Earlier this week, I voted early in the mid-term election. The entire process of standing in line, checking my id and voter registration, and casting my ballot took about 10 minutes. Yet to get to this point, it took the courage, sacrifice, and even deaths of many people who engaged in the struggle for voting rights throughout our nation’s history. In a mystical but real way, they were with me at the polling place as they are with any of us who show up to vote. The following verses from the New Testament took on special meaning for me:
Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us… (Hebrews 11:39 – 12:1)
Although these words were not originally written with voting in mind, they lift up the reality of the connection among people throughout history committed to practicing love and justice for all God’s children. These verses also call us to endurance as we run the leg of the race entrusted to us. Because of the Cornelius Corps focus on the history of the modern Civil Rights Movement, my mind’s eye went to the struggle for Black voting rights in the 1960’s. The two videos posted below provide a glimpe into that struggle. The first video features the voice of The Rev. CT Vivian while the second features Fannie Lou Hamer. Both videos include images of many others whose names we do not know but whose witness was crucial to gaining the right for Black people to vote. Please take time to hear their words and reflect on the images.
Even as we remember and give thanks for their witness and sacrifice for justice, the struggle for voting rights continues. Signifiant parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 have been repealed, and other forms of voter suppression have emerged. As you cast your ballot in this year’s election, it is also essential to oppose restrictions meant to keep others from voting. You and I are part of that great cloud of witnesses called to work for justice, resist injustice, and honor the image of God in all people. Remember that those witnesses are with us at the polls.