Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the civil rights March on Washington D. C. on August 28, 1963, or 50 years ago today. That speech was a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights in our nation, and a point in history where our country had to choose whether we would continue down the sinful path of tolerating racism and injustice, or begin moving toward repentance on the issue. This is an issue that moves me, and still challenges me. While lots has changed since that day, significant issues still remain. I think this is a good day to educate our children and be reminded ourselves of this issue. We need to be reminded that God cares about issues of justice and the plight of the poor and oppressed. And we need to find ways to be involved in crossing racial and socioeconomic barriers with the Gospel. This day will be noticed in the ethnic culture of our country. But will we stop and remember? We should!
So here is my encouragement today. Watch the speech and share in the dream. If you are a parent, sit down and watch the speech with your kids (Josiah and I watched it today before he left for school) and talk about the struggle. Tell your kids the story of slavery and segregation in our nation. Remind them of the struggle African-Americans and those of other races still have in our country. And pray for justice with your kids today.