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Sunday, redemption and Langston Hughes

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.

Changing directions in DC

Today was my midpoint. It is a lovely political reality that a cross country road trip can focus on deeply conservative states in one direction and a neatly aligned set of swing states in the other. Today I spent my transition day in Washington DC.

This is me, in full uniform with my GoPro at the ready, no makeup and comfy cow pants. Life is good.

Lots has changed in the last 4 years, but without question my favorite is the addition of the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The building (on my left) is spectacular, but the sight of the families in line to enter, most with 3 or more generations together to share the experience was indescribable.

Just outside of Washington DC, I happened upon a group of motorcyclists en route to Philadelphia. These guys were having a blast and I just could not resist,

Kurt – Please forgive me, you are so tall and I messed up the framing.

Equipment, Rituals and Lists

The mechanics of this trip combined with my advancing age have required me to establish a variety of rituals to manage it all. Camera, microphone, batteries, mounts, ipad, phone, wallet, notebook, glasses and pen are neatly arranged on my person at all times. There are a series of, what I am certain are, DSM-IV certifiable OCD behaviors that appear like tics to reassure myself all is well.

In that past, my favorite ritual was one that I did only for my own amusement. I kept various lists in the back pages of my notebook to track things that I found interesting. ‘Best specials at diners’ by state, ‘felons I have met’ on the bus, and always ‘acts of kindness’. Early on, this trip inspired a new list. I call it, ‘easily disproved misinformation presented as fact’ and boy, howdy, this one is growing fast.

In addition to the standard Obama is a Muslim and Hillary is going to repeal the second amendment, I submit the following sampling,

The joint chiefs have clearly stated that they cannot and will not accept Hillary Clinton as President

Several states already have established key tenets of Sharia Law

Obama did not win the popular vote in the 2012 election, only the electoral college

Obamacare specifically does not cover pre-existing conditions

This list represents the most significant change that I have noted over my three trips. The sheer volume of misinformation and the absolute certainty with which they are presented is stunning.

Please meet Calvin Craig.