Tag: MLK

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Remembering Dr King

It’s a day out of school, or a day off work from most of you.  I will still be heading in to the ol’ mill today to mosey up to the grindstone.  However, this day, one that at times creates a lot of controversy is one that we should take a moment or two to stop and remember.

I was reading early this weekend about a bit of controversy about a quote on the newly established King Memorial over in the capital.   It’s seems that King gave a sermon one time where he said this

“If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice, say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.”

however, the inscription on this memorial has an abbreviated version, as follows

“I was a drum major for justice, peace, and righteousness.”

Hm, I can take it either way.  To me, memorials, with all the quotes, create an atmosphere where it seems the  honoree speaks to you from faraway when you are there.  And for the most part, from the history I have learned about this man, he was a drum major – leading a march for justice, peace and righteousness.

We all can learn a bit about how to treat others from Dr. King.  And I hope that you also remember that, well, as followers, of the Christ, we have all heard this somewhere before, and maybe we should join in the march as drum majors as well.

 

8But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously. Micah 6:8

 

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Happy Freedom Day

Since yesterday was National Religious Freedom Day and today in Martin Luther King Junior’s Day, it seems very fitting to write a little bit about Freedom.

Yesterday the nation commemorated the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, which provided the right to practice or not practice any religion you choose.

Today, we remember the great civil rights leader MLK Jr, and he efforts for racial equality and the freedom of to be able to be treated the same regardless of race.

These are both just remarkable blessings and things we should hold in high honor.  The blessings to be able to live in a land where you can be treated fairly regardless of of your faith, your gender, or your skin color is absolutely incredible.  However, those blessings pale in comparison to the freedom we are giving in Christ.

1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

The yoke of slavery to sin and addiction.  You see no matter how oppressed you are by your government or by other people ( God Forbid), the freedom from sin and the salvation connected with that are still available. It’s such an awesome way to be able to approach to day, knowing you are not a slave of your desires.

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:13-15

So, all you freemen, approach the day with gratitude, for all the freedoms you enjoy, and use them wisely!

We Shall Overcome!

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Happy MLK 2010

It’s the day the government has set aside to remember Martin Luther King Jr and his wonderful work to create racial equality in America.  Its also a day that I get to travel to snowy Maine to work!  Have a mentioned I love snow.

Anyway, its MLK day, so take some time to stop and think about racial harmony and racial tension.  As follows of the Christ, sometimes this seems to be one of the hardest things for us to deal with for really unknown reasons.    But this problems with differences is an issue that is discussed much throughout the history of mankind and also very much in the pages of our Bible.

For instance, Jesus, when asked “who is my neighbor”, tells the all familiar story of the Good Samaritan, a story that fundamental tells us that our neighbor is the person we hate – so go and show them mercy.  He is telling us that everyone is you neighbor and that

” A person’s a person, no matter how small” – Dr.  Seuss.

And we can’t forget the passage dealing with the oneness we have in Christ and how that unity crosses social, gender, racial, or any other barrier you want to create.

Galatians 3:27-29 (New International Version)

27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

So today, honor Dr King, and spend some time thinking about how you are treating your neighbor ( is it as you treat yourself?)