John Lewis was the person like Christ I’ve ever known

I was changing into my second year at Georgetown Law School, when John Lewis History march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965. Governor George Wallace in action and his gendarmes and inspired by outraged protesters took to remember, It was impossible for the extraordinary relationship I was known to have with the young man from Troy, who was at the front of this march. Although I, like many others, was in awe of John, I have not got to know him well when it came to Congress. While the best known of his freshman class was that contain Joe Kennedy II and the All-American basketball star and Rhodes scholar Tom McMillen, she was one of the less assertive and outspoken. He did not need to be. His previous work has spoken loudly for his character, his conviction and his extraordinary courage. He had already who has made a major contribution to our country and its principles as the cumulative colleagues. My first interview with John were in the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA), which was the principle sponsor House. It ‘was then that I heard his deep commitment to all those who have been excluded and marginalized; That people with disabilities were his love for others and his deep belief was, God’s children and that the distinction of their disability should be a basis for discrimination not. John confirms and reinforces my perception of the purpose and meaning of the ADA. One of the classmates freshman John Haughton was love. They could not be more different. John – the son of sharecroppers bettelarmem Alabama. I love – the rich heritage of Corning Glass family. One black and one white. Deep from the south, one in the north far. But they shared a deep commitment to equality of their fellow men and the central role to strengthen our faith, our unity and our civilization game. For the sake of all of us, have formed a partnership – under the umbrella of a splendid organization of faith and policy institute called – that about 300 members of Congress and thousands of other permits – with John walking on paths that had to tread honor his faith and values ​​of our declaration and Constitution. These walks have raised us to the higher courts, partisan, petty and divide any temporary. I had to go with John fifteen times over Edmund Pettus Bridge and admire the courage that he, Hosea Williams, and others who had the Bloody Sunday march with him the privilege. Two of my three daughters, my three grandchildren, and one of my great-grandchildren have made this journey with me and John. I’m so grateful that he experienced the warmth, affection, patience and strength of this great American patriot. He showed them an example of the best of humanity, the best of our country; He gave them hope that as a nation we have been getting better and our efforts could be even better. It ‘was during these trips that I saw how little ego John has had and how grateful to those who believe in him connected “back to Selma, again.” I travel that these updates and periodic renewal of the commitment Been to continue working on the creation of America promises. Like all those who know him, will tell you all his contribution and the old world fame, John, he was self-effacing, humble, and modest man. It was a giant in the presence and moral strength, but quiet, to speak slowly to them through moral pressure or do not want. My friend of fifty and more years Jim Clyburn, noted that John did not give up sermons, but he and his life were sermons. Such was his example. This was his strong presence. inspired by his life; its presence has inspired; inspired by his words; its calm and patient love raised, quiet and gave us confidence for the future. I like John the called Christ I’ve ever met. He embodies the qualities that are pushing our faith show us the love for each other, which provides a way for the “beloved community” and to make the seemingly impossible with a trust and expectation of victory of courage. It ‘was so typical of John’s commitment and hope for his country, that the day of his funeral, he asked all of us to continue the fight, the good effort, the search for a perfect union. I loved John Lewis, and I still love him.
Photo copyright by Bill Clark CQ Roll Call