Hope

The word that comes to mind from this morning's service at Ebenezer is Hope. When the Reverend began his Sermon, there was an unexplainable feeling in the room. People seemed to hang on to everyone word being said; people seemed to feel a sense of comfort and ease in his words. The Reverend spoke about how religious people can become to focused on themselves: to focus on their own needs and wants. He spoke about the need to seek justice for the poor and speak out about political injustice. Current events were woven into the sermon and exemplified the broader ideas behind the speech. The Reverend's main point addressed the fact that is really does not matter who your worship or what religion you follow as long as you behave to others in a humane way. He dismissed conservative politicians who claim greater civil rights will lead American down a path to Hell. He stated, "If America were going to hell, it would have gone a long time ago". He preached acceptance and tolerance; he seemed to reach everyone with his words. Hope. His words assured me that there are people still dedicated to the civil rights movement. It gave me hope that the movement won't die. The words of the sermon gave me hope that there are people willing to fight the political environment of our country. The service gave me hope that everything is going to be all right. It was empowering and comforting. At the end of the service, the choir, the clergy and the congregation crossed hands and sang we shall overcome. It was not cliché, it was not forced; it was powerful. In that moment I felt a sense of hope that I can only imagine echoed in the minds and hearts of every activist who attended church services during the movement.

Rebecca Margolis, The Park School of Baltimore