Devotionals

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What a girl! One girl stopped a nation in its tracks. Words like 'champion' and 'legend' are not exaggerations when considering the impact of this one. Every so often one comes along from a humble beginning, who becomes a champion of all the people. Sure she did not do it alone! Sure the support of others was crucial. But one person stood up to the pack and a nation was never the same again.

Of course most of you who read this will know exactly of whom I am writing: none other than Rosa Park. Sadly, last week Rosa Park, aged ninety-two, died. Rosa Park refused to give up her seat to a white man fifty years ago on December 1, 1955. She was fined and later jailed for her violation of the US laws of segregation. Her actions divided and challenged a nation. What followed was a 381 day boycott of the bus system, organized by a then little-known Baptist minister, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Rosa's defiance challenged the nation's notion of justice and fairness. In time it led to the civil rights movement, culminating in the 1964 Federal Civil Rights Act, which banned racial discrimination in public. This week saw the nation of the United States mourn her death, with a state funeral where speakers included Condoleezza Rice. How ironic that one who broke the law and went to goal, in the end was hailed as a national hero.

There have been many things written and attributed to Rosa Park. I was fascinated to read this about her action: "Parks' belief in God and her religious convictions are at the core of everything she does. It is the overriding theme in her book and the message she hopes to impart: "I'd like for [readers] to know that I had a very spiritual background and that I believe in church and my faith and that has helped to give me the strength and courage to live as I did."

Rosa Park was asked if the real reason she did not stand up that day was that she was tired from a day at work. She admitted that she was tired, but concluded that she was more tired of injustice. To know that one person's desire for justice can have such an impact, leaves even a cynic with hope that people can still stand up and make a difference.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah. 6:8 NIV)

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