Hey friend, this week I've been diving into Dr. Pauli Murray's incredible personal history in her book, "Song in a Weary Throat: Memoir of an American Pilgrimage."

Although the book is required reading for one of my Doctor of Ministry classes this semester, it ought to be required reading for you, too. But since it’s over 600 pages, you might not finish it all too soon.

So I’ll just hit a few highlights for you…

Dr. Murray was a trailblazer! If you don't know about her, she was a civil rights and social justice activist, a prolific writer, and legal advocate.

She had a Doctorate in Law from Yale and a Master in Divinity degree from an Episcopalian seminary and many other high academic achievements.

She also holds many “first” honorary titles such as: “California’s first African-American deputy attorney general” and “First African-American woman ordained as an Episcopal priest.”

Dr. Murray, who passed away in 1985, was a total force of nature who fought tirelessly for justice and equality.

Now back to her memoir.

One scene that got me fired up was when Dr. Murray applied in 1938 to the University of North Carolina for their PhD program.

She was an exceptional student, with a mind sharper than a switchblade.

But imagine her indignation when the rejection letter hit her with this line: "Members of your race are not admitted to the University."

Are you kidding me?!

Dr. Murray, rightfully, felt a storm of frustration and pain. If I was in her shoes, I'd be beyond angry too. It's that feeling of "How dare you? This is NOT okay!"

But here's what's amazing: she didn't let that injustice break her.

Instead, it became a defining moment that propelled her into a lifelong fight for civil rights and social justice.

And that has me thinking…

What makes you mad?

What injustices (big or small) light a flame in your gut that demand action?

Maybe it's climate change, discrimination, healthcare inequality, or the way certain groups are treated unfairly by the system?

Maybe it’s that there aren’t any vegan and gluten free bakeries in your neighborhood?

Maybe it’s new home buyers getting taken advantage of by unscrupulous lenders?

Maybe it’s unlicensed contractors swooping into town after a hail storm to try to collect insurance money from damaged roofs and then skipping town?

Whatever it is, that fiery feeling is very personal and very powerful!

The question is, how can you harness that energy?

Dr. Murray shows us the way:

Own your anger, let it fuel you: Don't shy away from those feelings, injustice (whatever the scale of it) SHOULD make you feel uncomfortable.

Take action, big or small: Write emails, join a movement, educate yourself, find a way to use your unique skills for good – do something that pushes for change.

Don't give up: Progress often feels slow, but persistence is key. Remember, even small drops of water can carve out mighty canyons over time.

Your anger, your frustration, your burning desire for change, is a gift. It's a sign you care deeply about something and have the potential to make a difference.

So, what's making you shout for change, and how are you going to let that fire fuel your life? 🙂