Posted by
peripheral on Saturday, July 03, 2010 5:40:09 AM
From My Perspective - - -
The Pledge of Allegiance expresses these majestic and magnificent
words: “…with Liberty and Justice for all.” That declaration was not
the reality for many people in this nation over the years. In part, it
gave birth to the Civil Rights Movement. The adage is well-stated:
“Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied.” It is often heard in terms of
criminal cases where Trial By Jury happens weeks, months or years down
the road. We celebrate the Fourth of July as our Independence Day – but
– how “independent” are we? An Internet News Source publishes: “Go
ahead - celebrate Independence Day, but keep in mind that dependency on
government (entitlement programs) is growing at an incredible
rate…16.3% increase just last year.”
During the Civil Rights Movement, a book was written by one who
involuntarily (at first) became a prominent participant in the cry for
justice. A paragraph about his book states: “His brother died in his
arms, shot by a Deputy Marshall. He was beaten and tortured by the
Sheriff and State Police. But through it all he returned good for evil,
love for hate, progress for prejudice and brought hope to black and
white alike. The story of John Perkins is no ordinary story. Rather, it
is a gripping portrayal of what happens when faith thrusts a person
into the midst of a struggle against racism, oppression and injustice.
It is about the costs of discipleship - the jailings, the floggings,
the despair, the sacrifice. And it is about the transforming work of
faith that allowed John to respond to such overwhelming indignities
with miraculous compassion, vision and hope.” The book referenced is: “Let Justice Roll Down”
by John Perkins. The overview given is: “This civil rights classic
tells the story of Dr. John Perkins road from (Mendenhall) Mississippi
poverty and racism to leading the charge for racial reconciliation and
ministry with the poor.”
Another author who addressed the civil rights struggle was Langston
Hughes. He is characterized by his starkness in his writings
represented in – The Panther and The Lash
– where Hughes writes about the many injustices in the world. The
Publishers summarize his work with these words: “From the publication
of his first book in 1926, Langston Hughes was America's acknowledged
poet of color, the first to commemorate the experience-and suffering-of
African-Americans in a voice that no reader, black or white, could fail
to hear. In this, his last collection of verse, Hughes's voice is more
pointed than ever before, as he explicitly addresses the racial
politics of the sixties in such pieces as "Dream Deferred," "Birmingham
Sunday." and "Daybreak in Alabama." Sometimes ironic, sometimes bitter,
always powerful, the poems in The Panther and the Lash are the last
testament of an American writer who grappled fearlessly and artfully
with the most compelling issues of his time.” He is pointed, and at
times profane, but always bold.
Yahoo tried to define Justice. The one who wrote the response gave
three alternative and possible meanings: ”Justice can be broken into
three major categories: social, personal, and supernatural. (1) Social Justice includes a government's legal system, (2) Personal Justice involves the a person's own ethics, and (3) Supernatural Justice
refers to God’s Standard for Life.” The problem with having them as
separate entities is that they are interwoven and each is a part of the
whole. When the Prophet Amos was addressing the injustices of his day,
the thrust of his message is summarized in Amos 5:21-27
(NLT), "I hate all your show and pretense - the hypocrisy of your
religious festivals and solemn assemblies. I will not accept your burnt
and grain offerings. I won't even notice all your choice peace
offerings. Away with your hymns of praise! They are only noise to my
ears. I will not listen to your music, no matter how lovely it is.
Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, a river of righteous
living that will never run dry…” We need to see a new “…mighty flood of
justice, a river of righteousness…” in our day. There are so many who
strive for justice only to have it continually elude them. They need
and deserve fairness – the joy and opportunity to succeed. They keep
reaching for Justice – but – so often it is denied them. I hope they
don’t give up! I hope they won’t become disillusioned or discouraged! I
hope they’ll hang in there a little longer! Look to the Lord for true
Liberty and Justice! Consider these things with me!