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For some of you where we are today is far from where you hoped we would be. These words were shared with me last week and helped ground me as I consider my next step moving into this year.
We mustn't stop hoping... We mustn't stop trying... We mustn't stop believing... That things will get better. And most likely it won't be suddenly, like the dawn of a new morning. It will be gradually, like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. The shift from darkness to daylight painstakingly slow, and perhaps barely noticeable, as we make small, brave efforts to keep showing up. And one glorious day, we'll realize that sinking feeling in the pit of our stomach has lifted. Let's hope. We mustn't stop hoping. We haven't come this far to give up now." (Rachel Macy Stafford)
Throughout my life, I have learned about the life of Dr. King, his impact on our communities and the influence his teachings and actions have in our lives of faith today. From studying the origins of the Civil Rights movement in teachings of Mahatma Ghandi and Frantz Fanon in college to recent years traveling to the Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis and the Atlanta History Center, each of these experiences continues to leave a mark on me and bring deeper meaning to our calling as Christians in this world.
We continue to see the challenges of race relations and injustice in our country and local communities Take a moment to recall phrases, situations, or people that have taught you and shared these stories with you about Dr. King and his impact.
In this new year, I have some passages that I am holding close.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
2 Corinthians 4:6, "For God who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness' has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God is seen in the face of Jesus Christ."
"You are light. You are the light. Never let anyone- any persons or any force - dampen, dim or diminish your light." - Representative John Lewis
It's our calling as Christians to share this light with all and continue to see how we can reconcile with one another. It's our calling to be the bridge builders working together to bring unity among our communities. We are called to listen as well as share. Who can you start a conversation with this week?
Here are some resources designed for families to begin or continue the conversation.
https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf-book-lists/diversity-picture-books
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=LnaltG5N8nE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxy5oDYP5D0
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