A Lesson from Jacqueline and the Lorraine

            In early July, Ann and I took a road trip to the Dallas area and back to spend time with our children and grandchildren.   One of the places we visited on our return trip was Memphis, Tennessee.    Neither of us had visited the city  though we  had  talked for several years that we would like to do that.   To get a better sense of the city without the challenges of directions and parking, we took a bus tour of Memphis during our short stay there.   One of the places we visited was the Lorraine Motel in Memphis which was the site where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed in April 1968.  The motel was transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum in the early 1990’s.  A wreath hangs on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel site in front of the very spot where Rev. Dr. King stood when he was shot and killed.    

Our tour guide, Willie, introduced our tour group to Jacqueline Smith when we visited the site.  You can see her picture above in front of the Lorraine Motel.  In the late 1980’s, Jacqueline Smith was forcibly removed by police officers from a room at the Lorraine Motel that was her home.   Every since that day,  she has made it her life mission to “camp out” daily at the Lorraine Motel and protest the use of the property as a tourist site.   Through hot days and cold days, in times of wind and rain, Willie told us that you will find Jacqueline Smith at that spot in front of the Lorraine Motel claiming that the motel is not being used in a way that is faithful to the dreams of Rev. Dr. King.   I share this true story from Memphis Tennessee with you because the life of Jacqueline Smith is worthy of our admiration and respect.   Every day since 1998 (over 30 years) she spends her days championing a cause that she deeply believes in.

It matters not whether you agree with the cause of Jacqueline Smith or not. Her faithfulness and perseverance is admirable whatever you think of her cause.    Her life has had me thinking about  the cause that followers of Christ say they stand for:     loving God and loving others.      Is that something we do day after day, week after week or only on Sundays or when we know that others are looking?     What cause or mission occupies your life and purpose day  after day?     That is something to not only think about, but also something to live for.   Have a joy-filled week.-   Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:   O God, we give you thanks that you never slumber or sleep and are always there.  Thank you for our faithfulness;  give us the courage and perseverance to carry high the banner of Christ daily;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.