Not There Yet

The dream so eloquently and passionately expressed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. still hasn't been realized. While we may have made advances in some ways towards racial equality and respectful understanding, huge gaps still exist. This discriminatory thinking is rationalized by many, but that doesn't mitigate the harmful effects of this negative practice. Regardless of how it might be explained, the devaluing of another person based on skin color, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual preference, and family history is still just wrong. Making stereotypical assumptions using these factors as a filter for judgment is divisive and hurtful. This misguided thinking diminishes the value of each of us whether it was intended or not.

I'm not okay with hearing stories of dehumanization and small thinking. My spirit is heavy and my body is physically ill when a brother or sister is wounded because of it. I wish it could be corrected quickly, but recognize the long term power of this way of thinking and the diligence we must show in leading in a new direction.

We can't make great forward strides until we gain respectful appreciation for our individual diversity. Recognizing we are not only different, but are better because of our shared differences is a step we haven't taken as a whole society. I realize we will not reach a time here on this earth when all people will live harmoniously in peace with each other. That still doesn't take away from the attractive power of the dream of the possibility.

If we want to see the potential of Dr. King's dream grow, we've got to commit ourselves to mutual appreciation. We've got to figure out how to learn to trust each other when generations before (and around us) have created so much mistrust. We've got to determine what actions we can take to develop those relationships and give each other the opportunity to contribute what we have to our society as a whole. Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, we are in this together. How much better would things be in each of our communities if we shared a mindset of respect and appreciation?

I'm thankful for men like Dr. King who blazed a trail towards what was right even if it wasn't popular. I pray we'll see his spoken dream become our reality. Let's each do our part to make it so.

Man of Integrity

It takes a great deal of courage to take a stand in the face of adversity. While we may find like-minded people willing to unite with us, there still has to be a certain level of individual strength. People of integrity possess a sense of what is right and aren't willing to tolerate the suppression or perversion of those values. They are willing to take action even when they aren't surrounded by supporters. This is the true mark of character-to peacefully call attention to inequity and injustice while seeking solutions that elevate people without diminishing others.

 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who refused to accept the status quo, but instead gave himself unselfishly for what was right. His legacy of action will continue to be an inspiration to men and women regardless of race or social class. I am grateful for his vision of unity, peace, and restoration, and pray that we will continue to strive together in pursuit of his dream. Change is possible if we will stand for what is right regardless of whether anyone else will stand with us.

May we walk in the footsteps of Dr. King as we seek a better community. Pursuing that dream of unity will reveal our character and honor the memory of the man who helped lead the charge of change.

Be Brave

A friend of mine used the word "brave" to describe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today. While I am in complete agreement, I will admit that it isn't the first word that I think of to describe him even though it should be. While Dr. King was a passionate Christ follower who desired equality for all people, it certainly took a substantial amount of courage to stand so firmly in the face of adversity. His continuing example of fortitude can be seen in many different people:

• A single mother who works multiple jobs amidst personal sacrifice to provide for her children
• A couple who has just received a cancer diagnosis and begins the process of treatment and recovery
• A teacher who spends personal money to help her students when they don't have the resources to help themselves
• Pastors & churches willing to forge a partnership to reach a community regardless of differences in worship style and ethnic background
• Friends that are willing to speak the truth in love even when that truth is hard to receive
• Those that are unwilling to accept injustice as "that's the way it's always been here" and strive to do something about it
• A recent widower who chooses to use his time to invest in local schoolchildren
• A young man who seeks out a positive role model when he hasn't had one to follow in his own family
• Parents that pray fervently for their children and strive to teach them how to choose to follow God's path for their own lives when the rest of the world doesn't always understand their decisions
• Pursuing change for the sake of righting wrongs even if it makes key influential people uncomfortable
• A church that reacts with genuine compassion for the LGBT community, victims of domestic violence, drug addicts, the poor, and those that are incapable of helping themselves
• People who give up the comforts of home to serve in the mission field--both domestically & internationally.

Modeling bravery and doing the right thing are very closely associated with each other. They combine to create a legacy that is God-honoring and worthy of being followed. I am grateful for Dr. King and others whose names we will never know that we were willing to live a life of courage.

Better People

Today we pause as a nation to honor a man who continues to influence lives long after his death. We tout his leadership in the civil rights movement, his superior oratory skills, and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his life's vision. He is a role model with many qualities that should be emulated and most certainly should be honored today throughout our nation.

The legacy of Dr. King doesn't just motivate us to work diligently for equality for all people however. His example also inspires us to be better people. If we follow his lead we will become people who are:

• fully compassionate
• imbued with godly vision 
• dedicated to serving the heavenly King 
• resolute in our drive & determination
• working to address the inequalities & injustices of this world 
• striving tirelessly to fulfill God's vision regardless of the persecution we face
• confident in the power of the Holy Spirit to produce evidence of faith within us. 

Dr. King worked for cultural change, but also strove to show us all what was possible when we commit our lives to God's calling and pursued it with integrity, determination, and genuine Christian faith.

In Honor

Great men are confident in God's ability to work through and in them, and are passionately committed to seeing His will fulfilled no matter what the personal cost might be.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

In honor of a great and godly man and the work that he did in his too brief time with us. We should celebrate the heart behind his efforts and the love of God for all peoples every day.