synod and around the state who are well practiced at pointing out these sharks who are encircling the most vulnerable among us, looking for an opportunity to attack. My colleagues and I have the responsibility to blow the lifeguard whistle.
“’Shark Week’ is coming soon on the Discovery Channel.”
Following the example of Jesus, who overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple, our fair lending organizing team works hard to raise awareness of the issue of payday lending. We search for remedy for those who have found themselves in the debt trap, and hold lawmakers accountable to the community that demands protection from predatory lending.
“Shark Week” is coming soon on the Discovery Channel. Whether that’s an annual celebration that you and your family observe or not, I hope you’ll keep an eye on the Minneapolis Area Synod’s social media that week to learn more about our economic justice organizing efforts to keep Minnesota loan-shark free!