The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr

I'm old enough to remember when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 – 52 years ago. That date gives me pause. It did then when I was holding my one-year-old baby boy in my arms and hearing the horrendous news of the assassination of this passionate, honorable man who endeavored to make a difference in this world of anger and hate. It was only five years previously, sitting in my 10th Grade Geometry class, that the news came over the loud speaker that President Kennedy had been shot. We “paused” to pray, and later found out that he had passed away. Today, I “pause” again to pray earnestly for our country, our leaders and for an outbreak of a love revolution. As Dr. King said, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” And as Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. (Matthew 5:43-44)

The night before he was killed, Dr. King spoke at a church in Memphis. He had been receiving death threats for over 10 years but never shied away from public appearances. "We've got some difficult days ahead, but it doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place, but I'm not concerned about that now, I just want to do God's will."

And isn’t that what we all should be saying and living out in our lives – “I just want to do God’s will.” Dr. King was right: God calls us to stand for what is right because it is right. Whatever the cost, whatever it takes, wherever He leads.

I know of no better way to honor Dr. King than to mimic him in and his memory by beginning each day with the strong desire to do God's will and to serve his God.

What does doing God’s will look like? I think it looks like Martin Luther King’s relentless pursuit of peace, goodwill to all men (and women). It is putting aside “anything goes” and living with zeal and determination to make a difference in this world. This isn't a day and time to muddle through and hide in a crowd or a cubicle or a boardroom or classroom. If I’ve come to know about those who have given their lives for our country and those who lived lives of relentless passion for others – it is what I desire my life to look like. So much good has come from the dreams and passion of Martin Luther King Jr. What will be said of our dreams and passion in 52 years?

Living in Harmony Like our Animal Friends

I seem to get good blog material when I'm here in Austin as the animal caregiver. These critters -- the chickens and ducks in their pen and coop, and the donkeys and goats in their barn and field areas live together in harmony – but they do have their cantankerous moments. The goats with horns seem to dominate the larger Nubian long-eared goats. And there’s one horned-goat “Oreo” who gets very possessive of his bowl of feed. He’s not willing to share with any of the other goats. I scold him and push him back so another goat can share with him. It is a temporary solution. The youngest donkey gets possessive of the feed container for just him and his mom. I scold him and I invite Molly, the biggest donkey back in. It’s typically a harmonious kingdom but not always a peaceful kingdom.

Then there’s the longhorn Vamanos who is in a field all to himself. He is peaceful and stately, Texas-stately, for sure. No complaints out of him. He just waits patiently for his giant rubber container of feed and several stacks of hay. And, there’s the peaceful, “saintly” Havanese dog who is my shadow and sidekick. But then, he has no other dogs to compete with or to have to tolerate – just like Vamamos. Instead of perfect harmony – that’s perfect solo living. But, who wants to go it “solo” all the time?

The fact is God created animals and human beings to co-exist. He created us to not necessarily agree all the time, but to harmonize by agreeing to disagree without bitterness and hatred. To respect each other even when we are complete opposites in faith, ideals, and persuasions. My grandson took me for a tour of downtown Austin a couple of days ago -- to the State Capital Building and Congress Avenue where there are all kinds of sights and sounds and people groups, and silly photo opportunities everywhere (i.e., Willie for President). We had lunch in a trendy place with great food and packed with people. Our waiter was a proud, friendly gay man who gave us excellent service. He was hilarious and outgoing. I was overcome with love for this man and whispered a prayer for him. I’m sure we have little in common, but what we do have in common is we our neighbors and I love him as I love myself. I gave him a good tip, a hug, and told him I loved him when we left. I meant it.

Life is full of unexpected plot twists and exciting cliff-hangers, and in a world where technology is progressing at an ever-accelerating pace, it’s about high-time we learned to stop and smell the roses, the barnyards, the restaurants and the places where people are. Jesus didn’t always hang out in the temple. He was going to the tax-collectors' and sinners' homes and other places that others deemed questionable. By hanging out with the undesirables, Jesus shows me His great capacity for love and compassion. By consistently taking those with off-the-track thinking and getting them back-on-track, He teaches us real lessons we can learn when we "do what Jesus did".

I look at the peace in these animals when they are in the field, calmly co-habitating, eating grass, mulling around, sharing the space together. We humans are the pinnacle of God's creation and we are the beings created in His image. When we live and act with compassion and sensitivity, we become more like God. Maybe that’s one of the reasons He created so many varieties of animals. If we looked at the ants and took on their diligence and determination. The birds of the air how they toil not and worry not. The peace of this little dog that is laying beside me now – he knows he’s loved and cared for – and shouldn’t we feel the same way about our Father God who cares infinitely more about us than the animal kingdom? After all, He loved us so much He gave His one and only Son to die for us so that we could live with Him forever. The closer we become to God, the more we realize, that He really made us to be "caretakers of the world – caretakers of each other." A barometer for one's sensitivity towards animals and other people may eventually lead to goodwill for all mankind. I hear those Christmas words again “Peace on earth. Goodwill to all men (and women).”

