Day 3: Monday, June 15 (by Dana Britton)

June 16th, 2015

On day three we had the privilege of meeting Rutha Harris, an original member of the Freedom Singers. I continue to hear the freedom songs in my mind that she sang in such a powerful way this morning. She said “without song, there would not have been a movement.” Rutha expressed that singing the freedom songs provided strength and comfort and silenced the crowds. I sat there amazed at her joy and peace, similar to what we saw in Mrs. Abernathy yesterday. These two women lived through some of the worst realities of hatred, injustice and cruelty of the civil rights movement. They both spoke of the power found in deep, abiding faith in God.

“… In a sense every day is a judgement day, and we, through our deeds and words, our silence and speech, are constantly writing in the Book of Life …”

“… Christianity affirms that God … is able to give us the inner equilibrium to stand tall amid the trials and burdens of life.  He is able to provide inner peace amid outer storms …”

—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We have the capability of being agents of love, compassion and reconciliation. When are we silent and not listening to the still small voice of God telling us to speak words of justice? We are capable of thoughts or actions that are insensitive or even cruel. It is my prayer that these days of intense reflection of the civil rights movement, will impact each of us to be more Christlike for those that are discouraged or suffering.


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