The Moral Arc of the Universe

Yesterday, August 28, was the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Across the nation many people commemorated the event that hastened the changes of the 1960's, which were changes long overdue in the United States. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech was remembered. Two past presidents, President Jimmy Carter and President Bill Clinton, and our current Commander-in-Chief, President Barack Obama, along with Martin Luther King III and many other dignitaries and relatives of the great orator, minister, and leader of the Civil Rights movement spoke at the Lincoln Memorial about where the nation was in the 1960's, where it is now, and where it needs to go.

At Haywood Street Congregation Reverend King was remembered also. Brian began the spoken part of the service with a quote from Dr. King, "The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice." He repeated it three times.  Our first hymn was "This Little Light of Mine." His message was on Psalm 140:12, "I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor." We read it three times also. Let's hope all our little lights will shine and bend toward justice because the Lord cares so much for the poor.

We had two congregational singers. I wish I could recall their names. One sang a spiritual I had not heard but hope to again and the other was from Edward's church who sang, "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

Prayers were offered for the people of Raleigh. Word had come from those who serve the poor and disenfranchised and homeless in the capital city that the workers had been told if they proceeded with their plans to feed the homeless on the streets they would be arrested. The missions are closed on the weekends and there is no where for the homeless to go for food. Prayers were also offered for the homeless of Columbia, SC who were picked up and taken to a field outside town this week and told if they return they would be jailed. (One of the news reports I read on-line said they were told they could enter a "program" at a mission, could be jailed, or would have to leave town. What the article didn't say was that the mission programs are not as readily available as one might believe.)

Barbara Bates Smith, a Companion at the Welcome Table, then put on her hat and her vest and became for a little while, Doris Haddock, Granny D, that grand great-grandmother who walked across America in the early 2000's to bring the message of election reform to the nation. I can't find the exact quotes that Barbara recited from Granny D's address before the Little Rock First Baptist Church, August 22, 1999, a church where Dr. King spoke in 1960, but I am supplying some of the quotes below that are on-line that are excerpts from Doris Haddock's speech.

"There can be no true equality in America so long as only the rich are represented at the table of power. That is no democracy. There can be no true justice in America so long as only the privileged make the rules and build the jails for those outside the rooms of power. That is no democracy. 
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This is an agenda of love. These things will happen if we are all at the table of power.
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Only when we sit together at the table of power can we do the right things by our communities.
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For when we are in the same room, looking eye-to-eye, speaking heart-to-heart, it is hard for us to deny each other justice and equality as Americans. If I tell you what my children need, you will help me provide for them. If you tell me what your children need, I will help you provide for them. That is the essence of self-government in a free land."

Jeff Sebens who accompanied Barbara as she spoke played "We Shall Not Be Moved" and the congregation joined in and sang along. 

There are many more memorable quotes listed for Granny D. The speech she gave before the judge in the District of Columbia brought tears to my eyes. She was a force to be reckoned with, a force of love, not fear, a force of grace. Thank you, Barbara, for introducing Granny D to us.

Karen and Edward played a moving duet of "Amazing Grace" during Communion. Karen is a gifted flute player and a Companion in the kitchen at the Welcome Table.

Coincidentally, we had something else to commemorate yesterday, Edward's birthday. At Haywood Street we enjoy celebrating the life of Christ given for us, great moments of justice in history, and small moments of joy. Happy Birthday, Edward, and thank you for your glorious music.