Living in the Afterglow of Christmas

A happy, healthy, restful and relaxed day-after-Christmas to all! Many people are returning to their workplaces today, while others are running out for returns and after-Christmas sales, others are simply basking in the thought “Whew! We did it! We survived another Christmas!”

I'll be easing back into my usual routines because, for me, I'm right back where I started this season as I continue to savor the moments of this joyful, blessed time of the year. My little "peace" spot by my fireplace calls my name to embrace the sweet times in my thoughts and memories and my few family photos help me do that. My daughter's family and I stayed home this year where we had quiet and not-so-quiet times of hilarious family game-play and competitions, going to a see a Christmas movie, attending the Christmas Eve service, putting a puzzle together and gift exchanges! Alexia and I were overwhelmed with tears of joy when we opened our new computers. Lord knows I needed one because electrical tape was holding my old one together. I am so grateful. This year brought on new giving traditions from me. Instead of spending a crazy amount of time in the hunt for "the perfect gifts", I started a new tradition of giving a little money. I gave it with a "Cardinal" theme and a "memory" ornament -- thus the photos of each one with me. My Austin crew opened theirs and sent us photos! I'll tell you more about my new tradition tomorrow.

Yes, some of our traditions changed this year as we didn't converge with my Austin crew. It’s okay as we were all together at Thanksgiving and we stayed in close connection with photos of our Christmas experiences even though apart! On Christmas Eve I read our traditional Christmas story via technology with all of us together virtually. And we ate lots of yummy food and delicacies that certainly warrant a conscious effort to get back to healthy and nutritious eating come the new year. Some of our Christmas memories are here, both for my archiving and welcoming you into the little corner of our world!

Maybe you're like me and you want the afterglow of Christmas to linger a little longer. It is such a consolation and reassurance we have in knowing that the incredible GIFT of the baby in the manger, is still here. right now, because He is Emmanuel, 'God With Us' and He is LOVE. Love breathing, love giving, love caring, love dying. Walking where we walk, knowing how we feel, knowing our pain, knowing our disappointments, bearing our sorrows. GOD WITH US -- at work, during play, during mealtime, in the car, washing dishes, hurrying to work, relaxing on the sofa, at church, teaching our children, in good times and bad. God with us.

The afterglow of Christmas is the realization that each new day can be December 25th. Every morning we wake with the assurance that God is with us is real. We can decide daily to start with the angels singing “Glory to God in the Highest.” Let’s let Christmas linger longer. How about right on through to next December 25th? The true gift of Christmas—and each day—is the possibility of acting, thinking, and loving like Jesus.

Bah Humbug or Good News of Great Joy

"Bah Humbug" is an expression used to show disgust at the Christmas season, made famous by Ebenezer Scrooge in the Charles Dickens novel 'A Christmas Carol'. Ever had that "Bah Humbug" feeling? With all the "Joy to the World", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and all the other songs of goodwill and glad tidings that describe this season, I would be remiss to think that we are all in that perky, celebratory mood. I know there are many that can hardly wait for this season to be in the "rear-view" mirror.

I get that. I know what it is for my Daddy to pass away on December 17th and witnessing my sweet Mama unwrapping his gifts that she had placed under the tree for him! Bah Humbug. I know what it is for my Sweetheart to graduate to heaven on November 16th and have the first Christmas without him in over 44 years. Bah Humbug. I have friends whose loved one just recently passed away, others who are facing a debilitating illness and still so many others who are experiencing tremendous financial stress -- particularly because they just can't afford to spend another dime, and they're broken-hearted that their little ones just may not get that "Santa gift" that they asked for. Bah Humbug.

Christmas isn't that happy-go-lucky, jingle bells, holly jolly time of the year for everyone. But who wants to be Ebenezer Scrooge any time of the year -- especially at Christmas? Remember the angel's words to the shepherds on that first Christmas night...."Do not be afraid -- I bring you good news and great joy!" There is good news. There is great joy. That news is for ALL people -- you and me -- no matter what we may be facing.

Whether we have family surrounding us, or we are one of our beloved service men and women who are away from their family this Christmas. Whether we live in a palace or a small one room apartment, we can experience that good news and great joy. What matters most is that we remember what matters most. The Christmas story makes our own stories make sense. It offers us comfort and joy. That is the message that all of Scripture offers. It’s the message, invitation, and reality of our God – throughout time, now, and forever.

Here’s a few of those scriptures that explain it:
From Psalm 63 "My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises You with joyful lips when I think of you on my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy."
COMFORT AND JOY.

From Psalm 34:8-10: "Taste and see that the Lord is good! How blessed is the one who trusts in Him! Fear the Lord, you holy ones of His; for those who fear Him lack nothing."
COMFORT AND JOY

From Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
COMFORT AND JOY

God-with-us. Emmanuel. Comfort and joy. May it be so. Whatever your circumstances are this year, focus on the face of God and be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas. It isn't really about all the things the world has made it to be. It is about the good news of great joy. Picture the God of the universe handing you his Son, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Hear him say, "Don't be afraid of anything….ever. I give you water that you'll drink and never thirst again. I give you peace that passes all understanding. I give you joy. I give you comfort. I give you goodness and mercy. I give you a future and a hope. I give you my Son, Jesus"