When you learn how to pursue joy and justice at the very same time, great things happen.
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It’s been great seeing people dive deeper into John Lewis’ legacy. While I’ve always admired the bylines of his life that get printed in history books, it’s been a treat to hear more about his humanity from people who got to work with him.
When the Supreme Court invalidated parts of the Voting Rights Act he fought so hard for, he mentioned wanting to cry. He would tear up when talking about old friends in the fight for Civil Rights who were lost too soon.
He also…
🧥 cosplayed as his younger self at San Diego Comic-Con.
🕴🏿crowd-surfed at the age of 78 on Colbert.
🧔🏾drafted April Fools’ press releases about growing a beard.
📹 showed up in a Young Jeezy video.
He knew how to grieve, and he knew how to celebrate and play.
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It reminds me of something Henri Nouwen always talked about: “We tend to stay away from mourning and dancing. Too afraid to cry, too shy to dance… we become narrow-minded complainers, avoiding pain and also true human joy… While we live in a world subject to the evil one, we belong to God. Let us mourn, and let us dance.” Or as Octavia Butler says, “Make people FEEL! FEEL! FEEL!”
Building a real legacy calls for thick skin and a soft heart. It’s so easy to have one without the other, and so tough to cultivate them both. What helps? Seeing life as an adventure. Caring about something bigger than yourself. Taking the time to play. Letting yourself be humbled regularly.
Joy, Justice, and John Lewis
