We usually think of heroism as defiance against all odds, standing in battle against the might of a Putin or being the one man facing a tank in Tiananmen Square in 1989. But there is another kind of heroism, the kind that faces what seem to be insurmountable odds and figuring out a way to overcome them.
The movie – yes, I do watch movies from time to time – The Six Triple Eight shows such heroic fortitude (We Finns call it SISU) of the only black battalion in the Women’s Army Corps in World War II. Faced with literally hundreds of thousands of pieces of mail to and from soldiers, Captain Charity Adams and her crew deliver.
The racism of the 40s seems difficult for us to fathom, but it almost derailed the 6888’s mission. This is a true story, obviously with some added dialog but it is based on the memories of the women who were in the 6888. Watch it—it’s streaming on Netflix, and thank God for how far we have come but remember how far we still yet need to go.
Prayer for the Day
Entering a season of earlier sunrises, opening our eyes to your light,
Help us to look through the windows of your majesty;
May we always be in awe of your majesty of the world around us,
Bringing us a new vision of your world, full of possibilities.
Enable us, O God, to broaden our vision of your light,
So we always work for your kingdom.
In the name of the One who shows us the way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option — for peace cannot exist where justice is not served.
John Lewis, civil rights leader, Congressman (1940-2020)
Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.
Mary McLeod Bethune, educator, civil rights leader (1875-1955)
Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “'Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Jesus in Matthew 17:20