“You are all one in Christ Jesus." ~ Galatians 3:28
In a cluttered classroom in the
schoolhouse built in 1896, a single chair seems out of place. The piece is
neither comfortable nor attractive. No one moves it or suggests removing it. And
it’s been vacant since the 1970s - as if it should hold something - or someone.
Yet, the kids who’ve been taught there for more than a half-century know all about its significance. It represents an important metaphor and lesson for students of middle school teacher Daniel Gill.
The year was 1956, and
9-year-old Dan and his friend, Archie Shaw, headed for a birthday party
carrying gifts for the birthday boy. “We were all dressed up,” Gill recalled. “Back
in those days, you wore a suit jacket and tie to a birthday party and we were
looking forward to having a great time.” Dan was white and Archie was Black.
They rang the bell and anxiously
waited. The child’s mother opened the door, looked at Archie, and told them
there were no more chairs. “No problem,” Dan said. “We can sit on the floor or
fetch some chairs if needed.”
The woman glared at Archie and
curtly repeated that there were no more chairs. There was something in her eyes
that left a searing pain. It was only then that they realized Archie wasn't
welcome because of his skin color. The boys left their gifts at the door and
retreated in tears.
Gill eventually went to college and
became a teacher. During his 53 years as an educator, he taught social studies -
using an empty chair in the classroom as a visual aid when teaching about the civil
rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr.’s life.
“The chair symbolizes the one so
cruelly denied his friend for Archie - but also acts as a metaphor; a reminder for
all of us to work harder at accepting others. Students tend to learn through
symbols, so we keep the vacant chair in the center of the room to remind them
that everyone is welcome in our classroom.”
Jesus spent a lot of time around
a dinner table. The company around Him was remarkably diverse. He crossed
racial boundaries to the shock of many. His table was open to all.
We, humans, need community and
connection. We should always have an empty chair in our churches, our
businesses, our homes, and our lives. The kingdom of God is a party, and we’re
all invited. It doesn’t matter what we look like, what we’ve done, or where
we’ve been. We all get an invitation to His celebration.
