Today, day 3, of the Civil Rights bus tour, brought us to Albany, Georgia and Montgomery, Alabama.  In Albany we got the chance to visit and tour the Albany Civil Rights Museum, and worship with Rutha Harris at the Old Mount Zion Baptist church.  Rutha was a freedom rider who traveled over 50,000 miles through 46 states.  Her voice touched my soul today.  It was beauty, hope, power and worship.

After driving to Montgomery and visiting the sites, we got to hear from our fellow traveler, Minnijean Brown-Trickey. After Brown vs. the Board of Education, nine students, including Minnijean, attended Central High School in an effort to integrate in September 1957.  They experienced name-calling, bullying, threats, and hatred.  I cannot even imagine.  Through all of it, Minnijean’s smile was her protection.  They gave out awfulness and the worst they could offer and she met it with her smile.  (If you look at photos, she is always smiling.)  She has spent her life teaching non-violence to children all over the world.

I was blessed today by these two amazing women.  I will take what they offered and carry it with me, letting it sink in and shaping my thoughts and actions.

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