Today is the day we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and recall his many contributions to our society. This was the topic of the children’s sermon at church yesterday. When the kids were asked if they knew why they don’t have school today several immediately chimed in. Not only did they know that today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, but they went on to explain who he was and what he did. One even added a story about another Civil Rights activist. I think the oldest child in the group is about 8 or 9. I just love these kids. They are smart and so aware. Of course, all I have to do is look at their parents to know why.
There are some who criticize churches who consider “social justice” to be part of our biblical calling, even going so far as to recommend that people leave those churches. To each his or her own but personally, I’m grateful that I attend a church which considers the needs of “the least of these” to be our business and that we are teaching our children this important lesson. Last year one of these sweet children came up with the idea to host a baby shower for the children of Haiti following the devastating earthquake. Obviously they are picking up on the values being displayed regularly amongst our church members.
Tonight I will be attending an ecumenical meeting of people who want to seriously address the issue of homelessness and poverty in our community. Various churches and helping organizations in town will be joining together to determine how best to deal with this serious problem. I’m excited about being involved in this and look forward to doing my part in the fight against homelessness and poverty.
In honor of the 25th anniversary of MLK Day, the Corporation for National and Community Service calls on Americans to honor Dr. King by pledging to take at least 25 actions during 2011 to make a difference for others and strengthen our communities. You can read more about the MLK 25 Challenge here. I urge you to join me and others across our nation who will be accepting this challenge.
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” ~ MLK
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” ~ MLK
“Life’s most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?” ~ MLK
And now, if you haven’t heard it in awhile I urge you to listen to Dr. King’s famous “I have a dream” speech. If it doesn’t stir your soul I cannot imagine what would.
I look forward to hearing how you get on with the challenge. Good luck oxox
I look forward to hearing how you get on with the challenge. Good luck oxox
Hi – Good post – the requests are simpleby nature and it actually (at 25 actions) means 1 every toher week with a week off 🙂 We should all make an effort to accept the challenge.
Great post! I love the video clip. Thank you for sharing.
I had forgotten that you told me to follow your blogs, but now I am glad I remembered in time to see this post. Thanks for sharing about these children. They give me hope in the face of the bleakness that is the college students I have now. 🙂