Decided to just spend the day just sitting quietly in the news of John Lewis’ passing.
If I had been given the opportunity to meet any member of this Congress, I would have chosen John Lewis.
1/
If I had been given the opportunity to meet any member of this Congress, I would have chosen John Lewis.
1/
Literally just last night I was telling someone that I’ve never been terribly moved by celebrity.
Instead, I’m moved by ordinary people who when summoned by history, compelled by character, rise to the moment.
2/
Instead, I’m moved by ordinary people who when summoned by history, compelled by character, rise to the moment.
2/
We revere people like John Lewis because their entire life is guided by a moral compass that points only towards what is right.
No matter the danger. No matter the cost.
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No matter the danger. No matter the cost.
3/
People like John Lewis serve as moral bookends.
They serve as examplars.
Lighthouses.
Reminders that there is a solid beam of moral right even in the densest of fog.
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They serve as examplars.
Lighthouses.
Reminders that there is a solid beam of moral right even in the densest of fog.
4/
To me, throughout this particular moment in history, John Lewis has been a comfort.
His presence has been a reminder that we have survived worse and are capable of better.
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His presence has been a reminder that we have survived worse and are capable of better.
5/
I have felt his passing heavily today.
It is not that I didn’t know it was coming. I did.
Weeks ago, he was pictured looking out over the Black Lives Matter mural in Washington, D.C..
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It is not that I didn’t know it was coming. I did.
Weeks ago, he was pictured looking out over the Black Lives Matter mural in Washington, D.C..
6/
He was gaunt with the wasting of cancer.
His pant legs hung loose in the same way my grandfather’s did the last time I saw him.
It was his time. He did his work. May he rest in peace.
7/
His pant legs hung loose in the same way my grandfather’s did the last time I saw him.
It was his time. He did his work. May he rest in peace.
7/
For the rest of us though, for the living, we are left with a gaping loss. An irreplaceable man gone. A hope that cannot be filled.
And now history asks of us:
Who are we to be?
8/
And now history asks of us:
Who are we to be?
8/
I don’t know the answer.
Today, I know only a deep sadness at the passing of someone I admired so very much.
May we somehow rise to be worthy of his memory.
9/9
Today, I know only a deep sadness at the passing of someone I admired so very much.
May we somehow rise to be worthy of his memory.
9/9
