“Rested Souls”

         In 1955, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a boycott of the bus lines in Montgomery, Alabama. At the time, the buses were strictly segregated. Black citizens could only sit in the back of the bus, and were required to give up their seat to a white person if the bus filled up. Thousands of citizens--particularly African-American citizens--spent months walking or carpooling to work, to school, to the market and the bank, rather than support the racist bus line. After many months, Dr. King suggested to one elderly woman that she return to riding the buses. At her advanced age, she didn't need to be walking so much. But the woman insisted on walking until the boycott was complete.

         "But aren't your feet tired?" Dr. King asked. "Yes, my feet are tired," she replied, "but my soul is rested."

         It is easy to become tired in this world, to give up, burn out, lose hope. Our feet are often tired. But when we remember our purpose, our call, our commitment to a God who is victorious, a God who loves this creation and continues to work in our lives, we are able to march on, able even to feel rested.

         There is much in this world that can steal our joy, dampen our zeal, weaken our faith; but there is more that reminds us of God’s presence with us. There is more about which to celebrate. God is still God and all shall be well.

         This week, in the work you do, the love you share, the places you are called, may your soul stay rested. May you know the faithfulness of God and may that knowledge bring you strength and courage.

You are the light of the world!

Yours,

Lynne