Today marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. This speech ranks as one of the most inspirational and compelling speeches ever delivered. Dr. King touched hearts with his words and sparked change in our country.
Congress passed the civil rights bill. Integration became the policy for public schools. And a people group, oppressed simply because of the color of skin, began to taste the freedoms our constitution spelled out for every American citizen.
Fifty years later, everyone agrees there is more work to be done. Even though we have traveled many miles down the road of social equality, there are many miles left to go.
The issue is near and dear to my heart. I was 5 in 1963, living near Atlanta, GA. I experienced integration first hand. By the time I reached high school, our school system was fully integrated. I felt the deep tension of two groups trying to figure out how to live harmoniously. Some school days were frightening. Fights in the hallways were common, and on several occasions riots broke out.
I graduated high school in 1976. Some changes had occurred. The way previous generations thought about those of a different skin color was giving way to a new mindset. Going to school together, competing against each other both academically and athletically, and learning to be friends changes the way you view each other. We were starting to see each other as equals.
One would think that our country was well on its way to seeing Dr. King’s dream fulfilled. Headlines news today tells us that is not the case. Racism still plagues this nation and prejudice still resides in the hearts of people. Is there a solution?
Jesus Christ is the cure to our heart problems. He alone is the One who can bring healing to our souls and empower us to live and love as one. Paul spelled out this reality in his letter to the Galatians. To this group rife with divisions and prejudices, he wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
In Christ, we have new hearts. As the writer of Hebrews stated, Jesus Christ has placed his laws of faith, hope and love in our minds and has written them on our hearts (Hebrews 8:10). In Christ, we have the Holy Spirit, the One who takes the things of Christ and makes them real to us. In Christ, we live in His love spelled out in the New Covenant. In Christ we find unity and harmony. In Christ, racism finds its end.
Jesus Christ is the solution.
Every Sunday, at our church service in Carrollton, TX, we see this reality as believers from all walks of life and every ethnic group come together to worship as one the One who loves us and gave His life for us.
God so loves the world. His grace is there for the “whosoever wills”, regardless of skin color or ethnic background. This is why we do what we do as a ministry. This is why I’ve given my life to the proclamation of Jesus Christ. The world needs Him!
Good message, Interesting past, I also was 5 in 1963 and grew up outside Atlanta. Could identify with your comments. Paul really set the stage right with Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. We all have the same value and significance, we are all part of the “Joy set before Him” that He endured the cross for.
Very well said John. I grew up in Marietta. How about you? Bob