Exloring Life Eternal

December 1, 2005

An open letter to the AATA (Ann Arbor Transit Authority):

I just saw the saddest thing while riding on a bus in Ann Arbor. By God’s grace, I was able to board without needing a handicapped space or undue financial strain. The bus driver was courteous enough to encourage me to put some trash that I had in the trashcan.

Once on the bus, I noted that there was a seat open about half-way back. The back of the bus was crowded, so I sat down in the set of empty seats, as I had a backpack & did not care to offend anyone by bumping it into anyone’s face. I noticed that the seat next to me had a sign that said the seat closest to the window was reserved as a tributary memorial to Rosa Parks, who had ridden on a bus in Birmingham many years ago. When I realized that the sign was taking up the seat & that the bus might fill up sooner than expected, I got up.

Figuring, “Why waste a seat on me? There are surely more important, more historically significant, and more infirm people who will ride. I can walk if need be, some are not so blessed.” At the next stop, an elderly lady entered the bus. She also saw that the back of the bus was crowded & followed the practice of a dutiful & responsible rider. She went as far back in the bus as able. Though she was not an African-American, she was not ashamed to sit next to the sign. She was however carrying something, and set in down in the seat next to her that was empty, apart from the memorial. When I saw her, I said something foolish: “You get to sit next to the memorial of Rosa Parks. That’s pretty neat!”

Sadly, the bus-driver asked the elderly lady to pick up her package from the seat since “We are trying to have a tribute to Rosa Parks!” The disgraced elderly woman moved her package & herself to another seat entirely. I talked to the driver about Rosa & how she was desiring respect. The fellow didn’t think that enough had been done yet to atone for the sins of the past in Birmingham, though he is not a resident there. I reminded him of the Lord Jesus & his pattern.

It is sad that a memorial to a dear saint who for a time lived in another town & has left this wretched world should become a reason for causing those who are alive today in Ann Arbor to suffer and be offended. May God save the people of this town from the day when there are so many grave-stones that lost souls cannot find their way because there are too many stumbling blocks in the way. May God’s peace come to this town & to the bus system of this fair town. I believe that Jesus died because he loved the sinful people of this town (especially me since I tend to sin more than others) & I believe that He rose again the third day, as the Holy Writings record, and is alive today praying for all peoples everywhere.

I do not want any harm to come to any bus drivers, but simply wish to remind all that Rosa Parks did not live or die only to protect her identity as an African American. She did not live or die simply to ride the bus. She certainly did not live or die simply to have memorials named after her. She believed in God & desired to do the right thing according to the lawful dictates of her conscience. May the AATA not find either of these offensive today.

P.S. I found it very instructive to read that the first sentence of Quiet Strength Mrs. Rosa Parks records, “As a child, I learned from the Bible to trust in God and not be afraid.”
http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/1215/p14s02-ussc.html
http://www.leaderu.com/critical/colson-parks.html
http://faithfulprogressive.blogspot.com/2005/10/rosa-parks-progressive-christian.html
ISBN: 0310235871
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P.S.S. I also noticed that the sign was moved today. Praise the Lord. Thanks for responding before I sent this complaint.