Keep Shining Light to Drive Out Darkness!
Change is Coming, Slowly But Surely!
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 5 seconds
Today is the 40th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, the first US holiday established to honor someone who was not a president or Christopher Columbus. I remember working as a VISTA Volunteer in East Williamsburg during the debate about establishing the holiday—my basement office at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Although the Lutherans had already created a holiday to commemorate the day he died as a martyr, it was eventually decided to celebrate his birthday instead.
I took a day off before the official holiday and dedicated my time to community service. Today, I have planned to attend two events. Firstly, I will participate in Bridges’ sponsored event to end homelessness. After that, I will listen to a reading of the Letter from Birmingham Jail.
As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Numerous families gathered at Central Presbyterian Church‘s auditorium to show their support and love for our unhoused neighbors. The event was well-organized and provided ample opportunities to take positive action. I am content to have taken part in today’s day of service. By working together and demanding change, we can and will end homelessness.
Hearing the words of King’s Letter from The Birmingham Jail strengthens the guideposts of our lives. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”
Let us hold on to hope in this time of despair. We can be the light that overcomes darkness and the love that conquers hate. May justice resound loudly and clearly so that one day, no one will have to sleep outside in the cold or go to bed hungry. Although change may come slowly, we can achieve it if we unite our efforts.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
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Ready or Not, Change is Coming!
I am celebrating the third new year since my wife passed away. It's the beginning of the year 5784 with typical seasonal weather. The temperature during my walks is something I haven't experienced since Passover. In my mind, I can finally picture a life without her. I have donated her love to others, constructed a memorial garden, reconnected with repairing the world, fostered new friendships, and learned to live alone. If I were to observe someone else living this life, it's not a bad life.
As the year 5784 begins, I find myself asking unanswerable questions. Can I be both alone and alive? Is it possible for me to love again? Is there anyone who would want to love me? These uncertainties keep me up at night. However, I've realized that to embrace life fully, I must face the future and embrace change. Although scary, it's the only way to become fully alive. I've survived by living alone, but now it's time to take the next step and find the courage to open my heart.
Opening Our Eyes and Taking Action
Change is Coming, Slowly But Surely!
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 5 seconds
Opening Our Eyes and Taking Action
"I think Einstein said something about this, but I cannot remember the quote precisely."
I nodded in response and spoke, "It was something about how they look and do nothing."
We stopped briefly, searched the internet, and instantly found the quote.
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein.
I mentioned that on King's birthday, Rev. Dr. Randall M. Lassiter, Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Paterson, discussed the same topic.
His key point is, "blurred vision keeps us from not on loving our neighbors but also our enemies. The time to confront the impediments that impede progress in our communities, state, and nation is now!"
