THANK GOD TIMES HAVE CHANGED

It's MLK day. I have read the "I Have a Dream" speech more than once. It's a stirring, memorable, and historic speech. But I just read something that was even more stirring and more real. Take the time to read it. It's a very good reflection of what he was fighting for and gives you a sense of thanksgiving that he did what he did and why he is celebrated.

MARTIN LUTHER KING’S PROPHETIC VOICE.

Admittedly, I get frustrated at the way so many hang onto the sense of victimization that occurs in America today as well as the reverse racism that has emerged. I get frustrated because I feel that MLK's dream has come to pass. Let's relish in that, instead of finding more ways to bicker and point fingers and blame. Times have changed and this generation has no clue about how the atrocious mistreatment of the the African American population could even have happened. Racism is foreign to them. They read about it, but they don't understand it. Praise God for that.

The constant reference and accusations of racism only delays the complete healing of this country in terms of equality for all and judging people by the content of one's character instead of the color of their skin. My generation sees the hope and promise of the future in a color blind society. For our children, it's not a hope, but a reality, if only everyone would embrace that fact. In America today, the color of your skin does not limit your possibilities!

There are the remnants of racism in the older community and it is exploited in politics. That keeps the poisonous flame of racism from being completely extinguished in America. I think it's important to remember the past so that mistakes and oppression are not repeated, but teach it as history, and not the current state of affairs.

We must learn the lessons from history so that we can learn from its triumphs as well as its travesties. That is as true for our world today as it always has been.

That is why celebrating the triumphs, acknowledged in a national holiday or classroom, that occurred in history, such as the life and ministry of Martin Luther King, President's Day (thinking especially of our founding fathers and presidents that made a positive impact on our country and world), Independence Day, Memorial Day, and the like is so important and valuable.

Equally important is remembering the shame and horror of some of history's worst moments. From the violent religious battles such as the Crusades, the Holocaust and today's radical Islamic Jihad, to societal oppression such as in slavery, caste systems, communism, facism, and the like.

There is good and evil in this life. May we always be able to tell the difference and strive for the former. By the grace of God, we can, if only we accept it. May light shine on the darkness and root out the evil in our world.