Let Justice Roar and Shake the World

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Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock campaigning in Atlanta.
Now that things have settled down at the U.S. Capital, I am taking a moment to breathe and give thanks for what happened in Georgia on Wednesday. With much credit to Stacey Abrams, the obvious rock star of "get-out-the-vote," the Rev. Raphael Warnock, a black pastor, and Jon Ossoff, a young Jewish man, were elected to the U.S. Senate. Two “firsts” for the peach state. 

I am grateful for Abrams and the generations of people who worked tirelessly for the ideals upheld in the U.S. Constitution -- equality for all and religious freedom. Long before Abrams or either of these men were born, brave souls worked against the deadly force of oppression and created space for their moment of victory.  

The terrorists who stormed the Capital will not steal that space. When I saw that unruly mob in the Capital, I wondered, “Do they carry those ridiculously huge confederate flags to hide their small-mindedness? What do they hope to accomplish?” Despite all their bravado, the rioters proved to be little more than fleas on a mighty lion of truth. As “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” declares, “Truth is marching on.” A few fleas can’t stop the lion of justice, and it is on the prowl.   


In his fable, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis describes God as a noble lion named Aslan. When one character learns she is to meet this lion, she says:


"Ooh," said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”

"Safe?" said Mr Beaver, "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good…He's the King, I tell you.” 


Justice is not safe, but it is good. These fleas who rioted today will fall pathetically into the dust if we continue our work for justice, and there is much work to be done. Had the rioters been people of color, the reflexive response of police would have been violent force. But we cannot let fleas suck the life-blood out of our souls.  Our strength is found as we work for a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are given a chance to thrive.


As C.S. Lewis imagines, 


“Wrong will be right, when Aslan (divine justice) comes in sight,

At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,

When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,

And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.” 


Until divine justice roars and shakes the world with new life, I lean on these ancient words for strength:  


"So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us..."  (Galations 6:9-10, The Message)







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