“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” — Fannie Lou Hamer
Fannie Lou Hamer’s powerful words captured her own exhaustion from relentless oppression. They also reflected the shared weariness of millions of African Americans who had endured centuries of systemic injustice. Yet, behind that frustration was a woman filled with unshakable faith, courage, and an unwavering commitment to righteousness.
Who Was Fannie Lou Hamer?
Fannie Lou Hamer was born in 1917 in Montgomery County, Mississippi. She was the youngest of 20 children in a family of sharecroppers. From the age of six, she worked in the cotton fields. She labored under the oppressive weight of poverty and racism in the Jim Crow South. With only a sixth-grade education, many would have dismissed her as insignificant, but God had other plans.
In 1962, Hamer attended a civil rights meeting led by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). There, she discovered that Black Americans had the legal right to vote. This right was systematically denied in Mississippi. From that moment, her life was transformed. She became a beacon of hope. She led voter registration drives. Despite being fired from her job, she persisted. She was beaten nearly to death in jail and faced countless death threats.
Yet, what fueled Hamer’s courage wasn’t mere anger—it was her deep, abiding faith in Jesus Christ. A devout Christian, Hamer often sang spirituals at rallies and marches, her voice filled with both pain and hope. She saw her activism as a calling from God. It was a sacred mission to fight not just for civil rights, but for human dignity.
At the 1964 Democratic National Convention, she had one of her most defining moments. She testified before a national audience about the brutal racism in Mississippi. Her raw, unfiltered truth pierced the conscience of America, exposing the deep scars of segregation.
But what made Fannie Lou Hamer extraordinary was her refusal to repay evil with evil. She embodied the wisdom of Proverbs 20:22 (KJV):
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.”
Despite the violence, despite the hatred, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her body and soul, Hamer never sought revenge. Instead, she trusted God to bring justice. She lived the Gospel in action—turning her suffering into a platform for love, change, and hope.
Faith in Action
Hamer believed that faith without works is dead. James 2:17 mentions this principle. She demonstrated her belief through her relentless activism. She co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), giving Black Mississippians a voice in politics. She also started the Freedom Farm Cooperative. This initiative provided food to impoverished Black families. It created economic opportunities that tackled both political and economic oppression.
Her activism wasn’t limited to civil rights. She focused on restoring humanity and dignity to people whom society had cast aside.
Why Fannie Lou Hamer Matters Today
In a world still grappling with inequality, we face injustice. Hamer’s life teaches us the power of faith-fueled activism. Her life reminds us to have faith. Activism can bring change. She reminds us that it’s not enough to be “sick and tired” of the world’s brokenness. We must also stand up, speak out, and trust God to guide us through.
Her journey is a testament. Even in the face of immense evil, love, courage, and faith will always shine through. Proverbs 20:22 advises us to wait on the Lord. He will bring justice. It may not be on our terms, but it will be in His perfect timing.
Today, as we honor Fannie Lou Hamer, let us reflect on her legacy and ask ourselves:
- Are we standing up for what is right, even when it costs us?
- Are we trusting God to bring justice, rather than seeking revenge?
- Are we using our voices, like Hamer did, to speak for those who can’t?
A Prayer to Close:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the life of Fannie Lou Hamer. She was a warrior for justice. She was also a humble servant of Christ. Give us the courage to stand against oppression. Give us the compassion to love our enemies. Grant us the faith to trust in Your ultimate justice. May her example inspire us to do more, speak louder, and love deeper. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection:
Let this be a reminder that God’s greatest warriors aren’t always found in pulpits. They aren’t always in palaces. They’re often in the fields, in the streets, and on the frontlines of justice. Fannie Lou Hamer was one of them, and through her, God’s love and righteousness flowed powerfully.
Her voice still echoes today: “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” But like Hamer, let’s channel that frustration into faith-driven action. The world still needs freedom fighters like her.
Joseph Mekael Page 
Leave a comment