Celebrating MLK today, I was reminded of this post that I originally published in January of 2008. Nothing like seeing the world through the eyes of a child.
Today is of course Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Being somewhat of a writer I have always believed in the power of words and as I have listened to many of his speeches throughout the years I have been profoundly moved by his.
The iconic centerpiece of all of his speeches has always been the 'I Have A Dream' proclamation that he boldly shared in front of hundreds of thousands of marchers in Washington D.C. and millions watching around the world. In that speech he described part of this dream as seeing people of all different colors, races and backgrounds living and working together in peace and harmony. A beautiful picture.
Seemingly more than normal there were tons of TV specials dedicated to
his memory and his incredible impact on not only our nation, but the
world. One night while I was away Tammy and my youngest daughter Emma were watching one of these tributes. As the history of the civil rights movement was being laid out they of course showed many of the clips of African Americans being hosed and beaten, attacked by dogs, thrown in jail and even murdered. Emma, 10, was deeply moved by what she saw and was moved to tears. She turned to her mom and so innocently asked 'Why would they do that? Why would people treat other people like this?'
As a parent you hate to see the innocence of your children eroded, but as we all know over time it cannot be avoided. But I love the fact that she didn't see any difference in the people being hurt and those doing the hurting. To her they were all simply people. Equals. She could not comprehend viewing another person as less than and I love that.
Overall we have come so far since that terrible time in the 60s. Emma's expression of innocence is a testament not only to how she has been raised at home, but also a testament to the fact that in her school, church, community, etc...she has never been exposed to this type of ignorance and hatred. That is a drastic shift from the things she would have been exposed to in this same Birmingham, Alabama community 40+ years ago.
Many of us as believers will read this and be quick to nod in agreement. But let us also be quick to examine our own hearts and minds and how we view and treat others around us. Those who are poorer. Those among us from south of the border. Those who speak different languages or believe different things. Let us each be challenged to see every individual exactly the same way that Jesus does, made in the image of His Father...just like you and me.