This past weekend was the time when we traditionally reflect on the life and ministry of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As a white person of privilege it is sometimes difficult for me to fully appreciate all he did for our country, and especially for people of color. I suppose the real question for me, and others like me, should be "Based upon the example Dr. King set for us, what response is required of me?"
While pastoring in Macon, MO our church was the home to the annual MLK celebration. We packed our church gym with about 400 people from the whole community. It was a great gathering. Annually, though, I came away wondering "What's changed?" We would celebrate and then go back to our lives as they were. Did our memories of the change agent effect change in our own lives? Did bigotry and systemic poverty get challenged since the last time we held this celebration? What actions took place to seek to unite people no matter the side of the tracks (and in Macon, the railroad tracks truly were the dividing line)?
So what about here in the Northland? Think through this with me. What will be different between now and January of 2009? How can we as a church enter into the ongoing system of poverty and privilege and make a difference? About an hour ago I showed an African American family to our food pantry. I didn't ask a lot of questions, I guess I'm afraid I might need to come up with answers. I wonder though, what can we do as a church so that next year that family is not coming to our food pantry, but instead enjoying bounty and blessing?
Think with me
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