TITLE: The Right to Love, Part II: Reunion (2 of 3) By Lauren Alan 12/12/09 |
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Soon Dr. King began his speech about the movement and the goal of pushing toward equality. He explained his opposition toward the mistreatment of his people and his dream of seeing his four children grow up in a nation whose laws did not discriminate against them just because they were black. After his speech he welcomed people who sat in the pews to stand up and tell him their motives for joining the movement.
Charles stood up first and walked to the pulpit. He cleared his throat and began: "Well, ladies and gentlemen, to be honest I am the first in my bloodline to take a stand up against racial segregation. My parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were all reluctant to join a movement. Some of my people thought it'd never work. Others were afraid it would cost them their lives, because some of their friends died fighting for freedom. But I'm here to tell you that my faith has kept me going strong.
"You see, friends, I believe every word of the Bible. I believe that where two or more are gathered in God's name, mighty things happen. I joined this because I believe that my people and I as one can make a difference! Nothing WILL ever be done if nobody has the courage to fight, so as far as the fact that our people have been killed fighting for our freedom goes, some good can still come out of martyrdom! Thousands of apostles and missionaries died spreading the Gospel, but their lives left a legacy and encouraged others to keep going on talking about Jesus, and more and more people came to the Lord because of these people's legacies, and I believe our fight can turn things around and have a profound impact, even if it means dying while doing it!"
Angie was really excited by Charles's enthusiasm. She also found she was even more attracted to this young man because of their common faith. She leapt up, smiling. "Dr. King, I'm in full agreement with this man! My father was a Klan member. Both my parents died last year in a car accident, and to me Dad left a legacy of ignorance and hatred, which I have no intention of passing on to my own kids! I, like you, dream of my kids living in a country with no segregation, though I'm not yet a mother or even a wife. I share this man's faith every step of the way. I, too, believe that many united together can make a difference, and I believe we're all equally created by God, and though my father claimed to love God and be a strong Christian, he didn't have Christ-like love in hi heart. But I'm not him at all, and therefore I'm in to fight the fight with you!"
Everybody cheered for her. Charles suddenly somehow realized he had seen this woman before, and the fire for the Lord and for justice that he saw in her eyes and heard in her voice drew him to her. He felt that Jesus was pushing on his heart, telling him to get to know her better. He walked up to Angie and whispered softly in her ear, "May I walk you home?"
"Yes," Angie whispered back.
Charles asked Ty if he minded walking home alone. He didn't.
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