I have a book that is a collection of Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermons. How interesting that the day after we celebrate his birthday we will see the swearing in of the first African-American President. Much of his dreams are coming about. Yet, I want to recognize the dream is not fulfilled. And truthfully, no president can accomplish his dreams, only you and I can. Whatever your politics are, we can celebrate the election of an Afican-American, but let the celebration continue to push us on towards more work. Let us not rest until we recognize the value of each and every person, not by the color of their skin, the amount of money in the bank, their level of education, or even their religion. But we recognize them as each, a creation of the God who loves them and expects us to do the same.

“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it. “  –Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrate the Dream

jay

Yes, our neighborhood is still hurting. Each night we hear on the news shows how bad our economy is. Each and every day we see it in the faces of those who are needing help. So many coming and having never needed help before. Faces full of worry and embarrassment.

We are continuing to explore every way possible to help, yet our resources are not keeping up with the growing tide, tsunami, of need.

I see in the faces of those who have worked hard to provide for their family and the dominoes keep falling… and taking them and their families down to despair. Utility bills, rent, mortgage, groceries…the daunting task of balancing what you pay. Too many will be cold tonight. Too many will go to bed with nothing for dinner.

Yet, we can’t provide the answer for everyone. We are serving more than we have ever served…… but my heart finds no comfort in that. It breaks for the many we can’t help.

Help just one person today… you can make a difference.

jay

Many years ago, the United States started a war on poverty. Well almost 45 years later, isn’t it time to check the progress?

As we at Shepherd deal with these issues on a daily basis, we do have some point of reference.

Our grade is an unequivocally an “F”.

The stats that were cited by then President Lyndon Johnson on the historic war have only gotten worse. There is no progress, only a complete retreat. So why is that? And why is no one talking about it?

I would contend it is my responsibility to help my neighbor. Government has done a poor job, and now we have generational poverty, a cause of this war.

Isn’t it time we changed the battle plan? What do you think? How can we win this battle?

Let me know…

jay