Good Trouble

Yesterday, I was in virtual attendance at the funeral of Congressman John Robert Lewis.  I was late.  I actually missed most of the service.  The service was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once pastored.  I tipped in as Jennifer Holiday was singing “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.”  As she finished her selection, out walked President Barack Obama to eulogize Congressman Lewis.

President Obama began his eulogy with James 1:2-4. “My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”  What an awesome beginning to a thought-provoking eulogy and acknowledgement of a life well lived.  Congressman Lewis certainly faced trials of many kind.

He walked and worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other well-known figures of the Civil Rights Movement.  There was no Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, or Facebook that propelled him to get to action.  He was not posing for a picture.  He was fighting for justice and was willing to get into trouble to secure a change.

The trouble and trials that he encountered were intense.  Mobs of people beat him on more than one occasion because he stood up for his rights and the rights of other Blacks.  Listening to him describe his experiences sends chills down my spine.  Beaten, lit cigarettes put out on his back, thrown in jail.  Oh, so much trouble.  Despite the trials, he persevered.

I admire his ability to withstand the fierce opposition and not throw in the towel.  And not throw hands.  He remained non-violent.  Patient.  And patience had a perfect work in him.  His life produced fruit that speaks for itself.  He earned his rest.

Though Congressman Lewis rests with the angels, there is still much work to be done here on earth.  We live in an America that continues a legacy of injustice and inequality.  It’s time for us to stand and resume our campaign for equal rights.  In due time, we will be perfect and complete.  Lacking nothing.  Let’s get in good trouble.  #wepreach