The Flash! – August 28, 2014

ByAndy Jacob
August 28, 2014

Last weekend on the youth mission trip to Washington, DC we had the privilege to be with the Rev. Phil Tom, a cherished colleague, sage-like mentor, and close friend.  He is currently serving as the Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the Department of Labor.  In that role he is no stranger to the Oval Office.  In the course of our visit he told us that upon being elected, President Obama had a special carpet created for that office embroidered with Martin Luther King’s words: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

Last week I offered in this space a reflection on the events in Ferguson, Missouri.  That offering came from a place of despair about the length of the arc, and an even deeper fear that it is not bending toward justice.

But then, two days later:

About twenty feet from this spot on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial Dr. King shared a dream about the moral arc and ultimate justice on this very date fifty one years ago.  A part of that dream was that one day “little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers” and will not be “judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”  He dreamed about a faith with which “we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.”

Tonight I offer the Flash from a place of renewed hope.  Thank you Alexandra, Devin, and Grant for offering us a living witness that although the arc is long and arduous, by the grace and power of God, it does – and will – lead to ultimate justice.

Peace,
Andy