A Proud Day for MLK

I'm sure my feelings echo much of the American population's today, but I'm overwhelmed with the historical, social, and theological significance of today and tomorrow. I cannot help but be caught up with excitement over the connection between the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (exactly 40 years following his tragic assassination) and the inauguration of America's first African American president, Barack Obama.

I'm sure if MLK were alive today he would easily say that Tuesday is of far more importance than Monday. Here we are, a mere generation removed from the Civil Rights Movement, taking a bold step into the future. A bold step away from bigotry and racism. A bold step toward peace and justice for all. We anxiously await Tuesday, knowing full-well that we stand on the precipice of a monumental moment in human history.

I understand that America, and the world, still has far to travel down the road of racial harmony, but I stand today (and tomorrow) in celebration of the people who have gone before us, standing strong in the fullness of the gospel of Christ, a message of peace, freedom, and equality for all. I stand in celebration of those who have lost respect, sacrificed worldly reward, and ultimately given their lives for the sake of freedom and justice. You are not forgotten. You did not suffer in vain.