Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dear Beloveds,

On the South Wall of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington DC, one can read this quote:

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." -Strength to Love, 1963.

Strength to Love is a collection of Rev. King’s sermons, and is a testament to his vision for human rights, social justice, and the hope of true equality for our world. Rev. King devoted his life to showing our nation that there can be a common vision and goal for humanity, that we have a great capacity to love and forgive, and that if we try, we can forge a new future with optimism and great expectations.

This was also the crux of the Gospel message through Jesus. What Rev. King spoke of in this quote was directly related to the message that Jesus brought to humanity—that Jesus was the light of the world, and that with this light, the darkness in all hearts could be driven out by God’s love and God’s light.

We are called to remember these words not just once a day each year, but every day; to remember that we are part of the great light of God’s love, and that when we accept Jesus into our lives, we are called to shine a light wherever we go.

As a person of color, I have had my own challenges and struggles that sometimes have made me lose faith in humanity at times. The struggle for racial equality and justice is a difficult one, and also a silent one for many of us. When I read and hear Rev. King’s words, I am deeply moved, and greatly encouraged to think that while we are still pursuing this, it is a dream that can indeed be achieved someday, hopefully in my lifetime. It is a dream worth fighting for.

Only light can drive out darkness. Only love can drive out hate. God’s love and forgiveness is this light. We can all carry on Rev. King’s legacy by remembering that we too, are light bearers in this world.

With great love for you,

Pastor Grace