Although Rev. Jesse Jackson and I likely disagreed on as much as we agreed, I was very sorry to hear of his death. Some months ago, a friend, who knew Jackson well, told me that the civil rights leader was quite ill. He went on to say he expected Jackson wouldn't survive very long. It seems he was correct. Again, I am sorry and will add Jackson to my prayers, asking that he be blessed by our loving God's forgiveness and mercy.
We spent the night in a very nice hotel (I've forgotten the name), and that evening as I walked through the lobby I saw Rev. Jackson just a few feet away, chatting with someone. Naturally, I couldn't resist, so I approached and when the other person walked away, I simply said, "Reverend Jackson, are you planning to join all of us on the March for Life?" Surprised, perhaps by the question or perhaps just by me, he replied with a shake of his head and then added, "No, I have meetings to attend." I think at that point he realized I was nobody special, so he just smiled, and began to turn away. So I said, "Well, we'll pray for you, Reverend. God bless you." He smiled again but said nothing else. I don't believe he was actively pro-life.
Thus ended my one and only interaction with the Rev. Jesse Jackson. And so, as I said to him back then, I will pray for him.
