Without the efforts of Dr. King, and so many like him, our interracial, blended culture family would not be as readily accepted as it is. I am unspeakably and profoundly thankful.
I clearly remember the 1960's and 1970's of America. The race riots (we had them in my high school), the protests, the gaining of rights, Dr.King's murder (I was in 4th grade, and the events of 1968 shoved me toward my life-long left-leaning point of view), and inching toward a true blending.
And, tomorrow ... America's first black President will be inaugurated!
Think of it. The progress. It makes me cry with JOY!!
(I have to interject here that Barack Obama is SO much more than his race. But, it is one way he is "seen and defined." I recently read ... OK, I listened to the audio book ... his book "The Audacity of Hope" and I wish that EVERY person who has a HOPE for the future of America, regardless of race or political affiliation, would listen to/read that book. It is amazing! And, it helps to know Soon-President Obama so much better. Open your mind and consider it.)
Today, we will bake chocolate chip cookies - our symbolic (and yummy and fun!) way of celebrating the blending of races, cultures, religions/faiths, lifestyles and every other defining feature in America today! The growing Oneness. We will also participate in volunteer efforts in our community. We will create art and beauty.
Together, we can ALL continue to change America for the better.
To quote our Soon-President: "There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America; there is a United States of America."
And, in the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. 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.' "
Amen.
I know there are many people who are hesitant about President Obama and what may be to come. To those people (of whom I am strongly not one) I hope the following quote will move straight into your heart, take root, and give you peace:
"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it."
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.
When you feel hate (which is really fear) -- make an effort to replace it with love. The two cannot coexist.
Today, the eve of the inauguration, feels like the VERY BEST Christmas Eve the child in me could ever imagine. A wonderful gift is coming tomorrow.
Oh -- and, just one more:
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
-- Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963
Amen and AMEN!
-Holly
1 comment:
Amen Sister! Great post.
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