The Freedom Ride
A Four Part Devotional Through Black History
Part Three - FACING ADVERSITY
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” (James 1:2-3)
On May 14th, 1961, the Freedom Riders were faced with adversity. While in route to Birmingham, Alabama, the Freedom Riders encountered a crowd in Anniston. “Nigger and Nigger lovers!” the crowd shouted, “we dare you to come out and integrate Alabama!” Pinning the vehicle in, the mob slashed tires, broke windows, yet somehow the bus maneuvered free. For a moment the riders had escaped, until suddenly the tires of the bus went flat.
With nowhere to go, the bus was surrounded again. The mob was back, and they decided to take things further. So they broke open a window, and threw a firebomb inside. Gasping for air, the Freedom Riders pushed their way off the bus where the mob was waiting with baseball bats and other weapons. For minutes the chaos ensued, as the mob made their intentions clear. They would do anything in their power to destroy the Freedom Rides, even kill if necessary to prevent them from reaching their destination.
Hence, just like that angry mob, the Bible makes it clear that there is an enemy who is committed to not seeing us reach our destinations (John 10:10). As it’s written in 1 Peter 5:8 the enemy prowls like a lion, looking to devour us; Yet, as much as the enemy wants to destroy us, Jesus has come to support us and give us life. So, if you’re feeling crushed down, beaten on the side of the road, there is a God who sees you, and wants you to get to your final destination.
The Burning Greyhound bus in Anniston, Alabama
Reflection Questions
1. Incapable of sitting back and watching the violence ensue, 12 year old Janie Forsyth decided to take action. Hearing the gasps and coughs from the riders, Janie ran through the crowd to care and provide water; and not soon after that, another person came to help. By shooting one bullet in the air, a Highway Patrol Officer told the mob enough. The crowd reluctantly obeyed, and the Freedom Riders were taken to Anniston Memorial Hospital.
Maybe you won’t categorize yourself as “on the side of the road” right now. But maybe you’re watching from a distance as injustice unfolds. In Luke 10:25-37 Jesus provides valuable insight into how we should be responding in these settings…
“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’” (Luke 10:30-35)
Like the Good Samaritan, Jesus wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves; attune ourselves to their cry, not sit back, but take action. So, how is God asking you to respond today? Who might you be passing on the side of the road?
2. Maybe you do feel like you’re on the side of the road. Maybe you are hurt, wounded, and metaphorically in the ambulance on your way to the hospital. Maybe you are thinking what did I get myself into, or if this journey is actually worth it. While holding all those feelings, I encourage you to slow down and reflect. Everyone was NOT built to be a Freedom Rider, and I want you to seriously consider if you are riding on the right bus. Maybe you were for a little bit, but maybe it’s time to get off and hop on a different bus. That is completely OKAY, as the last thing you’d want is to feel pressure to continue a journey that God did not call you to.
So again I ask, are you riding the right bus? Ask the Lord and I’m sure he will respond; and if he answers yes, will you be bold enough to obey and finish the journey?
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10)