Bearing witness to the Message and the Messenger

It has now been four years since the historic Million Man March and initial observance of the Holy Day of Atonement. For anyone who has observed the Holy Day with family, spouse and children--the experience is memorable. It provides an opportunity to discuss injuries that often turn into wounds and kill relationships, and a chance to repair damage before long term impact occurs.

Such a process, if followed 365 days a year, would surely bring about the peace and harmony that speakers the world over profess to desire.

When the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan introduced the concept of atonement, many scoffed. Some said they had no need to atone.

But the concept resonated in the hearts of Black men, who embraced the eight steps--point out the wrong, acknowledge the wrong, confess the fault, repent, atone (make amends or reparations), forgive, reconcile and perfect union with God--and bear witness to their impact today.

Four years later, with the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and related fallout, America�s chief executive and top leadership found themselves spouting the words atonement and reconciliation. In Africa, where civil wars rage, the value of atonement was spoken of by UN officials and even African leaders who tried to mediate disputes spoke to the need for reconciliation.

The above facts bear witness that the atonement process is a divinely inspired way to peace. But it also bears witness to the heart of the man who shared the concept on the Mall before two million men--Min. Farrakhan.

The timeliness and heartfelt pull of atonement reflects the Minister�s heart and his desire to obey God and warn Black America and the world about the need to come back to the path of God, not in word but in deed.

A dark hearted man could not have produced such a vision and a vain man could not have produced such humility among those who follow his words. Others are also bearing witness to magnificent character and divine manner that is Min. Farrakhan�s gift.

"The Million Man March was the great earthquake and the after effect was the Million Woman March. One of the things that was most impressive--it wasn�t the numbers, though it was well over a million. It� wasn�t the spirit. It was being able to sit and watch the leadership abilities of Min. Louis Farrakhan, as he held us together--a group of people from different religions, different backgrounds and different parts of the world. ... Always with a calm and reassuring voice would he call us back to the task for which we were called. I thank God for Min. Louis Farrakhan and his leadership style," said Rev. James Demus, a Chicago pastor who worked for the success of the Million Man March. Added Rev. Paul Jakes, "The spirit of the Million Man March means so much to me even though I did not have the opportunity to be with the two million men. I certainly look forward to going and participating and organizing in the Million Family March. I believe today that God is with us."

So, while march opponents tried to separate the message from the messenger in 1995, those who see the march and Min. Farrakhan in their true light, happily embrace the Message and the Messenger--and look forward to the Million Family March in the year 2000.