Remarks by Rev. Paul Atlas of Amanah Rush African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church at the dedication of the first two homes in the Flower’s Place neighborhood in Knightdale
Micah 6:8 8 - He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
The beloved community. In my little pea brain, this is what it looks like. Folk from different walks of life, different nationalities, different religions, different denominations with the same religion, different skin tones, different political leanings, different economic backgrounds, putting it all aside to do the work of ensuring that we live in a just society! A society where everyone has a fair share, where no one is left out, or looked over, or disregarded.
In perusing some info from the King Center, I realize that for Dr. Martin Luther King this wasn’t some pie in the sky, “when we all get to heaven what a day that will be” type of vision. This is very much attainable. Especially, when folk are committed to bringing it to pass on earth as it is in heaven! In King’s Beloved Community, “poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because standards of human decency will not allow it.” (The King Center)
Today, we are witnessing the power of community. The power of love. The exciting thing about this is the fact that this is not the ending. We will continue to build this community. There will be many more opportunities to volunteer, donate, and/or advocate for more affordable housing right here where we live.
I thank all of the great people from Habitat for Humanity, all of the new friends that I have met along the way. I say congratulations to the new homeowners, and I look forward to working alongside all of you as we continue to do what the Lord requires: to seek to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.