Today we commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We remember the song that set the tone for the struggle of African-Americans, and all downtrodden people, to regain their civil rights. The first verse especially has come to symbolize the spirit of protest.

We will overcome,
We will overcome
We will overcome some day
Oh down in my heart, I do believe
We’ll overcome some day

Dr. King’s speech from the Washington National Cathedral was more than 50 years ago. “We’re going to win our freedom because both the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of the almighty God are embodied in our echoing demands. And so, however dark it is, however deep the angry feelings are, and however violent explosions are, I can still sing ‘We Shall Overcome.’”

We look back and we know that gains have been made. Outright discrimination has been outlawed. King’s protest was not in vain.

But look again; look at the evening news – deep angry feelings, outbursts of violence. Oh, we have so much farther to go to realize Dr. King’s dream.

Look again within our own hearts. Do we yet recognize ALL people as children of God? Are we ready to extend our love to all –irrespective of age, race, color, economic level, religious persuasion, sexual orientation, political preference – regardless of whether they are accepting of us? Or do we still harbor a fear of those who we see as “different.”

Our Lord extends his unconditional love to you and to me, oh yes we know that. Sometimes we may forget that this unconditional love is extended to ALL. And so is His command that we “Love our neighbor as ourselves.” It’s just a question of who we are willing to include in the definition of “neighbor.”

With the forgiveness and help of our Almighty Savior, we can overcome. We can open our hearts. We can overcome someday – how about today?

Judy