Wednesday 6 May 2009

The last days of this week will be a three-part story of Mother Pollard. It is how Dr. King ends "The Strength to Love."

One of the most dedicated participants in the bus protest in Montgomery, Alabama, was an elderly Negro whom we affectionately called Mother Pollard. Although poverty-stricken and uneducated, she was amazingly intelligent and possessed a deep understanding of the meaning of the movement. After having walked for several weeks, she was asked if she were tired. With ungrammatical profundity, she answered, "My feets is tired, but my soul is rested."

When we are able to rest within the promises of our God the issues of the day that can overwhelm us can be seen with new eyes and experienced with a new heart. I cannot imagine walking day in and day out during the Montgomery bus boycott - but I can imagine seeing and hearing someone like Mother Pollard and in the hearing and seeing of this saint, gaining energy and commitment and courage. We need these saints who keep moving along the way even when the way is cluttered and there are all sorts of things to make moving along a tough way to go. It is not simply thinking "if she can do it." Rather, it is more in line with seeing what our God does among us - even the least among us - to encourage life that will not let the powers of death claim the day and claim us. Instead, we are reminded of this rest that can keep the very center of our lives grounded, empowered and ready to walk in God's Reign.

Connection: Oh what strength is all around us as we go through the ups and downs of this day. We need to remember to look up and be blessed by the saints who are moving around us with a living courage and hopefulness that will expand all our hearts and souls.

Be our vision, O God, and show us your living word that is present in the lives of those around us who step into our pathway to offer us a glimpse of your Reign. Amen.