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.

Did you ever wonder how this son of a Baptist preacher happened to have the name, Martin Luther? I have read that both he and his father were legally named Michael King at birth. In 1934 the elder King made a trip to Germany to attend a Baptist World Alliance Congress. It was during this time that he chose to be called Martin Luther King in honor of the great German reformer. When he returned home, he officially changed both their names.

King’s speech was sixty 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 realized that dream? In today’s nation, we could extend that to include Asian, Latino, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and lest we forget, the American Indians. Yes, ALL people are created equal.

In the gospels we hear the words of Jesus – You shall love one another, even as I have loved you. 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 from you.”  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. Read Matthew 5:43-48, and remember: your Lord Jesus loves them, just as he loves you – unconditionally!

 Judy

Originally posted January 16, 2017