365 Day Dream

As you probably imagined, today's BLOG entry is dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Twenty-five years ago, Martin Luther King Day (third Monday in January) became a federal holiday.  I am a believer in Dr. King's dream for a better America in which one is not judged by the color of their skin, but rather the content of their character.  I feel that MLK Day is the only time that people collectively sit still and reflect on the dream.  Many people have done some type of community service project today, and that is a good thing.

But what happens on the Tuesday and subsequent days after MLK Day?  Recently, I've discovered yet another layer of my ministerial calling, social justice.  Dr. King dreamed of an America in which everyone regardless of color, religion, gender, creed or sexual orientation would possess the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as promised to us in the Declaration of Independence.  In the words of Dr. King, "It is obvious that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.  Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds."  I know that in 2011, when jobs are scarce, money is funny and a gallon of gas is over the $3 benchmark in most states, some of us may feel as if our basic rights have been encroached upon. 

If we earnestly examine the essence of Dr. King's dream and question the marches, protests, sit-ins, his stance on war and even his non-violent demonstrations, we can trace it to one word; LOVE.  The love of people (both the lovable and unlovable) was the catalyst that propelled the civil rights movement.  Love is the reason that we are all here at this moment and this very time.  If you want to keep social justice alive and vibrant, spread a little love.  Maya Angelou periodically quotes her mother by saying "When you get something, give.  When you learn something, teach."  I wish you and yours well on what's left of this King holiday, but what will we do to carry out the dream for the remaining 364 days and beyond?

Peace,
Karsten