Love Makes All the Difference in the World

At some point between standing and falling, the man on the ground became one with Keshia Thomas. Her heart opened and Andrew Cutraro (freelance photographer) caught the moment. Keishia was 18 at the time and we can wonder how and why at 18, this young African American woman came to be in such a position?

On June 22 in Ann Arbor Michigan, Keishia used her body for the purpose many say Jesus used His - to cover the sins of another. She shielded a man from a crowd of anti-Klan demonstrators who were beating him with sticks after he was spotted wearing a confederate flag shirt during the Klan rally that day. Ms. Thomas is reported as saying: Just because you beat somebody, doesn't mean you going to change his mind." Prior to this, it is reported in People magazine, that she was one of the angry demonstrators who rushed toward the man who was reported to be a spectator (not a participator); yet he wore the trappings of a Klan supporter. As the attackers reached him, the blows, kicks and punches began. But this Black high school senior from Ypsilanti risked injury and threw herself over the fallen man to protect him. Though she may have thought him to be a white supremacist, Thomas is reported saying: "He's still somebody's child." Later on, Keishia is reported adding: "People don't have to remember my name. I just want them to remember that I did the right thing."

Keishia may not know it or label her action as love, but it was the ultimate expression of the virtue of which the Master teachers have been speaking. She helps us to believe that truly Love does make ALL the difference in the World.

Thanks Eddie for reminding me.