George Bush changed his schedule to go to Coretta Scott King's funeral where he was rebuked and ridiculed by two former Presidents and a Reverend Lowery. The audience loved it and cheered wildly as Bush just sat there and took it. He had to know beforehand that he was not going into friendly territory. He had to know what was likely going to happen. And yet, he went anyway. From the LA Times:
The most overtly partisan remarks came from the Rev. Joseph Lowery, a King protege and longtime Bush critic, who noted Coretta King's opposition to the war in Iraq and criticized Bush's commitment to boosting the poor.
"She deplored the terror inflicted by our smart bombs on missions way afar," he said. "We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction over there. But Coretta knew and we knew that there are weapons of misdirection right down here. Millions without health insurance. Poverty abounds. For war, billions more, but no more for the poor."
As the barbs flew, Bush seemed to take the heat in stride, smiling at times, giving Lowery a standing ovation and even pulling the civil rights leader in for a bear hug.
I have to admire his courage and graciousness in the face of bitter partisan rudeness and incivility. President Bush showed true Christian character that would be difficult for most of us and certainly me. He was clearly the most civil person at this uncivil event!
I have always been in awe of Jesus when at the start of his "Passion" Peter struck one of the guards with a sword. Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" Matthew 26:52-54
Had it been me, 12 legions of angels would have destroyed them all! I would not even begun to suffer what Jesus knew He was about to suffer. His grace under the pain of the next 24 hours is truly amazing to me. What a triumph of character to withstand the incredible pain, shame, ridicule and hatred all the while knowing He did not HAVE to do it, except to fulfill His mission. That is something to be admired!
I admire Bush for not opting out of what he had to know was going to be a painful time. I admire the glimmer of Christ likeness that I saw in George Bush today.
