In 1964, Curtis Mayfield wrote a little song called “People Get Ready.” It is a gospel song, but like the very best gospel song, it seems like a political song. And it can read as a political song — and I choose to do so. Because political action is a matter of faith. For any person who is politically engaged, there are two options: cynicism and faith. And we are at our best when we have faith that things can get better. But it is hard — something I struggle with all the time.

The reason I’m playing the song this morning is because it is a song that gets stuck in my head. And I do truly awful things to the lyrics. I turn it into a foul mouthed and cynical anthem. But I don’t want that. I want to get on board that train and make a better future.