I arrived early at the Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church to experience the full measure of the Praise time music and call to worship.  To say it was uplifting is do to it a disservice. It is a coming together in song and spirit that carries through and touches everyone blessed to be there.

The Deacons and Deaconesses are dressed in black suits, the latter in fabulous hats.  I watched as the father of a young women receiving her baptism discreetly wiped a tear as he returned to his seat.  I listened as Rev. Dr. James Jackson first asks us to contemplate if God was fair.  Then, within a powerful message of redemption he humanized our brokenness.

Note – Just when I managed to get the audio on track, I totally missed the effect of the back lighting and camera angle.  Please bear with it as Dr. Jackson’s message is well worth it.

And because, not once, but twice today, Langston Hughes was recited to me in two unrelated interactions, I leave you with this,

DEMOCRACY, by Langston Hughes

Democracy will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.
I have as much right
As the other fellow has
To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.
I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.

Tomorrow is another day.

I do not need my freedom when I’m dead.

I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread.
Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.
I live here, too.

I want freedom
Just as you.