“You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone—any person or any force—dampen, dim or diminish your light. Study the path of others to make your way easier and more abundant. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates. […] Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice. And if you follow your truth down the road to peace and the affirmation of love, if you shine like a beacon for all to see, then the poetry of all the great dreamers and philosophers is yours to manifest in a nation, a world community, and a Beloved Community that is finally at peace with itself.”
from Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America
John Lewis 1940-2020
I know I thought it.
I often do in moments like this.
And, I think I said it.
Out loud.
In front of all the people who were gathered for her funeral.
“I can’t imagine her resting in peace.” I said.
“Or even wanting to.
Or even wanting me to say it.”
Her life was given to
Seeking out
And speaking out
And standing up
And moving towards
What she understood to be right and just
And the grand dream of God meant for us and for all.
After giving her life to that, why would she want to stop now.
I thought about her funeral and about what I said again this morning when I read the news that John Lewis had died.
He sought out
And spoke out
And stood up
And moved towards
And marched for
And worked tirelessly for
Justice and peace and equality and inclusion.
Why would he stop now?
Or even want to when there is still such a long way to go?
I often do in moments like this.
And, I think I said it.
Out loud.
In front of all the people who were gathered for her funeral.
“I can’t imagine her resting in peace.” I said.
“Or even wanting to.
Or even wanting me to say it.”
Her life was given to
Seeking out
And speaking out
And standing up
And moving towards
What she understood to be right and just
And the grand dream of God meant for us and for all.
After giving her life to that, why would she want to stop now.
I thought about her funeral and about what I said again this morning when I read the news that John Lewis had died.
He sought out
And spoke out
And stood up
And moved towards
And marched for
And worked tirelessly for
Justice and peace and equality and inclusion.
Why would he stop now?
Or even want to when there is still such a long way to go?
It may not be good theology
But in whatever way heaven is our lives being wrapped up in the Holy
In that which we know and name as God
A God who is about
A table large enough for all
And everyone in and no one out
And no us or them.
In whatever way heaven is about that
Then the witness and energy and vision of John Lewis
And my friend for whom I did her funeral
Is, in someway, added to that presence and power which we name as God
Inspiring our vision
And showing us the way
And urging us forward.
Even, sometimes, dragging us forward
Until that day.
Until that day.
But in whatever way heaven is our lives being wrapped up in the Holy
In that which we know and name as God
A God who is about
A table large enough for all
And everyone in and no one out
And no us or them.
In whatever way heaven is about that
Then the witness and energy and vision of John Lewis
And my friend for whom I did her funeral
Is, in someway, added to that presence and power which we name as God
Inspiring our vision
And showing us the way
And urging us forward.
Even, sometimes, dragging us forward
Until that day.
Until that day.
