Happy Monday!
It appears we’re in the So CA winter whiplash phase of the year. It’s amazing how we went from the 60s to 80s without even a blink. With the many challenges we face daily, summer’s little reprise was a welcomed surprise for some. I’m happy for those of you who embraced the change with grace!
Today we commemorate the life, works, and service of a man who dedicated his energies to illuminate our understanding of fundamental human rights. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought well and made significant contributions to the way we view ourselves and each other. He provided leadership and sought to open our minds and hearts to the meaning of equality and the path that might lead to a peaceful resolution of differing viewpoints. Of the many quotes we attribute to this pioneer of equal rights, the following is among my favorites:
We talked last week about the importance of embracing the glow of your inner soul’s light and how the light of empowering thoughts can mitigate the effects of disappointment. This week that same light that overcomes darkness is attributed to the love that overwhelms hate. Dr. King was a faith-filled man who honored God in his words and actions. He gave us a strategy, a roadmap to guide us into a place of grace and mercy. He loved people, all people, and demonstrated that love out loud with enthusiasm and dignity. Dr. King’s call to action was for us to act in kind.
As we look at the division present in our homes, our offices, our churches, and our country, it’s evident that we’ve lost our way in the strategy that Dr. King fought so hard to establish. Perhaps we need to revisit our values of inclusivity and tolerance. Maybe we need to try a bit harder to convey the message of love and respect for others and do a better job of modeling the same to our youth. I believe we can gather in solidarity against derision and embrace the love that can drive out hate by multiplying the light that drives out darkness.
1 John 2:10 shares these thoughts about living in the light:
“Anyone who claims to live in God’s light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn’t know which end is up, blinded by the darkness.” (MSG)
This message of love permeates throughout the Gospels:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39b (NKJV)
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31b (NKJV)
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27
Studies suggest that love is more than just an isolated feeling. For those who have a scientific and evidence-based bent, science now provides us evidence that what we experience when we’re involved in loving relationships includes various neurotransmitters and hormones in our bodies that affect us systemically. (psychiatryadvisor.com).
That means that our feelings of love are not self-contained. They are synced with our limbic system and support personality and emotional health, affecting our ability to attach, manage anxiety, and combat depression. That’s the power of the light that is love.
Today we pay homage to a man to whom we owe an outstanding debt of gratitude. Dr. King’s light of love will not be extinguished. We have the responsibility to embrace and follow his lead by appropriately imitating the love that he modeled.
Let’s all have a wonderful week as we practice driving out darkness with light and eliminating hate with love!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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