Now more than ever

by Kim Aasland (MLK Day 2022)

I’ve always been intrigued and inspired by just how much Dr. Martin Luther King Jr did with his short life on earth. I can only explain his life as one compelled by the Spirit of God.

Now more than ever
When kingdoms are built on air
And invisible tribes are formed
And voices are loud
And tempers are high

We need to listen
And read
And learn
And contemplate

Where we have truly been
And where we are going
Like Ebenezeer consider where we could end
up if we keep on this path

Listen: I have decided to stick with love
because hate is too great a burden to bear
Listen: The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.
Listen: The whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Listen
Not with pride
Not preparing your comeback
Taking the log out of your own eye.
Honor the stories of people
Who experience a life so different than yours

Consider the wisdom of
those who went before us.
And be someone that your descendants will look back on as an inspiration
What would you do with 39 years?

Make a decision to always
Love and to show
Kindness in all circumstances

This is the way of life