Selma: The Shepherd Who Leads Through Struggle - Progressive (Psalm 23)

As the sun rose over Selma on that fateful day in March 1965, the air buzzed with a mixture of hope and trepidation. Thousands gathered, their voices rising in unison, marching resolutely toward the Edmund Pettus Bridge. They knew the risks; they understood the shadows that loomed over them—the threat of billy clubs and tear gas, the weight of systemic oppression pressing down on their shoulders. Yet, in the heart of this struggle, they drew strength from a deeper source, echoing the words of Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

Imagine the scene: the marchers moving forward, hands clasped in solidarity, hearts beating with a rhythm of resistance. The smell of tear gas hung in the air like an uninvited guest, but it couldn’t drown out the powerful anthem of liberation sung by those brave souls. They didn’t see themselves as mere victims; rather, they embodied the spirit of justice, believing that the green pastures they sought represented not just a place of rest, but a promised land of equity and righteousness.

As they crossed that bridge, facing the very enemies of their cause, they were reminded of the divine table prepared for them—a table not just of sustenance but of vindication. “I shall not want,” they proclaimed, trusting that God’s provision would overturn the scarcity imposed by an unjust system. In that moment, they experienced shalom, a profound peace that transcended their circumstances, knowing that their Shepherd was guiding them through the struggle toward restoration.

The marchers’ faith in the Shepherd who leads through the valleys inspires us still today. Just as they pressed on through shadows, we too are called to trust that God walks with us in our own valleys of despair, leading us toward justice, healing, and a brighter tomorrow.