The breeze was a friendly relief on this warm spring day as I walked along with fellow pilgrims. A few of these folks I had history with, some I just met and the majority had their own story of what inspired them to be on this journey.
As we made our way through the streets I was struck by those who immediately paid attention to the group I was attached with and how others appeared to either have no awareness or intentionally ignored us…life happening all around.
The powerful, poignant and often personally challenging path we were on had a clear rhythm…walking, stopping, listening, learning, reflecting…transforming.
The occasion for this day was to walk in the footsteps of the Scottsboro boys. Nine young African American boys who in 1931 were falsely accused, tried and sent to prison for attacking two white women. The boys’ case sparked national outrage and had a profound effect on the American legal system, civil rights, and racial relations in the early 20th century…walking, listening, learning, reflecting…transforming.
At the heart of pilgrimage is the opportunity to be transformed by a sacred journey…walking, stopping, listening, learning, reflecting.
“We are pilgrims on the journey
We are travelers on the road
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load”
Richard Gillard‘s Servant Song for me embodies the importance of not just acknowledging but truly embracing the reality we are all on a shared journey. An interconnected journey that spans both time and space.
“I will weep when you are weeping.
When you laugh, I’ll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we’ve seen this journey through”
One of the oldest pilgrims’ journeys happens annually on Good Friday as millions of people across the world will walk in the steps of Jesus of Nazareth. Whether for the first time or once again I would invite you to take this sacred journey…walking, stopping, listening, learning, reflecting…transforming.
“Brother, let me be your servant.
Let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might have the grace
To let you be my servant, too.”
BP