Remembering MLK, Jr. April 4, 2019
Rev. Laurie TenHave-Chapman
For the healing of the nations, harmony between the races;
No one up pushing others down; no more grasping for a crown.
White supremacy growing strong. Black lives matter addressing wrong.
Weapons loaded; words exploded! “You’re not human,” Hatred goaded.
“I have a dream,” the preacher said. “I’ll live this truth until I’m dead.”
Black folk marched in peaceful protest; the world observed this equal rights quest.
The Civil War raged on it seems with images of children facing angry cop teams.
Rosa fought by taking a seat. As black churches burned it turned up the heat.
A bullet silenced the voice of the Pastor which advanced the movement even faster.
“A martyr’s death”, the world proclaimed. The scourge of racism our nation shamed.
The world aghast, laws were passed, equal rights promised at long last.
Schools and restaurants integrated. Mistrust kept churches separated.
In St. Landry Parish 50 years later three churches torched by a racist hater.
The Deputy’s son arrested and jailed. Has all of King’s effort miserably failed?
The color of skin still sets us apart but progress is measured by the love in our heart.
“Free Hugs” offered Devonte on Portland streets. So a cop, for a moment, left his beat
to heal our nation with a viral embrace. Black boy, white man overlook race.
It’s in these moments God sends our way that tears mark the path to a hope-filled day.
Revolutions start small, one smile at a time. Up the mountain with Martin we continue to climb.
The way is long. The ascent is steep but the martyrs summon from our slumber deep.
The night is o’er. The day has dawned. Let’s put on our armor and move along.
Preaching Life 