What is Life without Purpose?

The purpose of this journey is starting to hit me. For the last two days, I've been viewing it as a resource to gather information, to learn about the past and the history of the civil rights movement. But from my perspective, that's all it was. I was definitely inspired by the heroes of the movement and their great courage in the face of the obstacles of hatred and racism, yet not until today did I realize that it's not just about what happened, but the meaning behind it all, the themes of love, and the faith in change through connection. Today at the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, we learned about Martin Luther King's epiphany, wherein he almost gave up on the movement and his ability to end segregation. However, he found in himself faith, the faith in his own God and the faith in himself to continue his work. 

Later, in Selma, we met Charles Mauldin and Kirk Carrington, and when they welcomed us into their church, Mr. Carrington talked about the importance of faith to him. It was clear that without faith, which for him came in the form of religion, the fight for equality could not have been achieved. 

I've had my own long-term crises of faith recently, wherein I think that racism, on institutional and personal levels, will never go away. I've given up in the past on the potential for systemic change, and as a white male with financial security, this has been an option for me. I've been able to think that real change will never come, and I've been able to sit back and ignore it all in response. I know a ton people who have done that and continue to do that. But it occured to me tonight as we walked through a pristine, well-kept Confederate cemetery, honoring the "bravery" of those that fought to maintain slavery, that I can no longer live this faithless life. Because of my power and privilege, I must live my life with purpose, to fight for equality and continue to spread love however that can be done. Hate is everywhere in this country. Although every confederate solider has been buried, their hatred was not buried with them.

I'm not sure what God I believe in or what to find faith in, but I do believe that life is more than what we are given. I'm inspired to live with Purpose, to maintain my faith in people and in love. 

-Gabe Samuels