eyes on the prize

What do you know about the Rosa Parks story? The Emmit Till story? The beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement? I sat with a small group last night and watched a one hour documentary called "Eyes on the Prize" that shared about the events which helped launch the Civil Rights Movement. It was interesting to see real footage surrounding the Emmit Till murder in Mississippi in 1954 and the Bus Boycott in Montgomery, AL in 1955. Interviews, real footage, a look at all the pieces that lined up for "such a time". Some observations and reflections from the video:

1. That time period is not all that far back in our history.

2. So very many African-American activists were courageous, persevering, and faith-filled.

3. The African-American community was bound together so tight from their shared experiences of suffering and oppression.

4. There are many unnamed heroes and martyrs from the black community who helped pave the way for the next generations.

5. It is easier to look back on injustices and call them plainly out and recognize them as horrendous and inhumane. It is more difficult to call out injustices as we live in the midst of them. Why? Probably several reasons. For me, denial and blinders (because I don't want to take responsibility nor sacrifice my privilege or ease). Also, keeping myself fairly separate from one another means I don't really get to know people and therefore don't really grow in caring about people. And, while there are laws against segregation and racial discrimination, injustices still exist now...but are just more hidden... brokenness continuing to heap brokenness through the years. We often don't consider the history, the macro-level of why things exist as they do, nor do we feel any individual responsibility in working toward reconciliation or justice in these enormous social issues.

At one point in the video, a reporter was interviewing 26 year old Martin Luther King Jr. He was new on the scene...it was his first role of community leadership as he led through the Bus Boycott, and there was a lot of opposition from whites. When asked if he was fearful, he replied that he was not. That the cause was greater than his individual self, and that it was his duty; his belief that every person stand up and be counted. As we continue forward in this world to live for Christ and partner with him in his redeeming work, I pray that I would be able with integrity to live like King....he clearly had his eyes on the Prize.