I enjoyed the service immensely. The homily was given by an elderly British man who reminded me of C.S. Lewis, and the recession hymn was The Battle Hymn of the Republic. I love that hymn. I’m always taken by the fourth verse:
“As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free.”
Some churches sing “let us live to make men free” instead, which does make sense. Few of us are out in search of martyrdom. But here in South Asia— and around the globe— IJM investigators do risk their lives to make men free, following after the Biblical call to justice, compassion, and rescue.
I keep with me a recording of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s address at the Great March on Detroit, June 23, 1963; two months before the March on Washington. The speech is famous for its “I have a dream” refrains. Less remembered are King’s remarks just before articulating his dream:
“I do not want to give you the impression that it's going to be easy. There can be no great social gain without individual pain. Before the victory for brotherhood is won, some will have to get scarred up a bit. Before the victory is won, some more will be thrown into jail. Before the victory is won, some like Medgar Edgars may have to taste physical death, but if physical death is the price that some must pay to free their children and their white brothers from an eternal psychological death, then nothing can be more redemptive.”
We’re not aiming for death over here, and by God’s grace IJM has brought justice to more than 15,000 people in its thirteen-year history without a single life lost. Danger is nevertheless a glaring reality, and it is good for us to remember. As Dr. King noted, the reward is worth the risk.
Anyhow, I like the hymn.
At its end I rose to leave, and as I rose a middle-aged woman approached me. She introduced herself as the rector’s wife and took me to meet him. While we walked toward the narthex she asked me if I sang. I told her I’d had some training, but was mighty rusty. Next thing I knew I had committed to singing in the choir and in some Christmas concert, tea with her later that week, and who knows what else. This lady moved fast.
Our tea went well, and the choir has been great fun. Stay tuned for scenes from rehearsal.
i heard a great quote about civil rights movements the other day. wish i could remember who said it but i did remember the quote (middle age isn't all fun and games and memory)... "martin luther king said, 'i have a dream' since then civil rights leader have said, 'i have a complaint'." there is a huge difference in the two approaches, is there not? God's blessings on those who are living out the dreams that God has planted in their hearts especially those living them out in ways to end the nightmares that many are experiencing in this world...
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