John Lewis was buried today in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a hero, a person who stood up for equal rights in our country, even to the point of his own personal harm on a bridge in Selma, Alabama in the 1960’s.
While he was being acclaimed in a memorial service at his home church, the small man in the White House did not think it was important enough to attend his service, let alone send his condolences. What was this little man doing? He was busy twittering that he wanted the up-coming election day moved back. It’s obvious this little man has no regard for people of real greatness, or for that matter, the American people. For the safety of Americans’ ability to vote in this presidential election, we must have the option to vote by mail. It should be our right to choose to vote by mail if we feel the voting booths are prey to COVID-19. Our election day is not “rigged” if we choose to vote by mail instead of voting in person. Our election day is “rigged” when the incumbent president says he wants the day changed in an effort to control the election’s outcome.
As I watched the memorial service, I recalled watching the morning prayer and reflection service held at the Washington Cathedral. The chapel where the service was held highlighted the stained-glass window above the altar. Jesus Christ stands in the center of angels and cherubs. Below this window are the words Godliness, knowledge, strength, counsel, wisdom, understanding, and holy fear. These are the words of a person who is willing to stand his ground on what he feels is morally wrong and who is willing to give up his life for the cause of liberty and freedom. This is John Lewis.
I paraphrase a prayer that the Rev. Randall Hollerich read. “Give us ears to hear Your voice amidst the noise of the world. Give us insight to understand what is right from what is wrong. Give us discernment to choose the correct path to do Your will in a darkened world. And Lord, if I forget who You are, help me to stay focused on what You want me to do. Help me to be a Christian. Help me to do the right thing, even though my decision may cause me to be criticized or wounded. This is the Christian John Lewis.
As I have done so often in the past four months, seeking solace and peace in the music of the world’s performers, I listened to a virtual choir and orchestra made up of people from 15 countries affected by COVID-19 on May 1, 2020, performing “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could harness those words and bring this country together? If the world’s people could join together as one voice, one song, one message, to realize the power of “Amazing Grace” sung by people from 50 countries where the disease has ravaged their populations? This is the reverent John Lewis.
Or as in the song, “In Christ Alone,” sung unaccompanied by a male quartet on April 5, 2015, that Christ is our Savior, no matter what name we call God by? He is moving among us and working in our lives, even if we ignore His calls. He is the light, and He works in the dark as a miracle worker. And if you believe in Him, He will part the waters so that no harm will come to you. This is the passionate John Lewis.
Returning to John Lewis’ memorial service, I was inspired by President Obama’s eulogy. “The way we will come together as a nation is not by turning on each other but by turning towards one another…In our beloved community, we do not walk alone.” As the immortal words of “We Shall Overcome” echoed throughout the sanctuary, John Lewis was challenging every American to stay the course, to walk every bridge necessary so that all of us may be equal under the law and may be blessed by God Almighty. Someday is now; take up the gauntlet for justice. Put on your walking shoes, America. We have not yet begun to fight!
Anna Hartt
