From The Desk of Deacon Judy

Jonathan Myrick Daniels, Seminarian and Witness for Civil Rights, 1965 (August 14)

Last Saturday was the annual diocesan Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage in Hayneville, Alabama, the 60th anniversary to remember the courage of Jonathan and to remember all the martyrs of the Civil Rights movement in Alabama. They lived into our Baptismal Covenant to strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being. They died upholding that covenant.

Former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry was the guest preacher. He didn’t disappoint. With enthusiasm, joy, and profound honesty, Presiding Bishop Curry affirmed that “it’s a long walk to freedom - but we gotta keep the faith”. He said: “If we keep the faith, faith will keep us.” He encouraged us all to PRAY, to PERSIST, and to TRUST in the POWER that GOD IS LOVE as we walk that long road for justice and peace.

For over 20 years now I have made this pilgrimage with fellow friends from Alabama and with visitors from around the country. For me, there is something powerful about sharing this experience in community and remembering these stories of incredibly faithful and brave young people who sought a world where all could have a voice. I find inspiration in their stories as I travel in our present world so full of controversy and division, where so many still yearn for a voice.

Presiding Bishop Curry reminded us that when that road seems way too long, we must look to the One who walks with us. We are not alone. Jesus knew suffering and shares in our troubles. Jesus is our hope, our light in the darkness. Love will prevail.

Yes, Jesus’ Way of Love will prevail.

Let us pray the Collect for Jonathan Myrick Daniels:

O God of justice and compassion, you put down the proud and mighty from their place, and lift up the poor and the afflicted: We give you thanks for your faithful witness Jonathan Myrick Daniels , who, in the midst of injustice and violence, risked and gave his life for another; and we pray that we, following his example, may make no peace with oppression; through Jesus Christ the just one, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

God’s peace,

Judy Q+