On the Shoulders of GiantsSample

Stepping Out

And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. -Micah 6:8

Septima Poinsette Clark stepped out of her comfort zone for others. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. referred to Clark as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. Born in South Carolina, Septima’s mother was a free Black Haitian and her father had been born a slave.

At the end of Septima Clark’s life, her headstone recorded her steps: “Humanitarian, Civil Rights Activist, Teacher, Leader, Friend.” She provided hope to thousands. She led efforts to set up “Citizenship Schools” in the Deep South, to establish literacy for Black adults. Her courageous efforts to empower Blacks led to intense resistance and retaliation, including false arrests, intimidation, and backlash from her employers.

This opposition seemed to increase Clark’s desire to seek justice for those in need. Micah’s words teach us how to hope in the face of despair, too, and challenge the status quo to do what God requires. God spoke through Micah to ask the people of Israel the simple question, “And what does the Lord require of you?” God’s answer is, “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” These acts are not suggestions, but requirements for true believers.

Clark knew that Black people matter to God. Her acts of resistance to unjust laws and her passion for helping her community inspire me to take steps to create spaces of hope.

Lisa D. Robinson

Every day is another chance to do justice and mercy. How will you choose to walk humbly with God?

Merciful God, thank You for guiding our ancestors during their journey for justice. Help us to walk humbly with You.