Birmingham, AL
After a day of torrential downpours and tornadoes in neighboring counties, Calvin and I ended the day and a half of prayer for this city by watching the feature film, “Selma”. The history of racial violence and segregation colors the city here although it is difficult to imagine the deep prejudices being played out in the ’50s and ’60s as you drive through the streets that are now peppered with fast food restaurants and nail spas.
Calvin spent the morning worshipping with the believers at the 16th Street Baptist Church, site of the KKK bombing in 1963 that killed 4 precious black girls who were preparing for youth Sunday that fateful September morning. A beautiful memorial stands inside and outside the famous church where great civil rights leaders met during those tumultuous years. This infamous bombing was just one of over 80 bombings that had taken place that year in black homes, churches, and businesses, but the first one to claim innocent lives. Several local demonstrations followed this senseless murder but were met with police violence against the protesters, including the use of high-pressure fire hoses and dogs. The bombings were intended to discourage the work of desegregation, but subsequently had the opposite effect- it brought the struggle for civil rights to the national stage and helped usher in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
How do we process these grave injustices, committed just 50 years ago, and what is our part in the struggle for justice, free speech and truth in this season? As Calvin sat amongst the 200 African American fellow believers at church this morning, he recognized that each one was a beautiful child of God whose destination, like ours, is heaven. Each one is loved and chosen of God and is not any less cherished because of the color of their skin. Our allegiance to our Lord, the building of His kingdom and each other must be our cause- first and foremost, regardless of background, socioeconomic background or political affiliation.
As we begin a new journey of prayer at our next destination- Montgomery, AL, we think about the thousands of protesters of many ethnicities and faith persuasions who in 1964 walked 5 days in the elements and hot sun to stand up for their right to vote (it had already been enacted as law on a federal level, but the local courts refused to comply). They walked side by side, mile after mile to stand for truth, regardless of the outcome. (Just weeks before a group of 500 protesters had been beaten and tear gassed when they attempted to peaceably protest as they walked to the Montgomery Courthouse). We ask ourselves, are we prepared to face such persecution and danger to defend our fellow brothers and sisters? Lord give us courage as we walk onward into an unknown future known only by our faithful Heavenly Father and may He grant each of a holy boldness to speak the truth to a generation ripe for the harvest…
After a day of torrential downpours and tornadoes in neighboring counties, Calvin and I ended the day and a half of prayer for this city by watching the feature film, “Selma”. The history of racial violence and segregation colors the city here although it is difficult to imagine the deep prejudices being played out in the ’50s and ’60s as you drive through the streets that are now peppered with fast food restaurants and nail spas.
Calvin spent the morning worshipping with the believers at the 16th Street Baptist Church, site of the KKK bombing in 1963 that killed 4 precious black girls who were preparing for youth Sunday that fateful September morning. A beautiful memorial stands inside and outside the famous church where great civil rights leaders met during those tumultuous years. This infamous bombing was just one of over 80 bombings that had taken place that year in black homes, churches, and businesses, but the first one to claim innocent lives. Several local demonstrations followed this senseless murder but were met with police violence against the protesters, including the use of high-pressure fire hoses and dogs. The bombings were intended to discourage the work of desegregation, but subsequently had the opposite effect- it brought the struggle for civil rights to the national stage and helped usher in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
How do we process these grave injustices, committed just 50 years ago, and what is our part in the struggle for justice, free speech and truth in this season? As Calvin sat amongst the 200 African American fellow believers at church this morning, he recognized that each one was a beautiful child of God whose destination, like ours, is heaven. Each one is loved and chosen of God and is not any less cherished because of the color of their skin. Our allegiance to our Lord, the building of His kingdom and each other must be our cause- first and foremost, regardless of background, socioeconomic background or political affiliation.
As we begin a new journey of prayer at our next destination- Montgomery, AL, we think about the thousands of protesters of many ethnicities and faith persuasions who in 1964 walked 5 days in the elements and hot sun to stand up for their right to vote (it had already been enacted as law on a federal level, but the local courts refused to comply). They walked side by side, mile after mile to stand for truth, regardless of the outcome. (Just weeks before a group of 500 protesters had been beaten and tear gassed when they attempted to peaceably protest as they walked to the Montgomery Courthouse). We ask ourselves, are we prepared to face such persecution and danger to defend our fellow brothers and sisters? Lord give us courage as we walk onward into an unknown future known only by our faithful Heavenly Father and may He grant each of a holy boldness to speak the truth to a generation ripe for the harvest…
Banner depicting the civil rights.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
16th Street Baptist Church where the 1963 bombing took place.
Commemorative plaque for the 4 girls who were killed at the 16th Street Baptist Church.
