I am on a bus riding along, crossing soon from Georgia into Alabama. I’m one of 37 on a Civil Rights Pilgrimage from the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia in Washington State. We are following the life of Martin Luther King, Jr from his birthplace in Atlanta, through Selma, Montgomery, and Birmingham to Memphis where he was assassinated.
Yesterday, while at MLK National Park, I found myself watching a video of King’s daughter interviewing Jimmy Carter. I berated myself a bit at the time. Why was I drawn to listen to another white man, when surrounded by incredible stories of great African Americans? Maybe, because it was actually his 100th birthday?
Today though, it occurred to me: I’m white. This work of healing racism is hard. Sometimes I get discouraged in the face of it. Seeing how another white person like me, of the utmost privilege, lived his faith balls-out lovingly…it’s downright encouraging.
I am reminded how important it is for my Black brothers and sisters to see themselves in leadership. This is the impact a diverse team can have because…
Sometimes we get discouraged and think our life’s in vain. And then the Holy Spirit revives our souls again.
Always Bridging 