January 21st, 2019

January 21, 2019
              Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and I am sure that few people are not familiar with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. No matter what your opinions are regarding the Civil Rights Movement and the results of King’s efforts, I think we can all agree that the speech was powerful and wonderfully crafted.
              Because so much of what I have written in my book is based on light, I have to share a quote from King’s speech:  "Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.” I think that the sentiment can be extended beyond the subject of racial segregation and justice to any situation in our society which is dark and desolate and needs sunlight.
              Martin Luther King saw us all as “God’s children,” referred to constantly throughout his famous speech, and we need to remember that above all else we are all God’s children, created by Him and in need of His compassion and words. The source of light is Him and His Son, and the darkness will not be conquered without them.
              The other factor in what King said is that he was emphasizing his dream that things could be better. That kind of forward thinking is what I refer to so often in my book – forward thinking expressed in everything from the Gospels and Epistles to the Lord’s Prayer.
              Things are definitely better for many people because of Martin Luther King’s and others’ efforts. Are they perfect? – No, but is the human condition ever perfect? What God gives us intelligence and abilities for is to continue to work to make things better, to help each other make things better not only for individuals but for our society.
              I repeat my favorite words from my treasured minister author, Norman Vincent Peale, who reminded us that instead of saying “at least we can pray,” we need to realize that “at most we can pray.” I hope you will spend at least a little of this holiday to pray for the dream of better lives for all people, ourselves included.