They are holding services today for John Lewis. It’s a sad time for family, friends, participants, and supporters of the civil rights movement. And yet, I am experiencing other emotions as well, something akin to envy and another emotion harder to name . . . .
John Lewis found his cause, equality. He marched on the path of non-violence and never left it. He was injured during the struggle; he suffered for his beliefs but he never wavered.
He helped fight racism and discrimination his whole life. He devoted his life to making America a better place to live and was still fighting the good fight until the end.
When a man’s whole life is devoted to justice, when he dies admired by millions, and when others can truly say of him “John Lewis was a righteous man”, I ask myself: what greater purpose can any person hope to accomplish in life?
Yes, tears of sadness must flow, along with traces of envy. And as to that other unnamed emotion?
I did not recognize it at first but now I do–it is joy.
In Memoriam
John Lewis
1940-2020
Rest in peace, brother! gri�’Uc,)�
