“I have a dream!” These simple words evoke the memory of Martin Luther King Jr., and his memorable speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. King’s heart-felt words called for true change in America. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed . . .We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” His words came to be regarded as one of the finest speeches in the history of American oratory. Martin Luther King dreamt of a better nation, and he fought hard for that change.

King’s speech was almost 60 years ago. He dreamed of full brotherhood between all races, of children judged by their character and not the color of their skin, of black children and white children joining hands as sisters and brothers.  Have we reached Dr. King’s dream?  Are we one?

In the gospels we hear the words of Jesus – You shall love one another, even as I have loved you. The term “one another” is all-inclusive.  There’s nothing there to limit that love to those of our own color, our own socio-economic status, or our own religious persuasion. Full brotherhood and sisterhood require that we replace the fears that drive us apart with love that can bring us together.

As I write this and as you read it, we each are “just one”. We may not change the world, but we can change “our world.” Let’s be honest. Think carefully about your feelings towards those who are “different”.  Pray for the courage to replace fear and anxiety with the love of acceptance. It can be as simple as a kind word or a smile. Let someone know that they are valued as a person. Remember, your Lord Jesus loves all, just as he loves you – unconditionally!

 Judy

Edited from a post on January 16, 2017