If you saw it on our recent Pilgrim Field Trip to Boston, let folks know what you thought.

But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an overflowing stream.

Amos 5:24 (Amos was one of MLK Jr.’s favorite books of the Bible)

This past Sunday, Pilgrim went to Boston! 

We’ve been hearing an awful lot about the “The Embrace,” a sculpture by Hank Willis Thomas. Some love it, some feel more…challenged, let’s just say. The sculpture is based on an old photo of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. Their arms are wrapped around each other and they’re smiling in what looks like a moment where they’re guard is down and they’re enjoying one another’s company. 

Well, we did exactly that! 

Twenty-one Pilgrims dropped our guards, hopped into cars, and made our way to Boston Common. We parked and walked up to take in the sculpture. Many have said it, and I will too: photos do NOT do it justice. You really must stand by it to understand the scope of it, and the power it projects. 

I loved it. Like some others, I was focused on the buttons and the detail work, but then I took a moment to stand inside the sculpture, which is not something you can do with every art piece. 

I embraced “The Embrace,” 

…and I’ve got to be honest: it felt big, and beautiful…and cold, of course. If you note the photo, you can see a moment not everybody will see this year: “The Embrace” with snow crested on it. 

We had lunch at Penang. It was good food and even better company. Many thought they’d like to do more of this…I hope we will. Thanks to everyone who came, and if you couldn’t, consider taking time to experience this piece in person. It’s a powerful witness to the love and humanity of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King.