Boy I had a time coming up with today’s post. I started thinking I should do something lighthearted. It’s been a while since I’ve been particularly light about anything and the world certainly could use a break from its self-seriousness. Then I thought I should do something for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the second of many reasons each year for banks and post offices to close while the rest of the country celebrates by buying new washer/dryer combinations or king size mattresses for the price of a queen. Then there’s the whole inauguration protest combination thing going on this week. Personally I think Twitter was about 1400 days late in pulling that particular plug and it goes to show people will believe anything they read online. And how can we let a week go by without paying homage to the real ruler of the world, Orthocoronavirinae betacoronavirus-2. In the end I decided to do what I do best and just ramble.
Let’s start with the good reverend doctor. Although I have not yet today opened a paper, wood based or electronic, I’m certain somebody somewhere has managed include the word “dream” in a headline, photo caption, or lede. Dr. King said more than that one phrase we associate with him almost to the exclusion of all others. I particularly like “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” from Strength to Love, a collection of his sermons published in 1963.
The whole idea of of needing strength to love is so appropriate for today. Nearly 50 years after it appeared in print we are still struggling with how we mark the measure of mankind and the concept of loving our neighbors (no exceptions). We are clearly in a time of challenge and controversy and if you want to rise above the pack of animals – or crazy people dressed in animal skins – that man has become, you must accept the challenge to rise above the controversy, set it aside, and move on.
So I’ll offer a challenge that I know many if you don’t even need to hear. Let’s get through this week without saying anything negative about somebody who you don’t agree with or who doesn’t agree with you, whenever discussing anything stick to the facts rather than “alternate facts” and think three times before committing anything to writing – particularly electronic writing, smile at a stranger even knowing they can’t see it under your mask, and love your neighbor.
Can you do that? Do you have the strength to love?
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Dr. King stood out because he was unafraid to speak out–and being a man of color gave him credence with everyone. Your comments about choosing to have the strength to love come at a time when it’s easy to question what love is. Why do we love? Who do we love? The fact that we are deeply and truly loved by God doesn’t seem to phase people anymore. Dr. King spoke from a faith-based perspective of what real love is. Thanks for bringing this to light. It’s better than a dream.
Thank you Dayle for that added perspective. All love is grounded in faith and having faith is a true challenge. Speaking for myself I’d rather face that challenge and, though they are important too, take faith over dreams any day.
This week the stars align and after several months reading the scrolls of doom I’m ready to take a few things on faith — like hope. Thanks for helping me with that. cheers
You do much to relieve my feelings of dread and perk me up a couple of times a week so I’m glad I was able to return the favor for once. Thanks for reading!
Everybody needs a lift these days. cheers